Friday, Jan. 2, 2009 | 9:03 a.m.
In a Friday morning message on UNLV coach Lon Kruger’s web site, senior forward René Rougeau asked fans to continue supporting the team.
The Rebels are 12-2 and play host to New Mexico, to open Mountain West Conference action, on Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center.
They lost to California and Cincinnati at home, but defeated Arizona at the Mack and won at Louisville on New Year’s Eve to close the non-conference schedule.
Rougeau:
“Hey there Rebel fans,
“We hope you are having a great start to your 2009. The guys had fun in Louisville, but there is a lot of work left to do. And that is why I am writing this quick note.
“Wink (Adams), Joe (Darger), Mo (Rutledge) and I only have eight home games left before our careers are over at UNLV. (I can't believe it has gone so fast!) Conference play starts this Saturday night when we play New Mexico at the Thomas & Mack at 7:30 p.m.
“The home crowds have been great this year - bigger and more intense than any non-conference crowds we have played in front of in our entire time here. And the atmosphere against Arizona was amazing. (Thank you for that!)
“We have one request from you - the fans. Please make each of the eight home conference games remaining this season a special one. We have one of the biggest arenas in the nation to fill every game. And when we get big crowds, it is an unbelievable place to play! It gets us so pumped!
“I know the schedule says our game against Wyoming on Saturday, Jan. 17 is 'Pack the Mack' Night, but let's make every home game the rest of the year a 'Pack the Mack' game!
“As seniors, we are so proud to see the recent growth of this program – including the growth of you, the fans. It is a completely different atmosphere in the Thomas & Mack on game days than it was when we all started playing here.
“So let's end our run together playing harder and cheering louder than we ever have. Let's set an example for future Rebel players and newer Rebel fans of how we do it at UNLV. After all, this is only the beginning of the Rebelution. (The marketing people love when I use that word. :) But the players really do like it, too!)
“On behalf of all of the seniors – as well as the entire UNLV Runnin' Rebel program – we look forward to seeing you Saturday night as we open conference play against the Lobos. We also look forward to seeing you seven more times after that before the regular season ends.
“It's going to be a tough conference this year and we need your help to be successful.
“Thank you for everything you have done to make us feel special. Happy New Year. Go Rebels.”
Sincerely,
René Rougeau
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