The drummers beat a Rebel tattoo. The cheerleaders waved their pompoms. The throngs pressed ever-closer to celebrate an unprecedented rally.
It was the biggest comeback UNLV had ever executed, and it came at a moment so sweet you could put it in your coffee. Down 23-0 to UNR Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium, the Rebels came charging back with a 21-point second quarter en route to a 34-29 win over the rival Wolf Pack. And to the victor go the pigment-filled spoils.
To celebrate reclaiming the Fremont Cannon for the first time since 2015, a healthy crowd of athletes, students, staff, and faculty crowded around the cannon at Pida Plaza Monday afternoon. After the football team took turns applying the ceremonial first coat of scarlet, more and more dug in to put their mark on the cannon, cheer from the Student Union balcony, and pose for paintbrush selfies. Here's a look at the what went into getting the cannon back in its proper clothing.
Sophomore quarterback Armani Rogers celebrates after leading UNLV to its biggest comeback in school history, overcoming a 23-0 deficit to rally the Rebels past UNR at Sam Boyd Stadium Nov. 24. (Josh Hawkins/UNLV Creative Services)
The Rebels lead the Fremont Cannon off the field. It wouldn't stay blue much longer. (Josh Hawkins/UNLV Creative Services)
Hey Reb! even got in on the postgame celebration. (Josh Hawkins/UNLV Creative Services)
UNLV junior linebacker Gabe McCoy leads the cannon to Pida Plaza on Nov. 26. (Josh Hawkins/UNLV Creative Services)
Coach Tony Sanchez does the honors, getting the proper shade on the Fremont Cannon. (Josh Hawkins/UNLV Creative Services)
At 545 pounds, the Fremont Cannon is the heaviest trophy in college football. It's also the most expensive. The replica cannon cost $10,000 to build, and was donated by Nevada Mines Division of the Kennecott Copper Corp. (Josh Hawkins/UNLV Creative Services)
The cannon was first contested in 1970. UNR still holds a 27-17 edge in the rivalry series.
An eager crowd filled Pida Plaza, packing in tightly against the cannon and lining the Student Union balcony. (Josh Hawkins/UNLV Creative Services)
After the football team took the first swipes at the cannon, it will be rolled to the campus paint shop so the professionals can finish the job. (Josh Hawkins/UNLV Creative Services)
Cheerleaders and members of the band made the atmosphere festive at Pida Plaza. (Josh Hawkins/UNLV Creative Services)
Hopefully the scarlet paint will be cracked and flaking before the cannon ever sees another coat of navy blue.
The former student-athlete has returned and is ready to tackle a new position as director of Football Player Development and Community Engagement for UNLV Athletics.
