April 27, 2006
LAS VEGAS - Coach Reggie Davis' Huskies squad narrowly beat out Coach Gary Bernardi's Matadors team for the inaugural title at UNLV football's Night of Champions on a breezy but warm Thursday night at Rebel Park on campus.
Signaling the symbolic end of spring drills, which included 15 practice sessions as well as team conditioning, Night of Champions featured eight squads of eight players each competing in a variety of competitions. Team names were derived from their respective coach's alma mater. Scored events included a tire flip, relay races, sled pull, bar hold and grand finale obstacle course.
The Huskies will be recognized as 2006 champions in the Lied Athletic Complex's Ernie Becker Sr. Strength and Conditioning Center for the next year.
Shane Steichen, who will be a senior quarterback this fall, said it was a unique way to end his final spring session in college, especially being a member of the winning team.
"It's exciting to finish on a good note," Steichen said. "We thought we would win tonight and we got it done. There was a lot of excitement by everyone out here and I think that will carry over for us into the summer and then into the season."
Director of strength and conditioning John Grieco said it was an enjoyable ending to a successful semester.
"Night of Champions gives the players a chance to come out and have some fun doing something unusual but still very challenging. It was a great team-building event."
Head coach Mike Sanford said he sees the event becoming a favorite night among players each spring.
"There was great competition out here tonight," Sanford said. "Everything we do in this program is designed to develop competition because that brings out the best in people. Every time we do something like this, it brings us closer as a team."
Asked for standout performers on the night, Sanford mentioned four: "The guys that really jumped out at me tonight were (defensive end) Jacob Hales, (defensive back) Eric Wright, (quarterback) Rocky Hinds and (defensive back) Jay Staggs."
2006 NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS FINAL STANDINGS
PL. TEAM (COACH)1. Huskies (Reggie Davis)2. Matadors (Gary Bernardi)3. Trojans (Kurt Barber)4. Broncos (Mike Bradeson)5. Saints (Kris Cinkovich)6. Spiders (Vic Shealy)7. Cougars (Keith Uperesa)8. Gators (Noah Brindise)
Winning Team:Dary Forte, DBMarco Guerra, OLJacob Hales, DEKellen Moriarty, DBBrian Pacheco, PDemario Reynolds Sr., LBShane Steichen, QBRusty Worthen, LB
