ASUN ELECTIONS: Home Means Nevada Wins By Over 40 Point Margin, Senate Results
By Peregrine Hart
Home Means Nevada 2025 won the Associated Students of the University of Nevada, Reno presidency today with a 70 percent majority, announced shortly after student voting closed on Thursday at 5:00 p.m.
This year’s election decided the members of the 93rd session’s senate as well as the presidency.
Carmina Aglubat, ASUN’s incoming president, said getting to meet and have in-depth conversations with student groups was the most rewarding part of her campaign with Ethan McNamara, ASUN’s incoming vice president.
”We were very honest to students about what we were campaigning about, what ASUN could actually do,” Aglubat said. “…I feel like people
Courtesy of the Associate Students of Nevada
just felt like the heart was with us.”
Aglubat added that she’s hopeful about the opportunity for ASUN to once again excite students.
2,394 students voted in ASUN’s elections this year. Results are below. The names and results for candidates who won their seats are printed in bold.
Peregrine Hart can be reached via email at peregrineh@unr.edu or on Instagram @ pintofperegrine.
Executive Orders Call For
By Teagan Greer
Leaders of a unionization effort for graduate assistants at the University of Nevada, Reno, Desert Research Institute and University of Nevada, Las Vegas announced that they had reached supermajority support via the movement’s Instagram on Nov. 18.
Graduate Assistants (GAs) are graduate students who are paid tuition and a stipend in exchange for working for the university. A supermajority of these students, across three Nevada System of Higher Education institutions, signed forms showing their support for a potential
RESULTS
PRESIDENT
Carmina Aglubat – 2060 votes, 70.21%
Joel Martin – 874 votes, 29.78%
VICE PRESIDENT
Ethan McNamara – 1934 votes, 65.91%
Camryn Caruso – 1000 votes, 34.08%
SENATE SEATS
College of Agriculture, Biotechnology And Natural Resources (1 Seat)
Grace McAndrews – 126 votes, 50.19%
Parsa Sar-Sangi – 125 votes, 49.8%
College of Business (4 Seats)
Nicholas Bohlander–333 votes, 15.87%
Matthew Hoang–332 votes, 15.83%
Max Lucchesi–331 votes, 15.78%
Bella Packard–303 votes, 14.44%
College of Engineering (4 Seats)
Logan Miceli – 293 votes, 87.98%
None of these candidates, 40 votes, 12.01%
College of Liberal Arts (4 Seats)
Viviana Castro, 322 votes, 20.73%
Leaf Acklin, 298 votes, 19.18%
Jason Issa, 242 votes, 15.48%
Alexander Saporito, 235 votes, 15.13%
Ryan Hartley, 232 votes, 14.93%
College of Science (4 Seats)
Natalie Palmer, 328 votes, 19.13%
Grace Miller, 296 votes, 17.26%
Camille Levy, 294 votes, 17.15%
Dominic Evans, 271 votes, 15.81%
Reynolds School of Journalism (1 Seat)
Taylor Moore, 120 votes, 93.75%
None of these candidates, 8 votes, 6.25%
School of Public Health (3 Seats)
Anna Barus, 353 votes, 45.02%
Elijah Houghtelling, 247 votes, 31.5%
Ralph Villa, 184 votes, 23.46%
School of Social Work (1 Seat)
Jaiden Harrington, 62 votes, 96.87%
None of these candidates, 2 votes, 3.12%
School For Medicine/Orvis School of Nursing (1 Seat)
Madison Atkinson, 50 votes, 92.59%
None of these candidates, 4 votes, 7.4%
College of Education (1 Seat)
Dillon Moss, 150 votes, 92.59%
None of these candidates, 12 votes, 7.4%
the End of DEI. What Does It Mean For UNR?
union. Signature collection will end tomorrow, Nov. 21, according to a Nov. 19 announcement.
The union would operate under the national United Auto Workers union, which also backs similar GA unions at University of California schools, the University of Maine and the University of Alaska. Organizing GAs say it will be critical to securing better working conditions and better pay.
The movement at the University of Nevada, Reno will soon seek official recognition from the university, ac-
cording to organizers. This could bring it one step closer to negotiating a new contract.
Rally kicks off a search for signatures
Dozens of graduate students gathered at the steps of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center on Oct. 1 to hear guest speakers and to add their signatures to records that the organizers will eventually submit to the university when they seek official recognition.
It’s the culmination of an effort that’s been in the works since at least 2020 and recently picked up speed thanks to help from the national UAW, organizers said.
From there, according to Noel Vineyard, a GA in the geography department and organizer with the budding union, a few different things are possible.
The university could voluntarily recognize the union after it receives the signatures, which means the new union would go straight to negotiating a new con-
tract for GAs with the university. The university may also decline to recognize the union, in which case organizers would turn to the upcoming session of the Nevada Legislature for recognition, Vineyard said.
Top issues for GAs at the rally included pay, as well as concerns about harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Concerns about protecting international students from such threats came to a head last year after a sexual assault scandal highlighted the unique precarity faced by GAs working under a student visa.
“They’re kind of at the mercy of their advisors and so it kind of leads them to feel like they’re walking on eggshells,” Keely Rodriguez, a GA with the chemistry department and the union effort’s media liaison, said. Continued
Teagan Greer can be reached via email at Teagangreer@icloud.com or on Instagram @ NevadaSagebrush.
Sports Editor Dominic Gutierrez dominicgutierrez@unr. edu
Copy Editor: Siena Howard sienahoward@unr.edu
Design Editor: Wisdom Scott wisdoms@unr.edu
Photo Editor: Nick Stewart ns@sagebrush.unr.edu
CONTRIBUTING STAFFERS
Teagan Greer, Vanessa Navratil, James Wolfgang Perez, Maddie Gomes
The Fight For Money and Education: A Look into the Life of Gracee Gardner and her Experience as a College Student with Two Jobs
By Alexandra Psak
Since the University of Nevada, Reno’s founding in 1874, the campus population has significantly increased, attracting new students from various backgrounds and locations. However, as the university continues to grow, so does the cost of attendance.
Photo Provided by Gracee Gardner
Gracee Gardner, a sophomore at the University of Nevada, Reno, is, for the most part, financially independent. However, even with student loans and other financial aid, Gardner still has to have a stable form of income to pay for the other portions that financial aid doesn’t cover. Regardless of the numerous stories covering the increasing costs of living and education, Gardner feels that it’s still not being taken seriously and people struggle the most, especially in her situation.
“Yeah, I’ve taken out some student loans, I get, like, I believe it’s $10,000 a year or something like that,” Gardner said. “I split it up between the terms for rent, mainly, and then my parents helped me with books and stuff, and my great grandparents actually have been a great help. They helped pay for my first two years of school. So next year, I’m definitely going to need to bump up some of my financial work with them, which is why I also have the second job to hopefully save up for next year, when it is a little bit more on me as I get older too.”
Since the recent fee additions that have been passed, tuition costs have rapidly changed since Gardner enrolled in fall 2023. In addition to the rising costs of her degree, the prenursing major also has her apartment rent to cover, as well as necessities like groceries. In fall 2024, Gardner decided it was time to get a second job working as a hostess at the local Reno restaurant La Familia, with her first job being a sales associate at Aerie.
“I work there just kind of whenever they need me,” Gardner said. “I worked in my hometown at the same store over the summer, so I just transferred up to this one when I came back up for school, and I work there as much as I can after school, closing shifts in be-
tween, you know, weekends when I can too… Then I have the restaurant job at La Familia, which I’m a host. I work two days a week with my roommates, another host, and one of my friends. We each have two days a week where we work at that.”
Gardner raises issues about the financial crisis that is happening across the country. “I get probably $400 of financial aid from the university,” she said. “I did not qualify for the WUE, I pay out-of-state tuition because I was 0.5% away from getting a 3.25 on my GPA, which qualifies for the WUE– which, you know, I do understand at some point, they have to have a level. But I did have relatively good grades throughout high school and everything.”
Gardner’s standing on the financial predicament she and fellow students are in pushed her to open up about the matter. She hopes that her story and the information that she provides will help change the system, starting with the University of Nevada.
