UNR Coaches Caravan Makes Lively Stop in Fallon

The University of Nevada, Reno’s Coaches Caravan made a Monday, May 18, stop in Fallon, bringing Wolf Pack coaches, players, cheerleaders, and the team mascot to the city fountain on Maine Street for a meet‑and‑greet with local fans. The city fountain had been dyed blue for the occasion, matching the Wolf Pack’s colors and giving the event a festive backdrop.

Four UNR cheerleaders — Zoe Durrer, Rylee Williams, Natalie Chavez, and Emily Beenfeldt — energized the crowd throughout the visit, leading cheers, posing for photos, and welcoming families as they gathered around the blue‑dyed fountain.

The traveling tour, which is making stops across Northern Nevada, drew a strong Fallon crowd. City Councilwoman Kelly Frost, Churchill County School Board President Gregg Malkovich, CCHS Principal Tim Spencer, and CCHS Athletics Director Brian Mello were among the local leaders who welcomed the group.

Brendan Bray, Nevada’s head swimming and diving coach, said the trip has been a highlight for the athletic department. “Everywhere we stop, we don’t know what to expect, and this one we came into town and there was a crowd,” he said. “It’s so nice to see all the Fallon supporters out here.”

Jeff Choate, Nevada’s head football coach, said the idea for the caravan grew out of last month’s Silver & Blue Spring Scrimmage at Churchill County High School, where the Wolf Pack connected with rural fans. He described the tour as “friend‑raising,” adding, “It’s a good idea for us to get out and meet people where they are.”

Sylvain Malroux, UNR’s head men’s tennis coach, also spent time visiting with fans. Originally from France, Malroux said Reno has become his second home since arriving in 2005. He spoke about the sport’s lifelong appeal and encouraged local families to attend Wolf Pack tennis matches, noting the team will host a tournament in September.

UNR football players Zavien Abercrombie, a defensive back from Dallas, Texas, and Trace Estes, a tight end, said they were enjoying the tour and the chance to meet supporters. Abercrombie said he has been impressed with Northern Nevada, calling it “pretty cool” with a “great climate.” Estes added that the trip has been “a different experience” and a memorable part of their offseason.

The caravan continues east, with stops planned in Winnemucca, Elko, and Ely as part of its multi‑day circuit across Northern Nevada.