will think I’m angry or snapping or triggered or whatever. I’m really not. I’m completely at peace.
If Tark were alive, if what made us “Rebels” continued on after Tark ..... I’d be full of rage. But as far as I’m concerned, since Tark’s ousting, the “Rebels” that drew us all, either through winning or style of play, or what they stood for (my biggest draw) has been on life support. Sure, there were some blips over the next three decades that gave hope, but the death sentence remained. As far as I’m concerned, the tiniest remaining hope of holding on to what made us special completely died in February 2015. Tark was gone. Even with the tough years after Tark, I wish the program were “retired”, symbolically, with his passing.
Well, maybe this is that chance. It would take a lot of legislation and a ton of work.... and I’m not saying this is going to happen, but I really wish it would - start from scratch. A completely new program. When I say completely new, I’m talking school nickname, school colors, mascot, new record book, I even wish it was a new school name. Sort of like Texas Western won a national championship but later became UTEP. I would LOVE to see that happen at UNLV. New branding, a clean slate, zero expectations, do their own thing. Retire the Runnin’ Rebels. Put a bow on them, send everything associated with them to a State Museum. Retire it, let it be preserved. The new look imo can be as PC or rogue as they want, it’s their own show, run it unencumbered, use your own vision to create.
I know it’s radical, but aside from the cost and legal gymnastics, it would check a ton of boxes for a lot of people.
The further the distance between, the better. Magically, the football program isn’t one of the worst of all time. Basketball wouldn’t have that tainted past (or glory). I’m not saying completely erase history, it can be extracted and preserved. The new look school wouldn’t have those cranky boosters, unrealistic expectations that can cripple, it can be a feel good startup for those that want to get behind something fresh and new.
If Tark were alive, if what made us “Rebels” continued on after Tark ..... I’d be full of rage. But as far as I’m concerned, since Tark’s ousting, the “Rebels” that drew us all, either through winning or style of play, or what they stood for (my biggest draw) has been on life support. Sure, there were some blips over the next three decades that gave hope, but the death sentence remained. As far as I’m concerned, the tiniest remaining hope of holding on to what made us special completely died in February 2015. Tark was gone. Even with the tough years after Tark, I wish the program were “retired”, symbolically, with his passing.
Well, maybe this is that chance. It would take a lot of legislation and a ton of work.... and I’m not saying this is going to happen, but I really wish it would - start from scratch. A completely new program. When I say completely new, I’m talking school nickname, school colors, mascot, new record book, I even wish it was a new school name. Sort of like Texas Western won a national championship but later became UTEP. I would LOVE to see that happen at UNLV. New branding, a clean slate, zero expectations, do their own thing. Retire the Runnin’ Rebels. Put a bow on them, send everything associated with them to a State Museum. Retire it, let it be preserved. The new look imo can be as PC or rogue as they want, it’s their own show, run it unencumbered, use your own vision to create.
I know it’s radical, but aside from the cost and legal gymnastics, it would check a ton of boxes for a lot of people.
The further the distance between, the better. Magically, the football program isn’t one of the worst of all time. Basketball wouldn’t have that tainted past (or glory). I’m not saying completely erase history, it can be extracted and preserved. The new look school wouldn’t have those cranky boosters, unrealistic expectations that can cripple, it can be a feel good startup for those that want to get behind something fresh and new.
