Jan. 31, 2008

LAS VEGAS - Due to the new NCAA Change Of Season Plan rules, the UNLV Annual Alumni Game will have a different look to it this year, but a full day of baseball festivities involving both current and former UNLV student-athletes will be held at Earl E. Wilson Stadium on Feb. 9.

The 2008 edition of the Rebels will hold a Scarlet-Gray game, beginning at 10:00 a.m. next Saturday and lasting until about noon. The starting pitchers will be Matt Hutchison and Michael Goodman.

The UNLV Alumni will then begin preparations for an intrasquad showdown of their own, beginning at 12:15 p.m. with batting practice that will include a home run derby. Following both teams taking infield, the alumni will be introduced at 1:25 and then the game will begin at 1:35.

There will be a BBQ sponsored by Desert Meats during and following the game. All former Rebel players are encouraged to attend this year's festivities and they can still sign up by calling 702-895-3499.

NCAA bylaws this year states that teams can not play any type of games, including exhibitions, before the official start of the season, which is Feb. 22.

This season's Rebels open their regular season on Feb. 22 at home against Central Michigan, the first of a trio of opponents that will make early visits to Earl E. Wilson Stadium as head coach Buddy Gouldsmith begins his fifth year at the helm.