About Nevada Wolf Pack
Football arrived to University of Nevada in 1895 although the program was suspended early in 20th century for some years. Basketball was established here in 1913.
The university’s colours are navy blue and silver; mascots representing the Wolf Pack are costumed wolves named Alphie and Wolfie Jr, who joined Alphie in 2007. There soon should be a girl mascot joining the pair and her name is supposed to be Luna.
The college belongs now to Mountain West Conference, West Division NCAA Division I, (FBS for football).
The Wolf Pack have some strong rivalries with Boise State and UNLV that started in the late sixties.
Football programs at University of Nevada have won 14 conference titles and have an all- time record of 536-469-34. Most of the conference titles were won since 1983 as the Wolf Pack won their conference only three times prior to that year.
The University of Nevada appeared in 15 Bowl games, starting from Salad Bowl’s win against North Texas in 1948 and concluding to date with 2015’s appearance at Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl, where they won against Colorado State. In total the Wolf Pack are 5-10.
There have been some successful Wolf Packs among the NFL ranks including Super Bowl champion Charles Mann and Pro Football Hall of Famer in Marion Motley.
Mann has been a member of three Super Bowl winning teams, twice Redskins and 49ers. He played defensive end and was voted four times to Pro Bowl among being inducted into the Redskins Ring of Fame.
Motley, who played fullback/ linebacker positions, finished career with an average 5.7 yards per carry, a record for a fullback that still stands. Most importantly, Motley was one of the first African- Americans that played professional game in modern era.
Basketball programs have gone to 6 NCAA tournaments and their biggest achievement was to reach the Sweet Sixteen in 2004. The Wolf Pack have been conference tournament champions 4 times, and they won conference regular season title 20 times in their history.
The university has not produced big names in NBA but some of their players have enjoyed some time playing for NBA teams, including first round pick of 2008 draft, JaVale McGee, a center drafted by the Wizards, currently playing for Dallas Mavericks as a reliable substitute.
University of Nevada lacks overall success in these two sports but the coaches have trained some successful athletes through the years that found a place for themselves among the pro leagues.