BREAKING: UNR launches investigation regarding death of campus swan Zeus
By Nick Stewart
University of Nevada, Reno Police have opened an investigation into the death of Zeus, a male white mute swan that had made Manzanita Lake at the university his home for decades.
Following the announcement of Zeus’ death on the university’s social media yesterday, many serious allegations of malicious intent behind his death began circulating online, and both anonymous and non-anonymous posters made calls to hold people accountable for his death.
While no perpetrators in the death have currently been identified, the university addressed the online rumors in a statement to the Nevada Sagebrush.
“The University of Nevada, Reno is taking the reports surrounding the death of Zeus very seriously and there is currently an open investigation into the issue,” the university said. “If anyone has information about the death of Zeus, we encourage you to report it immediately to University Police.”
Zeus’ death garnered sympathy from the campus community online. Flowers and photos of Zeus were left on a rock at Manzanita Lake to honor him.
A student-organized vigil is being held for Zeus at the Mackay Statue tomorrow evening at 8 p.m.
More updates on this story will be posted as the investigation unfolds.
Nick Stewart can be reached at ns@sagebrush.unr. edu or on Instagram @nickk_stewart_.
Grad Student Workers Protested On Campus For Recognition Yesterday. A New Bill Could Give It To Them
at 775-784-7773 or email adnevadasales@gmail.com.
By Peregrine Hart
Nevada’s unionizing graduate assistants gathered at the University of Nevada, Reno and at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to protest yesterday, March 12 about their lack of official recognition from the schools and the Nevada System of Higher Education.
Earlier this month, they rallied about 100 people in support of a Nevada Legislature bill that would put the right to collective bargaining in higher education into state law.
an error, email draridon@unr.edu
The bill, A.B. 191, got a hearing in the Assembly Government Affairs committee on March 4. The committee hearing was an opportunity for assembly members to get an introduction to the bill and hear testimony about it, but it won’t be moving forward for a committee vote until later.
If it passes the committee vote, it’ll move to a hearing with the whole assembly, putting the bill one step closer to legislative approval — and possibly into law.
But A.B. 191 is facing some critics who say graduate assistants can bargain through existing channels — like the Graduate Student Association — or that working long hours and facing low pay simply come with the job.
The Nevada Graduate Student Workers –
United Auto Workers (NGSW-UAW) union
won supermajority support among graduate assistants in November, the Sagebrush previously reported. That means a majority of graduate students who work as researchers or teaching assistants at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the Desert Research Institute or University of Nevada, Reno support the creation of a labor union to bargain for their interests at work.
What’s the hold up to union recognition?
The union, NGSW-UAW, has been building momentum for over a year, graduate assistants explained during testimony for the bill.
Despite winning supermajority support in November, and announcing in January that a majority of Nevada’s legislators supported their cause, the union has struggled to get official recognition from the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), the governing body that oversees public colleges and universities in the state. Part of that is because university employees, including professors and graduate assistants, don’t have the same rights as other public employees, according to Assemblymember Natha Anderson, who represents District 30.
“Our faculty and graduate assistants are the
largest group of Nevadan public employees who do not have that right [to bargain] currently,” Anderson explained.
Clay Renshaw, a graduate assistant at the University of Nevada, Reno’s chemistry department, said that without the passage of A.B. 191, recognition for the union would be impossible.
“We did meet with NSHE administration and some of the Board of Regents and university admin last Friday, and the NSHE meeting was pretty disappointing,” Renshaw told the committee. “They said there is no current policy in order to recognize our union and the bill would have to be passed for that to happen.”
Instead, explained Pete Martini, an assistant professor of psychology at Nevada State University, NSHE has no obligation to bargain with employee unions — and no third party to mediate an agreement.
Alex Psak can be reached via email at apsak@unr.edu or on Instagram @ alexandrapsak.
Peregrine Hart / Nevada Sagebrush
Gracee Gardner
Columns
Fingerprints: To the Ends of the Earth
By: Jason Alejandro Cruz
English
Dear friends,
I miss my mom. I miss the light that she would bring into every room. I miss the way she would hum to herself as she swept. I miss the sound of her laugh and the way that she’d always find a reason to smile. But my mom isn’t here anymore.
Mom brought me here when I was a baby. Back when my cheeks were full and the hair on my head was the closest thing she had to silk. It’s not like she knew exactly what she was doing. Most of us are about her age when she had to make the impossible decision to leave our home country in hopes of a safer life in America. And I’m really grateful she did… Because of her, I get to go to university alongside all of you. Who knows what would have happened to me had she chosen to raise me south of the border.
Sometimes it feels as if you’ll never fully understand the sacrifices we migrants have had to make for our survival. When I was younger, I’d listen to Mom dream out loud about the house we’ll own some day and the restaurant she’d open up. Like most kids, I’d tell her I was going to move far-far away. She’d hug me and say that she would follow me to the ends of the earth.
I wish I had hugged her back. My mom never got to own that house. The most she could do for our family was a one bedroom apartment off of Sutro. A part of town that you called ghetto, but I called home. Instead of opening her own restaurant, she’d clean them. I watched as her youthful hands would dry up and crack from the chemicals. I’d never thought I’d see the day that the youth from her eyes would be taken from her too.
I went back home a week after Trump’s inauguration to check up on my mom. I hadn’t heard from her in days and the semester was already taking up so much of my time. I opened the door to that one-bedroom apartment and the entire place felt dark. And there Mom was, alone at the kitchen table, breathing in the sounds of the latest breaking news. ICE agents targeting children. Mother arrested by ICE. 11-year-old takes her own life over deportation threats. Her cheeks have hollowed out and the grey in her hair was the purest silver she had ever owned. Her tired eyes said it all.
I am at the University of Nevada not because I want to steal your jobs, or drain your resources. I’m not here to smuggle drugs, or invade your country. Some of you wonder why I don’t just
send myself back before someone else does it for me. I can’t help but wonder if any of you miss your moms. The mom you had before she realized that she couldn’t protect you anymore. I am here because my mom wants a home to call her own some day. And I will follow her dream to the ends of the earth.
Until then, Anonymous
Fingerprints is a collection of anonymous letters curated by Alejandro Cruz and Taelyn Pauley. The opinions expressed in the column, as well as those published in The Nevada Sagebrush, are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Sagebrush or its staff. To get involved, contact Cruz at cruzthecowboy@ gmail.com for more information!
Español
Querido amigos, Extraño a mi mamá. Extraño la luz que traía a cada cuarto. Extraño la forma en que tarareaba para sí misma mientras barría. Extraño el sonido de su risa y la forma en que siempre encontraba un motivo para sonreír. Pero mi mamá ya no está aquí. Amá me trajo a los Estados Unidos cuando era un bebé. Cuando mis mejillas estaban llenas y el pelo de mi cabeza era lo más parecido a la seda que tenía. No es que supiera exactamente lo que hacía. La mayoría de nosotros tenemos más o menos su edad cuando ella tuvo que tomar la decisión imposible de abandonar nuestro país con la esperanza de una vida más segura en América. Y estoy muy agradecido de que lo hiciera… Gracias a ella, puedo ir a la universidad con ustedes. Quién sabe qué habría sido de mí si hubiera decidido criarme al sur de la frontera.
A veces se siente que nunca entenderás del todo los sacrificios que hemos tenido que hacer los migrantes para sobrevivir. Cuando era más pequeña, escuchaba a Amá fantasear con la casa que algún día tendríamos y el restaurante que abriría. Como la mayoría de los niños, le decía que me iba a mover muy lejos. Ella me abrazaba y me decía que me seguiría hasta el fin del mundo.
Ojalá le hubiera devuelto el abrazo.
Mi mamá nunca había podido tener su casa. Lo máximo que pudo hacer por nuestra familia fue un apartamento con una recámara cerca de Sutro. Una parte de la ciudad que tú llamabas gueto, pero yo llamaba mi hogar. En vez de abrir su propio restaurante, ella los limpiaba. Veía cómo sus jóvenes manos se secaban y se agrietaban por los productos químicos. Nunca pensé que vería el día en que la juventud de sus ojos también se irá.
