April 18, 2003

LAS VEGAS - Under dark skies and in cool temperatures, the UNLV football team closed out its spring football campaign with the 15th and final practice Friday at Ernie Becker Sr. Football Fields at Bill "Wildcat" Morris Park.

With so many positions already set for the fall, including new starting quarterback Kurt Nantkes, the biggest news to come out of camp may have been the lack of injuries.

"Unlike a year ago when a couple of starters went down for the season, we were fortunate that no one was seriously injured," head coach John Robinson said. "Everyone out here will be ready to go in the fall."

Robinson said he was happy with the progress his team made over the last month in what was his 17th spring practice as a collegiate head coach.

"We had a list of areas to work on and we saw progress across the board. I'm pleased with the strides we made. It is obvious that we are much faster on both sides of the ball than at any time I have been here and we seem more efficient on the field."

The Rebels, who played their spring game last Saturday, are coming off a 5-7 record and open the season August 30 by hosting Toledo. Season tickets are on sale now by calling (702) 739-FANS.