Aug. 25, 2003

LAS VEGAS - Before Friday's season opening football game between UNLV and Toledo, senior offensive lineman Dominic Furio will become this year's recipient of the Tom Wiesner Award and will have the honor of wearing the Wiesner Jersey throughout the season.

Furio, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound center from San Pedro, Calif., is known for his intense work ethic and tough-nosed style, which makes him a leader for the line and the entire team. The criminal justice major is the son of Dominic Sr. and Carol Furio.

The award, which debuted last year with inaugural winner Tony Terrell, was created to honor one senior player that best exemplifies the late Mr. Wiesner's courage, enthusiasm, dedication and toughness. A Wisconsin native and three-time letterman on the Badger football team, Wiesner sought his fortune out West and became one of the Las Vegas' leading businessmen, philanthropists, politicians and ambassadors.

The founder of the highly successful restaurants that are part of Big Dog's Hospitality Group, Wiesner helped guide Rebel Athletics from their infancy and was inducted into the UNLV Athletic Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Contributor in 1994. Also a member of the Nevada Board of Regents, Wiesner died in 2002 at the age of 63 after a battle with Leukemia.

"I am humbled to be able to honor Mr. Wiesner's memory by wearing his name," Furio said. "It is very important to me because not only did the coaches vote on it, but also my peers - my teammates. That makes it even more special."

The Rebels will kick off their season by taking on the Rockets beginning at 6 p.m. at Sam Boyd Stadium. Tickets are available now by calling (702) 739-FANS.