Volví a casa una semana después de la inauguración de Trump para ver cómo estaba mi mamá. Hacía días que no sabía nada de ella y el semestre ya me estaba quitando mucho tiempo. Abrí la puerta de aquel apartamento con una recámara y todo el lugar se sintió oscuro. Y allí estaba Amá, sola en la mesa de la cocina, respirando los sonidos de Noticias Telemundo. Agentes del ICE persiguiendo a niños. Madre detenida por ICE. Una niña de 11 años se quita la vida tras amenazas de deportación. Sus mejillas se habían demacrado y las canas de su pelo eran la plata más pura que jamás había tenido. Sus ojos cansados lo decían todo.
Estoy en la Universidad de Nevada no porque quiero robar sus trabajos, o gastar sus recursos. No estoy aquí para traficar drogas, ni para invadir su país. Algunos de ustedes se preguntan por qué no me devuelvo antes de que alguien lo hiciera por mí. No puedo evitar preguntarme si alguno de ustedes extrañan a sus mamás. La mamá que tuvistes antes de que se diera cuenta de que ya no podía protegerte. Estoy aquí porque mi mamá quiere una casita al que llamar suya algún día. Y seguiré su sueño hasta el fin del mundo. Con suerte, Anónimo
Huellas es una colección de cartas anónimas comisariada por Alejandro Cruz y Taelyn Pauley. Las opiniones expresadas en la columna, así como las publicadas en The Nevada Sagebrush, son exclusivamente las del autor y no reflejan necesariamente los puntos de vista de The Sagebrush o de su personal. Si desea participar, contacta Cruz en cruzthecowboy@gmail.com para obtener más información.@d_m_g_16.
Confessions Of A Hot Mess: Guide To College Friends, Frenemies, and Figuring Out Who Actually Has
College will teach you a lot—how to write a paper overnight fueled by nothing but espresso and dread, how to function on three hours of sleep, and how to pretend you’re not spiraling during office hours. But perhaps one of the most sobering lessons isn’t found in a syllabus. It’s the lesson of people—of friends, almost-friends, the ones who drift away quietly, and the ones who leave you reeling. It’s the realization that not everyone who walks into your life is meant to stay. Let’s start with the ones who knew you before all this.
High school friends. The ones who saw you in braces, bad haircuts, and your heavy Snapchat filter phase. There’s something about them that feels irreplaceable—because they knew you before you even really knew yourself. You promise to stay close, promise to call. And at first, you do. But then they meet new people. So do you. Texts slow. You forget to respond. They don’t ask about your major anymore. You stop tagging each other in memes.
You don’t even fight. You just stop trying.
Sometimes, you reconnect over break. And for a moment, it’s like nothing changed. But then you realize everything did. And that hurts more than any screaming match ever could.
College friends come in waves.
There’s the random girl you trauma-bond with during orientation over a dead phone and no charger.
The guy from your core class who you eat lunch with for three weeks straight before he ghosts you for Greek life.
The group chat friends who always say “we should hang out sometime” and never do. Some people are meant to be lessons. Some are just filler characters in your comingof-age story.
But occasionally—rarely—you meet someone and it clicks. Not in a loud, firework way. In the quiet way. The “I can show up to your apartment in tears and you’ll know exactly what to say” way. The “you feel like home even when everything else is falling apart” way.
Those people are rare. Hold them tight. Let them see the messy parts of you. Let them in. And still, even they might not stay.
Sometimes the people you thought would stand beside you at graduation are the ones who never text back after sophomore year.
Sometimes the ones you would’ve taken a bullet for are the ones who whisper behind your back.
Sometimes the ones you cried to about your ex are the ones sleeping with him.
And sometimes—it’s not just them.
It’s a whole group of people.
People who knew. People who hugged you, reposted your birthday stories, said “you deserve the world,” and still chose to say nothing.
They watched you believe in something that had already broken.
Watched you fight for someone who wasn’t fighting for you.
Watched you post like you were happy while knowing the truth would wreck you.
And they let you walk right into the wreckage.
t’s not just losing a friend or an ex. It’s losing your sense of reality. It’s wondering how long they’ve been laughing without you.
It’s realizing you were the group’s inside joke. The one with too much trust and not enough warning. And if you thought cliques ended with high school graduation, I hate to break it to you— they didn’t.
College cliques are just the same dynamics in different clothes. It’s the group of friends who go to every frat party together and never invite you, even when you’re standing right there. It’s
They watched you post photos, make TikToks, talk about him like he was your future.
And all the while, they were protecting the girl betraying you. Closing ranks around her. Not you.
You ask one of your closest friends how they could let it happen—how they could look you in the eye and not say a word.
And they say, “Oh well… she’s my friend too.”
As if that makes it okay. As if friendship is Switzerland. As if loyalty doesn’t come with lines you don’t cross.
But silence is a choice. And in that moment, they made it. Not for you. For her.
You don’t just lose the person who betrayed you. You lose the people who stood by and watched
They don’t warn you about that kind of heartbreak. The kind where everyone else knew, and no one thought you deserved to. The kind where the betrayal isn’t private—it’s public, and you’re the last to know.
the student org with the inside jokes you’re never quite in on.
It’s the girls in your major who grew up together and make you feel like a guest in every group project.
It’s everyone in your major getting ready to take a picture and someone handing you the camera because why would I want to be in the picture?
You think you’ve outgrown the lunch table politics—but somehow, you’re still watching from the edges.
Sometimes it’s subtle. Sometimes it’s not. And it can make you feel like you’re back in high school all over again—only now, you’re older and lonelier and trying to act like it doesn’t bother you.
But it does.
I wish someone had told me that losing friends isn’t always about betrayal. But sometimes, it is.
Sometimes it’s calculated. Sometimes it’s cruel.
Sometimes it’s smiling to your face and sleeping with your partner behind your back. Sometimes it’s choosing not to tell you because it was easier to protect the liar than sit with your heartbreak.
Still—most times—it’s just growing pains. You evolve. They evolve. And your orbits no longer align.
But it’s okay to mourn the people you lose— even if it was slow, even if it wasn’t dramatic.
It’s okay to remember them fondly and still feel hurt.
It’s okay to wonder if you were the bad friend. Maybe sometimes you were.
College is a constant shedding and reshaping of identity.
Of learning who you are when you’re away from home, when no one is watching, when it’s 2 a.m. and you’re crying on the floor because your best friend just became a stranger. But that heartbreak?
It makes space. Space for better people. Kinder people. People who don’t make you question your worth.
Friendship in college isn’t always forever. But the right ones—the real ones—they’ll feel like it. Even if they show up late. Even if they don’t look like who you expected.
Keep your heart open, but protect your peace.
And remember:
You’re not too much.
You were just too much for the wrong person. Or the wrong crowd. Let them go.
You’ll be okay.
You always were.
Confessions of a Hot Mess continues next week with “Guide to College (4/6): You’re Not Behind—You’re Just Not on Their Timeline.”
Confessions of a Hot Mess is the personal work of Emily Hess. The opinions expressed in this column, as well as those published in The Nevada Sagebrush, are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Sagebrush or its staff.
Wisdom Scott/Nevada Sagebrush
Wisdom Scott/Nevada Sagebrush
Wisdom Scott/Nevada Sagebrush
By: Emily Hess
Austen-tatiously Perfect – UNR’s Theatre and Dance Pride and Prejudice Review
By Emily Hess
In the Redfield Studio Theatre at the University of Nevada, Reno, Kate Hamill’s Pride and Prejudice roared to life with all the romance and razor-sharp wit of Austen’s original—but with a twist: this production isn’t your mother’s period drama. Under the inspired direction of Rosie Brownlow-Calkin, the Department of Theatre & Dance’s latest production pulses with modern energy, smart pacing, and a cast that feels like it was born to inhabit these roles.
From the very first scene, Ora Harris as Mrs. Bennet brought unrelenting passion and comic timing to the role of the highstrung matriarch. Her every line landed with purpose, making the character’s desperation for suitable matches both hilarious and somehow tender. Harris’ chemistry with Luis Galvez as Mr. Bennet was a particular highlight—together, they created an effortless, lived-in dynamic that felt like watching an old married couple you know personally. Galvez’s dry, sardonic line deliveries made him the perfect foil to Harris’ explosive emotional energy, and their scenes together often drew some of the biggest laughs of the night.
