Nevada football team enjoys the snow

RENO - The weather gods had been pretty nice to the Nevada football team until Saturday afternoon.

Not long after the Pack started their 2-hour practice session in preparation for their bowl game against the University of Miami, snow started to fall and continued for the duration of practice.

By the time practice ended, snow covered the entire playing surface at Mackay Stadium not to mention the uncovered portions of the running track that surrounds the field.

Reserve cornerback Devon Walker, who grew up in Southern California, admitted he was cold, but he also said that teams can get things done in inclimate weather.

"I remember growing up watching the Chicago Bears and Green Bay play, and wanting to play in games (and weather) like that.

"We get stuff done. It's more mental than physical."

Shannon Sevor agreed.

"I think you can get more things done," Sevor said. "The weather forces you to focus more out here."

Quarterback Jeff Rowe said the weather wasn't an issue other than the ball being slippery.

"They (Miami) can't prepare for this," Rowe said as he left the field. "Who knows what it's going to be like in Boise."

REMEMBERING 2003

The first snowfall of the year also brought back memories of the 2003 4A zone finals between Reno and Douglas.

Three Nevada players - punter Thomas Barcia (Reno) and safety Luke Rippee and wide receiver Andy McIntosh (Douglas) played in that game.

Snow started to fall about an hour before that game, and Reno went on to avenge an early season loss to the Tigers. The Huskies went on to win the state championship.

"It was worse in 2003 than today," Rippee said. "You couldn't even see the field."

NOTABLE

The Pack will work out today, but all practices are closed to the media. The team is expected to get Monday off and resume practice on Tuesday...

Several players were in town on their recruiting trips, and they watched Saturday's practice from the comfort of the press box. The group also met with strength coach John Archer and his staff ... A few players had finals, and either came out late or didn't practice at all ... The knee injury that back-up linemen John Hegge suffered last week was pretty severe, and his recovery time is expected to be 6 to 8 months.

•Contact DarrellMoody at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1281