LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) -- UNLV football's first spring practice session under new head coach Barry Odom was anything but spring-like on Wednesday.

A winter storm rolled over Rebel Park for most of the morning before the squad ended up its drills under more-common sunny blue skies.

The wet weather certainly did not dampen the spirit of a team now back on the field after a gut-wrenching week that included losing -- and sorely missing -- a beloved teammate.

Just two days after holding a vigil at the 47-yard line of Rebel Park to honor the memory of the late Ryan Keeler, the Rebels pulled on the pads under a new coaching staff.

"Ryan had such an impact here," Odom told a group of media after what was the first of 15 spring practices. "He was a leader within the program with the things he did to be a good teammate and a great friend. This is an emotional time for our team."

Asked for his thoughts about getting spring practice underway, Odom said the recent events have truly brought the program closer together.

"I was excited to get around my team this morning," he said. "That's the best part for me. They're a group of guys that in a short time we've become really close. I'm thankful for them and excited about the staff we have put together. The leadership at our university and athletic department is exactly what I thought it was going to be when I took this job. I'm sure glad to be here and for the opportunity to be their coach."

UNLV is off on Thursday before returning to Rebel Park on Friday morning for session number two. 

The public is invited to the free UNLV Spring Game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, April 8 with a 1 p.m. start.