UNR-Nevada Southern rivalry has legacy of hijinks

Monday, September 28, 2009 - 8:30 PM

Emily Katseanes

My involvement with the University of Nevada, Reno-University of Nevada, Las Vegas game is usually spending a few weeks every year trash talking my best friend’s little sister who attends the University of No Lasting Value.

But isn’t there something more? I’m not very good at trash talking and while cheering helps pump up our sporty men in tights and helmets, there has to be something that will really put egg on the face of Hey Reb.

After all, I’m a senior. I’m going to leave the magical world of college and its insane rivalries, possibly forever.

Isn’t there some way this rivalry can really get ramped up? Some way the Rebs will remember which school really represents this state? Something potentially illegal and really fun?

Turns out, I’m not the first to think of this. Throughout the years, pranks, the perfect way to leave a calling card, have been perpetrated on both sides. And, just like in athletics, academics, on-campus involvement and publications, Nevada has trounced UNLV time and time again.

Give the “N” some color

In 2007, just a scant two years ago, UNLV Rebels got the idea to paint the “N” that overlooks UNR’s campus red.

In 2007, University of Nevada, Las Vegas fans tried to paint the “N” on Peavine Mountain red. Unfortunately for them, it rained. This is one of several pranks played by UNR and UNLV students around the time of their annual football matchup.

Unfortunately for them, it rained, leaving only pink spots up on Peavine Mountain, making the “N” appear keener on promoting breast cancer awareness than the Rebels. Even the weather here roots for the Pack.

Bring home the Cannon

If paint seems a little too light for you, either in volume or potential jail time, why not go for the big gun?

In the ’60s, Associated Students of the University of Nevada officers had the brass balls to check out the famous Fremont Cannon from its display at UNLV’s library. Not only did they accomplish getting the cannon back into Pack hands, they then proceeded to drive it almost back to Reno before the Rebels realized what was up.

Or send it south with a message

Don’t get discouraged if returning the cannon to its rightful grounds goes awry; relocation’s not the only prank tied to the 545-pound trophy.

In 2000, when the cannon was undergoing a $1,500 restoration down south, officials at the southern community college found inscriptions on the inside of the cannon lovingly reminding them that UNLV really stands for “University of Notta Lotta Victories.”

Feel the burn

Can’t get your paws on the cannon? There’s always Sam Boyd Stadium. One year, Wolf Pack backers decided to leave a semi-permanent mark of their territory in Las Vegas. The Rebs’ field was treated to a generous burning with the phrase, “Wolf Pack.”

Throw your gear

Perhaps one of the most heated seasons in football between the real Nevada university and the community college upstart was in 1995.

After the Rebels picked pre-game fights (I can only assume they lost), Nevada players retaliated by embarrassing them on the field, 55-32. Then-UNLV defensive back Quincy Sanders thought a mature response would be to chuck his helmet at Coach Chris Ault.

Sanders’ helmet wasn’t returned, but the rumor is it’s displayed in a Reno bar as a trophy of the southern school’s tantrum.

Emily Katseanes is the Perspectives editor. She got suspended for pulling a prank in high school (it was worth it). Reach her at ekatseanes@nevadasagebrush.com.