Smokey air in Reno resulting from California's Dixie Fire, the largest wildfire in that state's history, has underscored the University of Nevada's need for an indoor practice facility, according to Nevada Sports Net's Chris Murray.
Murray reported Monday that two the Wolf Pack's weekend practices were moved indoors due to outdoor air quality, even though the university has yet to construct the type of dedicated indoor practice facility the football program has wanted for decades.
Nevada head coach Jay Norvell began lobbying for such a facility last year amid wildfire fallout, stating, "Today we have to cancel practice for the fifth time In the last two weeks because of poor air quality. We need an indoor facility that could not only be used by Nevada athletics but also benefit the entire Reno sports community, including high school programs. It’s disruptive to the team. An indoor facility can be a huge benefit, not just because of the winter and having a place to work out and practice indoors, but during this time of year with the wildfires and the poor air quality."
On Monday, Murray asked second-year defensive coordinator Brian Ward about this year's condition. "This is nothing I've experienced," Ward said. "There's always a way to adapt to the weather. I've lived in every tough weather environment from North Dakota to Syracuse, N.Y., to Joplin, Mo., to Tornado Alley in Kansas. We've always found a way to get it done. This smoke definitely gives you something to battle. I've never had to deal with this during fall camp."
