Robinson keeps coach Bradeson

Steve Guiremand

Friday, Dec. 18, 1998 | 9:15 a.m.

New UNLV head football coach John Robinson didn't have to go very far for his latest assistant coaching hire.

Like down the hallway and to the right.

That's where Mike Bradeson, the Rebels' secondary coach and recruiting coordinator under Jeff Horton, maintained his Lied Athletic Complex the last three years. He'll be back for a fourth season in 1999.

"Every time I talked to anybody about him they always had a lot of positive things to say about him," Robinson said of the 39-year-old Bradeson.

Bradeson is the second assistant coach to be retained by Robinson from Horton's staff. Previously, wide receivers coach DelVaughn Alexander was hired.

"It's very exciting," Bradeson said. "I have planted some roots in this town and I've come to love this university and the community."

Bradeson didn't have long to enjoy the news. He's been busy trying to help organize UNLV's recruiting, which will get into full swing in early January once Robinson completes his staff.

Robinson still has two staff openings to fill: a running backs coach and an offensive line coach.

Football schedule released

UNLV released it's 1999 football schedule on Thursday and its not exactly the kind of schedule condusive to a quick turnaround from last year's dismal 0-11 campaign.

Six of the first nine games are on the road, including back-to-back trips to hot and muggy Texas to open the season.

The Rebels begin the John Robinson era of UNLV football with a Sept. 4 date at North Texas University, then travel south to Waco the following week to face Baylor.

Robinson's UNLV home coaching debut will be on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. against Iowa State.

UNLV's Mountain West Conference opener will be the following week, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. against Utah at Sam Boyd Stadium. It will be the Utes first appearance in Las Vegas since 1981.

The schedule is highlighted by an Oct. 23 Homecoming Game against BYU at 4 p.m.

Other home dates include Las Vegas Bowl-bound San Diego State (Nov. 20, 1 p.m.) and Colorado State (Nov. 27, 1 p.m.).

Sideline seats are $85 for the five-game package while end-zone seats are $50. Single-game tickets, which are priced at $12-$20, will go on sale just before the season opener.

As part of the $18 million stadium renovation, the school will also be offering club seating for the first time along with the opening of 16 luxury suites. The 488 club seats will feature various amenities including chair backs, food service and VIP parking not only for Rebel football games, but every event held at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Further information on season tickets, club seats and luxury suites can be obtained by calling (702) 895-UNLV.

QB help on the way?

UNLV, desperate for quarterback help, will have one of the West Coast's top junior college prospects in town for a visit this weekend.

Jack Hawley (6-3, 200) of Los Angeles Harbor College will take an official recruiting trip this weekend and could enroll as soon as January in time to participate in spring practice drills.

"We liked him a lot," Dick Lascola of the Fallbrook, Calif.-based Scouting Evaluation Association said. "He has the quick feet, he can read the field and he has a quick release. He can find the open receiver and can hang in there and take the hit. He showed a lot of poise and leadership on the field. I think he's one of the top junior college quarterbacks ( in California) this year."

Hawley is also being recruited by Cal, Baylor and Minnesota.

Bringing in a top-notch junior college quarterback is a top priority for Robinson and his new staff. Only one scholarship quarterback returns for the 1999 season, redshirt sophomore Chris Hayward. Most major college programs have at least four quarterbacks on scholarship.

1999 UNLV Football Schedule

Date Opponent

Sept. 4 at North Texas

Sept. 11 at Baylor

Sept. 18 Iowa State

Sept. 25 Utah

Oct. 2 at Nevada

Oct. 9 at Wyoming

Oct. 16 BYE

Oct. 23 BYU

Oct. 30 at New Mexico

Nov. 6 BYE