3 players honored as captains

Steve Guiremand

Friday, Nov. 16, 2001 | 10:59 a.m.

Five years ago Pete Tramontanas became the first athlete from the northern California mountain town of Alturas to earn a Division I scholarship.

Now the 6-foot-5, 285-pound center has added another impressive accomplishment to his resume -- offensive captain for the UNLV football squad.

Tramontanas learned the news just before the start of UNLV's final practice of the 2001 season at Rebel Park on Thursday afternoon. The Rebels (3-7, 2-4) flew this morning to Colorado Springs for Saturday's season finale against Air Force (5-4, 2-3).

"It's one of the best things to happen to me," Tramontanas said of the honor, which was determined by a team vote on Wednesday. "It's nice to see all this hard work has paid off. It's a nice feeling."

Senior linebacker Shanga Wilson and senior defensive tackle Ahmad Miller were voted defensive co-captains.

"I was somewhat surprised, but I had been kind of lobbying for some votes," the 6-4, 295-pound Miller, a three-year starter who excelled at stuffing the run, said with a smile. "But being here for three years and being kind of behind the scenes in the trenches ... for them to vote me that felt pretty good."

Wilson, a two-year starter at outside linebacker who has recovered a Mountain West Conference-leading four fumbles to go along with 53 tackles, tied Miller in the defensive captain voting.

"It was a big surprise but I'm willing to accept it," he said. "I'm glad the team appreciates what I do out there because I appreciate them helping me every game."

All three captains felt UNLV would end the year with a strong effort at Air Force even though the Rebels' bowl hopes evaporated a couple of weeks ago.

"I think we're ready," Tramontanas said. "We've had our ups and downs this year -- mostly downs -- but everybody wants to go out with a win and start it off right for next year."

"We definitely want to go out on a good note," Wilson added. "Everybody has practiced well all week and seems focused."

"I think we're looking forward to it and we'll be loose," UNLV head coach John Robinson said. "We're not going to be real emotional or anything, but I think we'll be all right."

Brandon, who leads the team in tackles (9.0 per game) and is fifth in the Mountain West Conference, sprained his ankle Sunday and did not practice all week.

"We thought it would come back but it hasn't gotten well," Robinson said. "He's doubtful."

Robinson said he also planned to start senior Jabari Johnson at tailback and use badly battered junior Joe Haro, who is fourth in the Mountain West in rushing with 103.7 yards per game, in spot duty. Haro has two sore knees and two sore elbows.

"Joe is going to play but not a lot," Robinson said. "We'll try and limit the number of plays he's in there."

Freshman tailback Dominique Dorsey (sprained ankle) didn't practice all week "but might play a little bit," Robinson said.

Three other starters, defensive end Anton Palepoi (knee), offensive guard Greg Hulett (knee) and wide receiver Troy Mason (ankle), will miss the finale as expected.