Dec. 11, 2005

LAS VEGAS - Wagner's Power Painters led from wire-to-wire in winning the inaugural Rebel Challenge, a five-day strength and conditioning competition between members of the UNLV baseball team.

Needing only to finish third in either of Friday's final two events, the Power Painters did just that, holding off a late charge by the You Know Who's to win. Wagner's Power Painters racked up 71 points compared to 65 for the You Know Who's.

Jabe Beard won the individual championship, winning the final event of the challenge, the Road to Omaha, to finish the competition with 283.5 points. Braden Walker came in second with 27.5 points, followed by Willie Bowman who had 245.5 points, Efren Navarro Jr. with 242 and Chris Bonnell rounded out the top five with 218 points.

"It was awesome to watch the guys compete in these events and I believe a lot was gained in our attempt toward post season success," head coach Buddy Gouldsmith said.

The challenge brings a close to the fall activities for the Rebel baseball squad, the three-time defending Mountain West Conference Tournament champions. UNLV opens its 2006 season with a three-game series on the road against Pepperdine beginning Feb. 3 in Malibu, Calif. The Rebels' first home game is Feb. 24 against Eastern Michigan.

Below is the final team and individual standings for the 2006 Rebel Challenge.

Team                Total PointsWagner's Power Painters         71Cruz's You Know Who's                65Bird's Bombers                      50Brock's Team BALCO                   42Lang's Shockers                     36Luca's Riddlers                     26
Individual              Total PointsJabe Beard              283.5Braden Walker                   271.5Willie Bowman                   245.5Efren Navarro Jr.                     242Chris Bonnell              218