Alyssa Von Eberstein took her final UNR bow as the clever and passionate Lizzy Bennet. Her portrayal was a tour de force— sharp-tongued, deeply emotional, and radiantly confident. She embodied Lizzy with ease, wielding modern language twists with precision and grounding every quip in truth. The way she layered strength and vulnerability made her performance unforgettable. Watching Alyssa on stage felt like witnessing someone step fully into their power—and what a final performance to remember her by.
Emma Harris’ Jane Bennet was warm and gentle, offering a sweet contrast to Lizzy’s fiery presence. Her sisterly chemistry with Von Eberstein was honest and heartening. Kaylyn Dun-
By Emily Hess
UNR Theatre is officially back and better than ever. From the top-tier performances to the vibrant costumes and the stunning set design, every element came together to create a show that felt professional, fresh, and full of heart. But let’s clear up a significant point: live music has been a vibrant part of UNR Theatre’s recent history, not just this production. From orchestras in shows like Assassins to the dynamic ensembles in Cabaret and the student-directed 9 to 5 featuring live pianists, UNR Theatre has consistently showcased the talents of real musicians, enriching each performance and honoring the hard work of these dedicated individuals. Our previous statement overlooked these contributions, and we are happy to correct the record.
In Guys and Dolls, the tradition of live music continues to enhance our theatrical experience. Although it wasn’t a full pit, the presence of live instrumentalists—our first since the pandemic—elevated the entire production, adding warmth, dynamism, and a level of energy that simply can’t be replicated with pre-recorded tracks. The interplay between the singers and the musicians brought an organic, electric feel to the show, making moments like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” feel bigger, fuller, and more immersive. The difference was night and day, and we hope this signals a permanent return to live accompaniment in all future productions.
This entire cast could SING. Not just “carry a tune” sing, but belt out Broadway-worthy powerhouse performances. Every harmony was tight, every solo was breathtaking, and every ensemble number had the kind of big, full sound that makes a musical truly feel alive.
Elysia Martinez as Sarah Brown delivered a flawless performance, balancing her character’s initial prim and proper demeanor with the fiery passion that emerges later in the show. Her voice was crisp, controlled, and full of depth, making “If I Were a Bell” a standout moment of the night. Her chemistry with Sky Masterson, played by Marco Bisio III, was electric, making their romance feel both believable and compelling.
On the comedic side, Zoe McCracken as Miss Adelaide was absolutely phenomenal. Every single scene she was in was a highlight, from the hilariously neurotic “Adelaide’s Lament” to the show-stopping ensemble numbers. She was the beating heart of this production, bringing both humor and unexpected emotional weight to her performance. She had the audience in stitches one moment and pulling for her the next—a true star. Bisio III as Sky Masterson was the definition of effortless cool. He nailed the classic suave gambler persona, but what made his
can’s Mary stole scenes with a hilariously brooding presence, leaning into the character’s awkward intellect in a way that was both original and endearing.
Miela Offerle burst onto the stage as Lydia with boundless energy, delivering every moment with chaotic charm and comedic flair. Peyton Tuley’s Charlotte was a study in subtlety and internal depth, anchoring Charlotte’s choices in realism and emotional weight. Alex Mead, also graduating, made an indelible impression as Miss Bingley. Every line and gesture was dripping in sass and snark, and his performance was a comedic masterclass. Mead’s final performance on the UNR stage was unforgettable—full of confidence, charisma, and an unmistakable sense of fun. It’s clear he’ll shine in whatever comes next.
Benit Hensley as Darcy gave the kind of slow-burn performance audiences crave—stern and restrained at first, then deeply heartfelt and transformative. His chemistry with Von Eberstein built steadily, each scene raising the stakes and tension. Bradley Simons as Wickham was charming with just the right edge of deception, while Kiernan Pederson as Mr. Collins brought the house down with every awkward bow and pompous word.
Kieran Pedersen (Collins), Marianne Enger (Lady Catherine de Bourgh), and Kenzie Marks (Anne de Bourgh) added color and flair in their respective roles, rounding out a cast that worked in beautiful harmony. Each performer brought specificity and presence that elevated the ensemble and gave the world of the play texture and life.
The creative design elevated every beat. Scenic design by Gady Connor and Bill Ware provided a simple but versatile space that transformed effortlessly between ballrooms, drawing rooms, and garden paths. The lighting design by Don J. Eller created
performance special was the depth he brought to the role. His voice was velvety smooth, making “Luck Be a Lady” one of the night’s most memorable moments.
Meanwhile, MJ Boga as Nathan Detroit embodied the nervous, fast-talking con man with absolute perfection. His comedic timing was impeccable, and his back-and-forth with McCracken’s Adelaide was hilarious and heartfelt. He made Nathan both lovable and exasperating—the perfect combination for the character.
And then there was Richie Fericks as Nicely Nicely Johnson, who took the already iconic “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” and turned it into a full-blown, barn-burning, thunderous showstopper. The sheer vocal power, the charisma, the comedic brilliance—unreal. The audience was clapping along, fully caught up in the moment; and when the number ended, the ovation lasted longer than any other in the show.
The set design was next-level. The production transported the audience straight into the world of Guys and Dolls with a visual spectacle that made every scene feel immersive. The flashing neon of Times Square, the gritty underground gambling dens, the romantic glow of Havana—every location felt distinct and vibrant. Scene changes were seamless, with clever staging that kept the momentum going without slowing down the action. Lighting played a huge role in setting the mood, from the dim, shadowy glow of the craps game to the soft, golden hues of the romantic duets. And the costumes? Perfection. Adelaide’s showgirl outfits sparkled, the gamblers’ suits were crisp, and even the Hot Box Dancers’ ensembles felt era-appropriate and full of personality.
Opinions expressed in The Nevada Sagebrush are solely thoseoftheauthoranddonotnecessarilyexpresstheviewsof TheSagebrushoritsstaff.EmilyHessisastudentattheUniversityofNevadastudyingjournalism.Shecanbereachedat emilyhess@sagebrush.unr.eduandonTwitter@emilyghess3.
mood and movement—at times playful, at others romantic or contemplative. Subtle shifts in light guided the audience emotionally from scene to scene.
Costume designer Leah Hummel and wig designer Leslie Stamoolis blended period silhouettes with whimsical, modern accents, mirroring the tone of the script perfectly. From corsets to combat boots, each look added to the unique voice of the production. Stage manager Ru Cole and assistant stage manager Jay Pratt kept everything running like clockwork, and intimacy director Thomas Rao’s influence was visible in how grounded and safe even the most vulnerable moments felt.
Every backstage and behind-the-scenes contributor—from dramaturg Madison Youngblood to the lighting and sound ops, props crew, costume construction students, and run crew— brought precision and passion to this production. Their collective energy radiated from the stage and made this world feel fully alive.
UNR’s Pride and Prejudice is more than a retelling—it’s a reimagining. A celebration of love, growth, and what it means to be seen. With performances running through April 13, don’t miss your chance to witness a production that honors the past while joyfully pushing into the present.
And to the graduating seniors—Alyssa Von Eberstein, Miela Offerle and Alex Mead—your work on this stage has been luminous. Congratulations!
Nick Stewart can be reached at ns@nevadasagebrush.com or on Twitter @nickk_stewart. EmilyHessisastudentattheUniversityof Nevadastudyingjournalism.Shecanbereachedatemilyhess@ sagebrush.unr.eduandonTwitter@emilyghess3.
Nick Stewart/Nevada Sagebrush
Nick Stewart/Nevada Sagebrush
The Muralist: RSJ Associate Dean Presents Inspiring
Documentary Follows Local Artist with Cerebral Palsy
By Vanessa Navratil
Associate Dean of the Reynolds School of Journalism Kari Barber put together a short documentary, “The Muralist,” and presented it March 17 at the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center. Barber worked with former and current journalism students at the university, and the product is incredible.
The documentary follows artist Connor Fogal and his journey of painting with cerebral palsy.
The documentary begins with scenes of a morning with Fogal and his caretaker. It then leads to his childhood story, and how he was adopted by a family that took him in after his birth mother couldn’t care for him due to addiction.
