by Manny Vieites

It’s not just hype anymore, Nevada’s latest win proves that this is one of the better Wolf Pack teams in recent memory, as they are 3-1 (1-0 Mountain West) heading into the Homecoming game.

I know Nevada home games can be long and tiring on the body, but do not take this season for granted. Ever since I have been at Nevada, I have noticed students leave early from every home game. Some don’t even wait until halftime, but leave in the first quarter.

I’ll admit it, the first two home games were taxing. With the opener against Southern Utah being a day game, it was a lot more taxing. The sun, combined with a tailgate is not a great combo — no matter the circumstances. Fans left early to start their nightly pregame at the Wolf Den or other bars. The same situation occurred in the second game against Washington State. Everyone knew that Nevada was on the spotlight as it was nationally televised on ESPN.

That seemed to matter to students for the initial start of the game but as halftime came around, the student section was cut in half. Students come to Nevada games to hang out with their friends more than to watch the games and that needs to change as the season continues. With a senior-oriented team led by Cody Fajardo and Brock Hekking, why not support the Wolf Pack for the entire game? Unlike last year, Nevada has proven it can hang with each team it has played.

The team practices what they preach with its mantra “one community, one Pack,” but the fans and students need to do their part, too. With Nevada’s freshmen class being the biggest in its history, that needs to transcend at games now. Not only should freshman attend in waves, but the whole student body should be witnesses to such a promising season.

Look at big-time programs like Alabama, Southern California and Ohio State; fan support isn’t a problem at all. I guarantee you they tailgate just as much and are exhausted by the halftime, too, but they stand by their team. Starting this Homecoming weekend against Boise State, this type of charisma needs to come from Nevada. The time to make an example for future classes is now. If there’s a year for Nevada to win the MWC championship, it’s this year. Nevada is a Tier One University and we need to exemplify that through our Wolf Pack this season. Let’s not only make Nevada a Tier One university academically but also through our athletics. There’s more upsides to staying the course of the game than downsides. There’s something special brewing. Nevada fans, take advantage of this season and don’t miss out.

My call to action for Wolf Pack fans: Stay the entire game. The Wolf Den and the next party can wait. But being apart of this Wolf Pack season will be one to never forget.

Manny Vieites can be reached at euribe@sagebrush.unr.edu.