University of Nevada Las Vegas

Distinguished Contributor

Whether through financial support or donating his time, local businessman and sports official James “Bruce” Bayne’s unwavering commitment to athletics on all levels in Southern Nevada is highlighted by his love for his alma mater at UNLV. Born and raised in the city he has always supported, he graduated from Western High School before signing on to play football at what is now known as Utah Tech, earning all-conference honors as a center. He then attended UNLV, earning dual majors in special and physical education in 1979. Later, while earning his master’s degree at the school, Bayne joined Harvey Hyde’s Rebel football coaching staff as a graduate assistant. Working with the inside linebackers, he was a member of the winningest FBS-level UNLV team in history as the Rebels took the 1984 PCAA title and California Bowl. Bayne returned to serve as defensive coordinator for both Western and then Bonanza. A well-respected sports official, Bayne began his officiating career in 1975, starting with intramural games in junior college and later umpiring UNLV and Las Vegas high school baseball games. His resume also includes working for the Pacific Coast League, Big West, WAC and Mountain West over his long career on the diamond. Also a basketball and football official, Bayne has worked countless games at the high school and collegiate level, including the 2008 Outback Bowl, 2009 Sun Bowl and the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl. He continues to work as an NCAA replay official in the region. Always looking to give back, he is a longtime UNLV donor and supported youth, high school and collegiate sports for more than four decades. Bayne spearheaded the transformation of UNLV football’s Rebel Park under then-head coach John Robinson and is a past president of the UNLV Football Foundation and a founding member of the Runnin’ Rebel Basketball Club. The beloved sports figure was inducted into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 and tonight is honored by his alma mater as a Distinguished Contributor.