One day, Fogal saw his art teacher painting and was enamored by it. This is where his passion for art began. Fogal found a unique way to paint by attaching a paintbrush to his head. With this, the possibilities were endless and he was able to paint as he desired.
Fogal then discusses how it’s his dream to paint a mural. He applied and applied around, but nothing ever came through. Eventually, he was given the opportunity to paint a mural at the University of Nevada, Reno, in the Lilley Museum of Art. A big worry for Fogal was if his wheelchair would stop working. If a wheelchair breaks, it takes months and months in order to get it repaired; If the chair stopped working, so would he.
Bringing awareness to the fact that repairing wheelchairs brings even more challenges that disabled people have to face was very influential. This added even more depth to the documentary.
The camera work was exceptionally well done. Each scene throughout the entire documentary had a purpose. Following Fogal in his journey of painting this beautiful mural was beyond inspiring.
The interviews within the documentary were well conducted
and gave much more perspective into his story. Seeing each stroke and watching the painting come to life evoked a feeling of awe in the audience. After watching the documentary, it feels as though Fogal is a friend and there’s a deep connection that’s formed while watching. The standing ovation was well deserved.
Fogal’s mural is currently in the Church of Fine Arts right outside the Lilley Museum, and if given the opportunity should be viewed.
Opinions expressed in The Nevada Sagebrush are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily express the views of The Sagebrush or its staff. Vanessa Navratil is a student at the University of Nevada studying Journalism. She can be reached at emilyhess@sagebrush.unr.edu.
The Ultimate College Movie Marathon
By Emily Hess
For When You Feel Like the Main Character (a.k.a. when everything is falling into place, and you need a movie that gets it)
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Nothing makes you want to embrace academia and quote poetry under a tree like Robin Williams inspiring a group of students to seize the day.
Lady Bird (2017)
For when you’re feeling sentimental about your past, present and future all at once. Bonus points if you’re contemplating your relationship with your mom.
Before Sunrise (1995)
A love letter to fleeting moments, deep conversations and the kind of connections that only happen when you’re young and wandering.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Soundtrack? Immaculate. Vibes? Nostalgic. This one’s for when you want to feel infinite.
For the 3 a.m. Spiral (a.k.a. when you’re questioning your entire existence but in an aesthetic way)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
For when you wish you could erase every bad decision, but also realize that pain is part of growth.
Frances Ha (2012)
A chaotic but relatable story about a 20-something who doesn’t quite have her life together but is figuring it out anyway.
Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) f being a broke artist struggling to make it wasn’t relatable enough, Oscar Isaac’s melancholy performance will seal the deal. Lost in Translation (2003)
When you’re feeling adrift, disconnected and like no one quite gets you—but in an aesthetically pleasing way.
For the Unhinged Situationship Era(a.k.a. when you know they’re bad for you, but you’re still texting them back)
500 Days of Summer (2009)
Because we’ve all been Tom at some point, delusionally romanticizing someone who does not feel the same way.
La La Land (2016)
For when you realize that love and ambition don’t always go hand in hand.
Gone Girl (2014)
Not a love story, but sometimes you need to channel some unhinged energy when dealing with a toxic situationship.
Someone Great (2019)
For healing, moving on and dancing around your apartment with your best friends.
For When Academia is Beating You Down(a.k.a. when you need motivation or a cinematic scream session)
Whiplash (2014)
For the academic weapon era — if you’ve ever pushed yourself to the edge for success, this one hits different.
Uncut Gems (2019)
Pure anxiety in film form. Sometimes you just need to watch someone else make a series of terrible choices.
Black Swan (2010)
For when perfectionism is slowly driving you mad, and you need a psychological thriller to match your energy.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
An absurdist existential crisis wrapped in a heartfelt story — perfect for when your brain feels like it’s in a million places at once.
For When You Need Delusional Confidence (a.k.a. when you’re about to wing it but believe in yourself anyway)
The Social Network (2010)
Nothing like watching Mark Zuckerberg create Facebook to make you feel like you, too, could build an empire.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
For when you want to channel ultimate smooth, confident energy — even if you’re just winging it.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Elle Woods is proof that you can be underestimated and still prove everyone wrong. Iconic.
Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Sometimes being a boss means barely keeping it together while looking fabulous.
The Final Exam Survival Kit (a.k.a. when you realize you should have started studying weeks ago)
Good Will Hunting (1997)
For when you need some academic inspiration (or just want to pretend you’re a genius).
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Proof that overthinking and being a genius are basically the same thing.
The Imitation Game (2014)
For that last-minute cram session where you try to decode an entire semester of material.
The Martian (2015)
If Matt Damon can science his way off Mars, you can survive finals week.
The Bottom Line?
College is chaotic, emotional and completely ridiculous — but at least you have movies that make it feel cinematic instead of just exhausting. Whatever era you’re in — romanticizing, spiraling, thriving or barely surviving — there’s a movie for that.
Emily Hess can be reached via email at emilyhess@sagebrush.unr.edu or on Twitter at @ emilyghess3.
By Emily Hess
This month’s selection comes from Adaptation: 13th International Combined Caucus Exhibition, a showcase of experimental photographic storytelling curated by Liz Allen. This striking mixed-media piece plays with visibility and distortion, using woven layers to obscure and reveal a fragmented human face. The work explores themes of identity, memory, and perception—inviting viewers to reflect on what remains hidden and what inevitably surfaces.
By blending photography and textile, the artist transforms a familiar image into something elusive, reinforcing the idea that identity is fluid and shaped by layers of experience. The result is a compelling visual metaphor that challenges how we see both ourselves and others.
For those interested in contemporary art, photography, and experimental media, this exhibit offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of identity and adaptation in visual storytelling.
Emily Hess can be reached via email at emilyhess@sagebrush.unr. edu or on Twitter at @emilyghess3.
Nevada Sagebrush/Vanessa Navratil
Emily Hess/Nevada Sagebrush
Can book bans be reinforced everywhere?
By Teagan Greer
Panic has ensued on social media over book bans and censorships happening throughout the country. This is in result of the multiple reels and posts online, provoking emotional outbursts from their audience about the subject.
If book bans were to happen in Nevada, it would greatly affect college students statewide. It could result in greater limitations and devastating consequences if nothing is done about it.
For clarification, this is not to cause readers panic or alarm. This is simply to express the possibilities that I think could happen if another book ban–potentially a stricter one–was put in place, based on the events that happened in recent memory.
The claims on social media were founded on statistics and data from a Pen America article published on February 4, 2025. It showed what books were banned most frequently in schools from 2023-2024. The statistics from this resource were made to appear as though they were statistics from this year. Most of the data, however, turned out to be past data that was misrepresented as new information.
Concerns have also risen about how the education system might be forced to ban more material due to policies that have been enacted by President Donald Trump. These claims about book bans have stemmed from the possible influence of ‘Project 2025’. Little information has been confirmed about the education system’s new policies or any influence of Project 2025 that is directly linked to book bans this year.
Most book bans are enacted in a K-12 setting
because people believe that children are too young to be reading about mature themes. Themes can consist of sex, drugs, homosexuality, political views and many more topics that would be considered “problematic” for young readers. The government can enforce and even control the outcomes of what happens to certain books’ availability in schools and even public libraries to a certain extent. Being that K-12 public schools get their funding from the government and that the K-12 education system is being changed by the government, public colleges could have their freedom of choice, finances and political views completely changed as well.
Although it is unconstitutional for a book to be banned in a college setting based on First Amendment rights, the government can still pull federal aid, grants or funding from public colleges if they choose not to comply with federal orders.
In fact, there is a temporary ban that Federal Judges Loren L. AliKhan and John McConnell Jr. passed when it came to the policies that involved freezing federally funded school programs. While these policies are not directly tied to book bans, they can still lead to a problematic conclusion for colleges alike. This may cause students and faculty to follow stricter policies, laws and even censorship in order to obtain direct payment from the government.
