LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV football team returned to Rebel Park on Wednesday morning for the first of 15 spring practices over the next month.

Spirits were high among the gorgeous weather as the program prepares for its third campaign under the direction of head coach Tony Sanchez.

Meeting with a gaggle of reporters following the two-hour session, the head man seem pleased for Day One.

"Real good tempo today," Sanchez said. "We got through all of our scripts ahead of time so we did a real good job on pacing for the first day of practice. Obviously when you are out here with no shoulder pads and it's the first day, everyone is excited. I thought they did a really good job of staying on their feet and flying around.

"Our guys attacked the offseason with a real passion. We return a lot of talented guys with a lot of experience on both sides of the ball so we are excited to get on to the new season. At this point, we know our guys know how to work. They come out every day with great effort."

The team is practicing from approximately 8-10:20 am each Monday, Wednesday and Friday leading up to the annual Spring Showcase on April 1 at the soccer stadium on campus.