 LaRue's 1961 team finished 8–1–1 and finished the season ranked #17 in the final AP Poll.After that season, Arizona joined the Western Athletic Conference and LaRue's teams posted records of 5–5, 5–5, 6–3–1, 3–7 and 3–7 before LaRue was fired, largely because of the sub-par on-the-field performances but also pressure from fans and alumni.Darrell Mudra came to Arizona from North Dakota State.