Books that have been affected in the past by book bans were those such as Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher (first banned 2019), The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood (first banned 2006) and Nineteen Minutes, by Jodi Pi-
The Day that Music Died at UNR
Let’s set the stage: no Welcome Week concert. No Fall music event. No Biggest Little Festival (again). And now? No Spring Concert. NLE Choppa was set to headline what would have been the one big student concert of the year, but as of March 31, it’s officially cancelled due to a medical injury. Of course, nobody is blaming the man for needing to heal—go off, rest, recover. But we are side-eyeing the hell out of how ASUN handled this entire mess. The announcement was posted with the kind of chaotic energy you’d expect from a freshman group chat. “Cancelled,” it screamed, in all caps and bold red. Beneath it read, “Not an April Fools joke.” Which is funny, because just a few hours later, AFTRPRTY reposted it with the caption, “Apparently it was an April Fools joke all along.” So… which is it? Is this Schrodinger’s concert? Both cancelled and not cancelled until observed?
To say students were confused would be the understatement of the year. This was supposed to be our spring blowout, our last hurrah before finals season devours our souls. And instead, we got a poorly timed Instagram post, mixed messages and the haunting sound of silence (and maybe a refund…maybe).
But let’s talk about the bigger picture here. This is now a full academic year with no major concerts. Nothing to kick off the year, nothing to wrap it up and nothing in between. And that leaves ASUN President Dawson Deal and Vice President Liesel Kemmelmeier in a bit of a weird spot: the only executive team in recent memory to deliver no major student music event outside of the COVID year. After last year’s “Biggest Little Festival” quietly disappeared into the void like your ex’s “we should talk” text, this year was supposed to be redemption. But nope. Zip. Nada. At this point, they might as well just save the money. Roll the whole entertainment budget over to the next administration and give future students a Beyoncé-level blowout. A concert so
good it makes us forget we spent this year listening to the sound of our own disappointment echoing off the empty quad.
And can we talk logistics for a second? The concert was supposed to be tomorrow. Are we going to get that money back from the venue? Was there a contract clause for this kind of thing, or is ASUN just eating the cost like a sad, soggy grilled cheese in the DC? We’d love a little transparency. Students are being sent to the Wolf Shop for refunds, but behind the scenes, are we getting refunded too?
Or is the answer—as it’s been all year—just vibes and half baked promises of something in the future?
To be fair, ASUN has thrown some great events in other areas. Free t-shirts, movie nights, mac with Mackay. But nothing hits quite like a campus concert—the lights, the music, the feeling that for one night we’re all in it together, sweaty and alive and screaming lyrics we barely know. It’s a rite of passage, and this year? We missed it.
UNR deserves better. The students deserve to be loud and deserve to dance in a field and sing off-key with strangers who might become our next roommates, heartbreaks or lifelong friends. And yes, ASUN deserves some grace— but they also owe us more than confusion and cancellation graphics.
So here’s a suggestion: instead of trying to squeeze in a last-minute apology concert or throwing more money at a problem already too far gone, just save it. Pass the aux cord to next year’s exec. team and let them plan something amazing. Let them bring the music back. Because this year? This year was on mute.
Opinions expressed in The Nevada Sagebrush are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily express the views of The Sagebrush or its staff. Emily Hess is a student at the University of Nevada studying Journalism. She can be reached at emilyhess@sagebrush.unr.edu.
coult (most banned in 2023-2024).
These books have served societal purposes by highlighting controversial messages of suicide, corrupt governments, the exploitation of women and school shootings just to name a few. The topics were made to inform as well as warn readers about the dangerous situations that could occur. Without these books, it can negatively affect people’s ability to critically think of the events happening in their lives or talk about them with others without being shamed or ostracized.
Traditional as well as independent authors are especially affected by book bans. According to The University of Florida, an author’s state of mental health can be strongly affected by the stresses that come with book bans being enacted. This is because of the public backlash that authors would have to endure as well as having to possibly witness their own bankruptcy.
At minimum, having a book censorship or book ban that starts at the elementary school level can lead to polarization, a limited viewpoint of the world and even a lack of empathy as well as a lack of understanding of social injustice. People are then polarized even further and the ability to branch out and look at different viewpoints will become increasingly difficult without harassment or assault.
At the most drastic level, citizens who are strongly against controversial books can take the initiative of book banning one step further. There have been records of people not only censoring and banning books, but burning books altogether.
The
Book burnings have happened when extremist groups took control of the flow of information and knowledge. Examples of this would be when Nazis took over Germany. It ultimately caused hateful ideologies to influence University students, which motivated them to burn books that were against their own ideology in 1933. It is important to know that although this is the least likely scenario to happen because of how drastic the possibility is. However, it is still a scenario that should be considered. History has a tendency to repeat itself, so it is important to look for the patterns and signs early.
Banning books has only created unnecessary problems for everyone involved, including colleges and K-12 public school settings. It limits a person’s freedom to choose what to read while limiting their worldview further causing more chaos, confusion and frustration. Book bans can even motivate more people, out of spite or fear, to keep buying as well as acquiring banned books out of retaliation or exclusivity.
As long as books are written, and the internet is alive, there will be controversial messages that come with them. Censoring an idea is like constructing a wall around the depths of the ocean, it will only go so far until it crumbles under the constant pressure.
Opinions expressed in The Nevada Sagebrush are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily express the views of The Sagebrush or its staff. Teagan Greer can be reached via email at draridon@sagebrush.unr.edu or on Instagram via @NevadaSagebrush.
Internet is
Cruel, But We Choose to Ignore it
By Alex Psak
I’m addicted to Social Media and so are you. Has the internet ruined our perspectives on everything positive in life? Why do we think everything is too good to be true? Are we too far gone?
Nearly everyone has social media. It’s not a secret that most of us are addicted to it. However, everyone’s media algorithm is different. They target audiences based on gender, age, race, and more. Algorithm data has grown exponentially over recent years. When you would like one piece of media, suddenly, it’s one of the only topics you’ll see. In more recent years, media depicting poor ideals of relationships, sex, and violence have become almost…popularized.
The algorithm system is destroying us, and people know it. I’ve talked to a number of people who have shared their stories about losing people close to them due to the harmful ideologies that have circulated through social media. I’ve had it happen to me. All said that if it wasn’t for the algorithm that was presented to their loved ones, they would still be in contact with them. Violence, sex, misogyny, etc., are present in social media such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms that are easily accessible to all ages.
According to Tessian, a cybersecurity company, starting in 2025, about 80% of people overshare their personal information on the internet. Social media and new technologies can pose various dangers; however, as people become more acclimated to it and more invested in wanting to share their lives with friends and family through media platforms, they get too comfortable exposing themselves. Have we gotten too comfortable?
There are a lot of innocent people on the internet, with an equal amount of hateful ones. According to Pew Research Center, in 2020, about 64% of U.S. Citizens said that social media has a negative effect on how things are
going in the U.S. regarding the government and civilian life. It’s become normalized to see horrible messages and posts that are supposed to come across as funny.
I’ve talked to various UNR students who have shared their stories with me, ranging from failed romantic relationships to doxxing. I have even lost people I cared for due to the ideals of cynicism that are present in our pockets.
No one should have constant access to negativity. How can we be content with ourselves, if we constantly think everyone is out to get us? We would never truly feel comfortable with other people, always second-guessing ourselves and our relationships. Who wants to be in a position where you always feel like you’re walking on eggshells?
I can say that I’m also addicted to media and sometimes overshare on my social platforms. I relate to being exposed to negative ideals and almost being coerced into thinking that everyone I know isn’t who they say they are and that the love they give isn’t genuine. It’s terrifying second-guessing everything one cares about.
The only way things will ever change is if we accept that online cynicism is just as the definition says it is: a belief. Cynicism is not reality. Some people care, and no one is out to get us. So, we need to stop listening so much to other people and think for ourselves.
journalism. They can be reached apsak@unr.edu or on Instagram @ alexandrapsak
By Emily Hess
Photo by Zoe Malen
Sports
Looking back on Nevada’s time in the WAC: A retrospective
By: Andrew Maples
For much of the 2000s, Nevada’s football team consistently earned conference titles and bowl berths, including their famous win over Boise State in 2010. This success led Nevada to leave the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) for the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in 2012. Soon after, the WAC as it stood disappeared, and so did Nevada’s dominance with it. But what happened to the WAC? And why did Nevada have to leave it behind?
