College Sports Established
1896
Location
Reno, Nevada
College Name
University of Nevada, Reno
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1925 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2011 - Present / Mountain West Conference
2000 – 2011 / Western Athletic Conference
1969 – 2000 / West Coast Conference
1925 – 1939, 1954 - 1968 / Northern California Athletic Conference
Nickname
Wolf Pack - The Nevada Wolf Pack is among the NCAA's most iconic college sports teams. With their fierce mascot and passionate fan base, it’s no surprise that they have become a powerhouse in college athletics. But where did this nickname come from? Let's take a look at how the Wolf Pack got its name!
It all started in 1922 when University of Nevada football coach Glenn “Pop” Warner sought an identity for his team. He wanted something unique to reflect strength and courage, so he developed "Wolf Pack." The term "wolf pack" was used to describe groups of wolves hunting together on the open plains, which seemed like an appropriate metaphor for Warner's team as they were out to hunt down victories on game days!
Since then, various versions of this nickname have been used by other schools across different sports leagues, including baseball (the Detroit Tigers), basketball (the Chicago Bulls), and even hockey (the Minnesota Wild). However, none can compare to what has been achieved by Pop Warner’s original creation - The Nevada Wolfpack!
Today you can find wolf pack fans everywhere cheering passionately during games while wearing their signature blue & silver colors with pride. It is clear why this iconic nickname has become synonymous with success over time; after all these years, it still stands, representing solid strength & courage just as Pop intended it too many moons ago!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1969
- 2007
- 2010
- 2022
- 2022
-
Nevada leaves the WCAC and joins the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA)
In 1969: The football team leaves the WCAC and joins the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA), later renamed the Big West Conference, winning its first conference title in 1978. -
Leading Scorer Nick Fazekas of the Wolf Pack
Fazekas was signed by the University of Nevada for the 2003-04 season. From that point forward, Fazekas led the Wolf Pack to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances during his matriculation, including a run to the Sweet 16 as a freshman. He became the school’s all-time leading scorer on November 18, 2006, when he surpassed the old record of 1,877 points ... -
Nevada Football team wins WAC Title
In 2010: The football team finishes with a 13-1 record and a No. 11 ranking in the AP poll, winning its second WAC title and defeating Boston College in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick becomes the first player in NCAA history to pass for over 10,000 yards and rush for over 4,000 yards in his career1 -
Nevada Women’s Soccer team first Mountain West win
In 2022, Nevada women’s soccer captured its first Mountain West win of the 2022 season by defeating San Jose State 1-0 on Thursday night at the Spartan Soccer Complex. The Pack recorded their fourth shutout of the season, with fifth-year goalkeeper Kendal Stovall anchoring the defense with 10 saves. Stovall recorded her 12th career shutout in the net, needing just ... -
BILL BONSALL – Inducted in Hall of Fame
In 2022, Bill Bonsal was incudcted into the University Hall of Fame. He played Football (1985-88) Four-year starter at nose tackle…earned first-team All-Big Sky honors in 1986 and was a second-team selection in 1987 and 1988…led the defensive line in tackles all four years… won the Striker Award twice (given to a defensive player performing at the highest level)…won the ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Wolf Pack
Offensively, the Wolf Pack are known for their high-powered attack, which features dual-threat quarterbacks such as Colin Kaepernick, who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers after leading them to a win at Idaho Potato Bowl back in 2008, or Ty Gangi, who set multiple school records during his time at Nevada from 2015-2018 before signing with Oakland Raiders before 2019 season opener against Denver Broncos. On the defense side, there's plenty of talent, too: linebacker Malik Reed led the nation in sacks last year. At the same time, defensive lineman Korey Rush earned All-American honors during his senior campaign 2017/2018 season when he recorded 13 tackles for loss (the second-best mark ever posted by a player from University).
Nevada basketball also boasts some impressive accomplishments since joining Division I ranks back 1997/1998 season; not only did the team make it the way Sweet Sixteen 2000 National Championship tournament, but they were regular participants in NIT tournaments until recently when the program transitioned into the WAC conference under head coach Eric Musselman’s leadership - first winning league title 2017 then making NCAA Tournament next three consecutive seasons culminating 2019 Elite Eight run that saw them take eventual champion Virginia Cavaliers down wire before ultimately falling short 80–75 scoreline late second half action!
Overall, fans love watching their beloved Wolfpack compete on both gridiron hardwood - this university holds rich traditional excellence that should continue for many more generations to come!
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