LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV Athletics announced Thursday that Rebel football player Ryan McAleenan (MACK-ah-LEEN-in) has been named the winner of this season's Bill Ireland Award.

The honor is given annually to a student-athlete who shines brightest in their respective sport while competing against Nevada, Reno as part of the Governor's Series presented by NV Energy and Barrick Gold. UNLV recently won the all-encompassing athletic competition between the two universities for the fourth consecutive year.

The Ireland honoree, selected through a vote by members of the UNLV Athletics Communications Office, must come from a Rebel team that won its competition vs. the Wolf Pack during the year, must have made a significant impact on that outcome and also be in good academic standing.

A native of Glendale, Calif., McAleenan is a graduate of St. Francis High School and transfer from the College of the Canyons. The two-year starter will be a senior for head coach Tony Sanchez this fall.

The linebacker turned in arguably the biggest play of the season for UNLV on October 3 in Reno with a 52-yard interception return for a touchdown to give the Rebels a 20-10 lead in the fourth quarter. He also added six total tackles and a shared quarterback sack that led to a Wolf Pack punt. UNLV would go on to win the game, and the rights to the famed Fremont Cannon, 23-17.

The award is named in honor of Mr. Bill Ireland, who was deeply tied to the history of the Wolf Pack and Rebels athletics programs. A 1952 graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Ireland was the Wolf Pack's first baseball coach (1961-67). After his time at UNR, he went on to UNLV where he became the Rebels first football coach (1968-72) and later served as athletics director (1973-80). Ireland is also credited with helping create the Fremont Cannon.

UNLV BILL IRELAND AWARD WINNERS2016 â€" Ryan McAleenan, Football2015 â€" Janine Petmecky, Softball2014 â€" Jenn Wolfe, Soccer2013 â€" Buddy Borden, Baseball