Chris Ault or “Coach” as he likes to be called, helped guide the Pack’s athletic program from a Division II independent in 1976 to a 1990s powerhouse. They became the first school to move up a division and win their conference in the same season by winning the Big West I-A title in 1992. In 1994 Nevada would lead the nation in passing.
The Wolf Pack is no stranger to realignment, having moved four times since Ault’s tenure began, with Nevada being a title contender in Division I-AA competing in the Big Sky Conference from 1979 to 1991.
“I loved it, this was my university, I was a graduate, my life was the university,” Ault said. “It was exciting and another gear for me.”
A move to the Big West in Division I-A, gave Nevada a chance to build up their men’s and women’s athletics programs – the latter of the two Ault said the Big Sky didn’t feature much
of, as well as their rivalry with UNLV by playing them annually. The move occurred while Ault was serving double duty as coach and athletic director.
After eight years, another opportunity presented itself with the WAC seeking to replace lost schools in 2000. Commissioner Karl Benson invited Nevada while signing a TV rights deal with ESPN, giving the Pack more exposure than ever before.
Within the national footprint of the WAC, Nevada became more prominent locally.
“That was a big deal to me, that the community embraced it,” Ault said.
Women’s sports such as softball and soccer were started following the move, along with brand new facilities such as the Peterson Academic Center and the Primm Strength Center. Success came for the men’s basketball team as well, earning a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2004 after a WAC title. 2004 also saw Nevada’s athletic department bring home an All-Conference trophy, which they would repeat in 2007.
Women’s swim and dive has arguably been Nevada’s most consistent program, winning 11 conference titles dating back to 1979 and is one of only four sports to win a MWC title. They also boast the most All-Americans of any sport on campus.
Nevada Lands Fresno State Transfer Elijah Price
The Nevada men’s basketball team secured its first commitment from the transfer portal by adding former Fresno State forward Elijah Price.
Price, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound freshman from Long Beach, Calif., has three years of eligibility remaining. He becomes the first major piece in Nevada’s offseason rebuild as the program looks to retool a roster that will look vastly different this fall.
Price is set to join his third team. After redshirting the 2023-24 campaign at Drake, he transferred to Fresno State, where he averaged 10.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game during his freshman season. His scoring average led all freshmen in the Mountain West last year. He’ll likely have the opportunity to step into a significant role right away. Nevada returns just three players who appeared in a game last season — guards Tyler Rolison and Chuck Bailey III, and forward Jeriah Coleman. With the departure of the team’s top five scorers, Price is currently the only player on the 2025-26 roster who averaged double figures in scoring last season.
Price had drawn interest from several highmajor and Mountain West programs, including Houston, Oklahoma, DePaul, TCU, Clemson, San Diego State, Vanderbilt, Boise State, Utah State, Colorado State, UNLV, and Washington State.
He shot 40 percent from the field last season, converting an average of 3.0-of-7.6 attempts per game, and hit 66 percent of his free throws, going 4.3-of-6.5 on average.
Price was one of 11 players to enter the portal from Fresno State after a turbulent 6-26 season marred by off-court issues, including reports of two players allegedly betting on games. With a wave of seniors and key contributors departing through the portal, Price is expected to be the first of several additions as Nevada looks to reshape its roster ahead of the 2025-26 season.
James Wolfgang Perez can be reached via email dominicgutierrez@unr.edu or via X @jpereznevada
Despite other programs flourishing thanks to the move to the WAC, football struggled, prompting a change in the leadership in the organization. Ault was mentioned as a name to help lead the Pack once again. Ault didn’t intend on returning to coaching, as he had been working solely as the athletic director since 1996, after serving as both coach and AD for nine years. However, Ault was swayed to rejoin Nevada once again in 2005.
“I was not considering it until president John Lilley approached me,” Ault said. “I had a lot of pride in the team.”
Once Ault returned to the sidelines in 2005, Cary Groth stepped in as athletic director. Groth had helped build Northern Illinois into a nationally known program through competitive scheduling. Their football team notched wins over Maryland and Alabama in the early 2000s.
“Plan the work and work the plan,” Groth said.
That was the motto she took with her from NIU to Nevada in hopes of building the school’s profile and resources.
“When I got there they were an FBS school, but hadn’t really made that jump,” Groth said.
The Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is the current division Nevada is in, which was for -
merly called Division I-A. Groth says Nevada mostly played a regional schedule, and wanted to start looking nationally. This included expanding their searches for coaches and recruits. Money was needed for these endeavors, prompting more donor outreach efforts to increase their budget.
As Nevada’s brand grew larger, new campus buildings and athletic facilities began to take shape during Groth’s tenure. These included the Hixson Softball Park and the IGT Knowledge Center. Heading into the 2010 season, the stars began to align for Nevada to make another move.
“When Boise made the decision to leave we knew we needed to,” Groth said. “We had outgrown it.”
Ironically, Boise State also helped Nevada move in another way, with their now famous 2010 football loss in Reno that eliminated them from national championship contention. It would be named “ESPN Game of The Year” and led Nevada to its highest ever national ranking at #11.
Former Wolf Pack forward Nick Davidson has committed to play for the Clemson Tigers in his final season according to his agent KJ Smith, who told Joe Tipton of On3 Sports. According to a previous announcement by Smith, Davidson was deciding between five schools: Virginia, Notre Dame, Washington, Texas and Clemson.
The redshirt senior spent four years at Nevada, becoming an All-Mountain West Conference player each of the last two seasons. In his last season with the Pack, he averaged 15.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 37 percent from three. He entered the transfer portal back on March 17.
He will join a Clemson team that suffered a first-round upset loss to McNeese State in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers have lost eight players to graduation/transfer portal since the season has ended, including their starting forwards.
By: Andrew Maples
Credit: James Wolfgang Perez/Nevada Sagebrush
James Wolfgang Perez/Nevada Sagebrush
Derek Raridon/Nevada Sagebrush
Vincent Lozano/Nevada Athletics
Zoe Malen/Nevada Sagebrush
By: James Wolfgang Perez
“I tell people, go out, be you.” The Hype Behind the Nevada Hype Man, Alex
By: Dominic Gutierrez
Every sports venue at the University of Nevada, Reno has its distinct relic or memory. Wolf Pack fans will always hear howling through the venue, see their mascots Alphie, Wolfie Jr., and Luna and watch countless performances from the cheer team. Among that group, however, is someone who truly makes Nevada sporting events one of a kind.
Jean-Alexander Loumith Fonvile is a name many might not know, but his nickname, the Nevada hype man, travels through Pack fans’ memories, almost as much as the loud and vibrant personality he brings with him.
Known as Alex to his teammates, he’s been the heart and soul of the Nevada cheer and spirit team for the past few years. Seeing him now, you’d think he’s been in the cheer setting all his life. That’s far from the truth, however, as Fonvile
has come a long way from his younger days in the Bay Area.
Fonvile grew up in Palo Alto, California, and was involved in sports all his life. He played football, and sports in the Bay are no walk in the park.
“I played schools like Junípero Serra High School, where Tom Brady came from,” Fonvile said. “My own high school was the alma mater of both Joc Pederson and Davante Adams. We play ball out there, you know? It’s legit out there.”
Fonvile may not have ended up in the NFL, but he was good enough to receive multiple college offers, including Central Washington and Oregon State. He went with neither, ultimately landing with Nevada as an outside-the-box decision, and saw it as a new beginning.
“It’s always about that new start, that new chance to be who you want to be, not who you
had to be growing up,” Fonvile said. “So I wanted to step out of the comfort zone and took a shot at Reno.”
Fonvile had the idea of playing football with the Wolf Pack after a few strength and conditioning coaches told him they’d let him know when tryouts opened up. He said those calls never came, and it was hard not to be down himself.
But that wasn’t the end of his loud, athletic spirit. Feeling lost inside his dorm room, a friend of his told him he should try out for the mascot team. Fonvile needed something in it for him, so his friend bet him $20.
That was enough for Fonvile, who said despite still having an offer from Central Washington, he decided to take the bet.
“I was like, ‘if I don’t make it, I get $20’,” Fonvile said. “I go about my day, and nothing changes. So
I was like, ‘I’ll head out there’. I said screw it.” But thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, things didn’t go exactly as planned for Fonvile. Because everything was shut down, the mascot team said anyone who had applied would make the team due to the uncertainty of there even being a season.
Continued online at nevadasagebrush.com
Nevada Softball Sweeps UNLV in Silver State Series Double Header
By: James Wolfgang Perez & Derek Raridon
The Nevada softball team took down UNLV in a Silver State Series double header on April 2, sweeping the Rebels for the first time since 2021.
Nevada started the day with a narrow 5-4 win. Things got off to a quick start, as UNLV designated player Charelle Aki hit a two-RBI double in the first inning. Nevada, however, did not go down quietly. Outfielder Aaliyah Jenkins stepped up and hit a solo home run to cut the Rebels’ early lead down to one. The fireworks continued into the second and third innings, as UNLV second baseman hit a solo home run of her own in the second and Jenkins notched her second home run of the day in the third, that time being a two-run shot. After a quiet fourth inning, the Rebels broke the tie in the fifth off of a one-out solo home run from Aki. The lead did not last long, however, as Nevada shortstop Haylee Engelbrecht scored on a throwing error in the bottom of the fifth. Then, just one batter later, infielder Siage
Alfaro, who got to third on the previous error, scored on a sac-fly from second baseman Madison Clark, giving Nevada a 5-4 lead late.
UNLV got close to scoring in the top of the sixth, threatening to take control once again. However, with one out, Jenkins caught a short fly ball and turned it into a 9-6 double play, squashing the Rebels’ momentum. Nevada was able to close out the game in the seventh with a three-up, three-down inning from pitcher Hailee McLean, securing the first win of the day 5-4.
The Wolf Pack carried their momentum into game two as Alfaro doubled to left center. She advanced to third on Clark’s bunt before designated pitcher Maya Larsen’s infield single brought in the game’s first run.
The Pack held UNLV scoreless through two innings before adding to their lead in the bottom of the second. First baseman Hannah Di Genova stepped up in her first at-bat and launched a home run, making it 2-0.
Nevada Eliminated from MW Tournament in Loss to Colorado State
By: James Wolfgang Perez
The Nevada men’s basketball team suffered a 67-59 loss to Colorado State in the second round of the Mountain West Tournament, marking its third defeat to the Rams this season. The loss dropped the Pack to 0-11 against the conference’s top-five teams, all but ending their NCAA Tournament hopes. Colorado State wasted no time after winning the opening tip, striking first with a quick layup from forward Rashaan Mbemba. Guard Kyan Evans followed up with a deep three, giving the Rams an early 5-0 advantage. Nevada answered in style, as forward Brandon Love jumped a passing lane, raced down the court, and threw down a slam to put the Pack on the board. Moments later, forward Nick Davidson muscled his way inside for a layup. Evans drilled his second three of the night, and forward Nique Clifford buried another from beyond the arc, pushing Colorado State’s lead to 13-4. Guard Kobe Sanders responded with a smooth turnaround jumper, while Davidson powered through traffic for two more in the paint. Clifford struck back with a deep jumper, keeping the Rams in front.
Nevada got started from beyond the arc as guard Tyler Rolison knocked down a long three, and Davidson followed up with another from distance on the next possession, cutting the deficit to 15-14 with 12:24 left in the first half. Clifford threw down a dunk, but Davidson stayed locked in, converting a layup inside before sinking a jumper on back-to-back possessions to keep the score tight at 19-18. Guard Keyshawn Williams answered with a one-handed floater for the Rams before Evans sank his third three of the game. Sanders countered with a soft jumper in the lane, and Rolison added another contested shot to trim the gap to 24-22. Clifford tacked on three free throws, but Sanders responded with a floater, then followed it up with another jumper in the paint, making it 27-26 with two minutes left in the half. Clifford added two more at the line.
On the mound, McLean dominated early, striking out five of the first 11 batters she faced while allowing just one hit and no runs through three innings. However, UNLV quickly shifted the momentum in the fourth when shortstop Jesse Farrell capitalized on McLean’s second pitch, sending one over the fence to put the Rebels on the board.
After a scoreless bottom of the fourth, UNLV took advantage of a wild pitch and a throwing error by Jenkins in the fifth. Pinch runner Gwyn Burnett came around to score, tying the game at two.
Nevada wasted no time responding. In the bottom of the fifth, Engelbrecht snapped the Pack’s two-inning scoring drought with a solo home run to center. On the next pitch, Alfaro followed with a shot to right, reclaiming the lead and extending it to 4-2.
Both teams remained scoreless in the sixth before Nevada closed it out in the seventh.
The Nevada baseball team completed its 2025 non-conference schedule after defeating Sacramento State 8-5 on Monday, March 10. Before the Wolf Pack begins Mountain West play on Friday, March 14, against Fresno State, let’s look at what went right and wrong in their preseason action. The Numbers: Record: 10-6 (6-2 at home, 4-4 away) Opponents/Series Record: Cal (1-3), CSU Bakersfield (3-1), Northern Colorado (3-1), San Francisco (2-1), Sac State (1-0) Offense: .285/.386/.450 (slash line equals batting average/on base percentage/slugging), 158 hits, 18 home runs, 97 RBIs, 65 walks, five stolen bases Pitching: 5.80 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 138 innings pitched, 137 hits, 89 earned runs, 121 strikeouts Top Offensive Performer: INF Michael Ball: .300/.372/.600, six home runs, 16 RBIs, four walks Top Pitcher: Dominic Desch: 2.03 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 13.1 innings pitched, 14 strikeouts
What Went Right: Nevada’s offense had no issues stringing runs together. The Wolf Pack had four games where they scored 10-plus runs and had a team OPS of .836. Four players, Ball, first baseman Billy Ham, utility man Junhyuk Kwon and infielder Jackson Waller hit over .300 through these first 16 games. Of those four hitters, Ball hit the lowest at an even .300, but took home the Mountain West’s Baseball Player of the Week honors for his performance over the 2-1 series win against San Francisco. He batted .500 with seven hits, seven RBIs and five runs. Ball also leads the team in
UNLV threatened with a single and a walk, but the Pack held strong. With two runners on, Rebels right fielder Bri Williams popped out to second for the final out, securing Nevada’s 4-2 win.
While the team shared success against the Rebels, Jenkins also had personal success at Hixon Park. After gaining 12 total bases across the two games, Jenkins jumped second all time in career total bases in Nevada history with 390, only behind Megan Sweet, who played from 2013-16 and has 428.
After sweeping UNLV, the Wolf Pack (28-9, 6-2) will quickly transition to play in California, as they will take on the Cal Golden Bears on April 4 and a short, two game series against the Fresno State Bulldogs from April 5-6.
Derek Raridon and James Wolfgang Perez can be reached via email draridon@sagebrush.unr.edu or via X @ TheBigCountry14 and @jpereznevada
slugging at an even .600.
The overall pitching numbers don’t look pretty, but plenty of individuals stood out. Relief pitcher Eric Valdez was one of them, who, alongside Ball, took home the Mountain West’s Baseball Pitcher of the Week honors. He secured Nevada’s series-clinching win against San Francisco, throwing 5.2 scoreless innings in relief with seven strikeouts while allowing just two hits. Six Nevada pitchers carry an ERA under four so far, including reliever Logan Saloman, who hasn’t given up a run in seven innings of work. What Went Wrong: While Nevada’s offense had some fun scoring runs, its opponents also did. The Pack’s pitching staff gave up 101 total runs on 137 hits. Most of that was inflated from the series against Cal, where Nevada gave up 34 runs and suffered three blowout losses in that series (14-1, 11-3, 8-0). The pitching staff also allowed opponents to hit .261/.365/.419, so it was relatively close to what Nevada’s offense put up. 10 of Nevada’s 17 pitchers carry an ERA over four after non-conference play, and as a team, the Pack put up a 5.80 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. Outside of the pitching performances, Nevada did pretty well statistically among the rest of the Mountain West. Stolen bases are the only statistic Nevada ranks last in, as the only team in the conference with under double-digit steals.
