Gather ‘round the TV: Festive Christmas specials for UNLV sports

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022 | 2 a.m.

In the past, we’ve celebrated the holiday season on the UNLV sports beat by watching festive movies with the Scarlet and Gray, curating a playlist of Christmas songs, and even giving out classic presents. But there’s nothing more communal than gathering in front of the television set (preferably one of those heavy duty, old-fashioned tube models that doubles as furniture) for a heart-warming Christmas special.

Let's settle in for a marathon of our most beloved seasonal TV programming:

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

While on a personal Christmas journey, Charlie Brown famously picks out the thinnest, saddest, most malnourished tree and imbues it with meaning. That sounds a lot like what Barry Odom is doing by accepting the head coaching job at UNLV, where the football program will need more than a blanket and a Vince Guaraldi score to breathe some life into it.

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Imagination, joy and a little magic are what bring Frosty to life, and those are the same ingredients Keshon Gilbert is using to revive UNLV basketball. Whether it’s a creative finish in the paint, a highlight defensive play or his infectious energy, the sophomore guard always seems to spread good cheer. Happy birthday!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

This seminal special — one could argue it really ignited the Christmas TV craze — could serve as a cautionary tale for Kyle Williams, Leif Fautanu, Aidan Robbins and other UNLV football players in the transfer portal. Sure, the grass could be greener at another program, but they’d better be careful not to end up on the Island of Misfit Toys.

Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)

The Rankin/Bass animation studio cranked out one classic Christmas special after another, including this one and several other entries on the list. Essence Booker went on a similar run in the 2022 Mountain West tournament, averaging 17.3 points and 4.7 assists while leading UNLV to the league championship. In the title game, she capped off her Rankin/Bass hot streak by scoring 25 points and being named tournament MVP.

A Claymation Christmas Celebration (1987)

This special introduced the world to the California Raisins, much the way Kevin Kruger has introduced UNLV fans to transfers E.J. Harkless, Luis Rodriguez and Eli Parquet this year. With those three setting a defensive tone, the Scarlet and Gray are surging — just like the Raisin fever that turned a stop-motion animated soul group into 1980’s icons.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

If there’s anyone whose heart is two sizes too small, it’s former UNLV football coach Marcus Arroyo, who looked down on Las Vegas the way the Grinch sneered at Whoville. Here’s hoping Arroyo lands somewhere that shows him the true meaning of Christmas and inspires a much-needed change of heart.

The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

Bea Arthur slinging drinks at the Mos Eisley cantina? An all-Wookie family segment with no subtitles? A closing musical number by Carrie Fisher? Even the most bizarre special ever carried over the airwaves can’t compare to the weirdness that was the UNLV football loss at Hawaii. Needing a win to stay bowl-eligible, the Scarlet and Gray out-gained Hawaii, won time of possession, scored a defensive touchdown and still managed to find a way to lose. George Lucas has done everything in his power to erase all copies of the Star Wars special; UNLV should do the same with this game tape.

Babes in Toyland (1986)

A live-action, made-for-TV remake of a classic Disney film, starring Keanu Reeves and Drew Barrymore? By all accounts, this should have been a smash hit. Instead it fizzled and was forgotten almost immediately. That’s similar to the muted impact the NCAA’s Name, Image and Likeness rule has had on UNLV athletics. With all the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, we expected creative and lucrative NIL deals to be a regular thing, but it has turned out to be a non-factor.

Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962)

Just like it was the most natural of fits to have Mister Magoo take up the part of Ebenezer Scrooge in a retelling of "A Christmas Carol," Lindy La Rocque and UNLV are a perfect match. The Las Vegas native has a 50-17 record in two-plus years as the women's basketball coach, including an NCAA Tournament berth last season (the program's first in 20 years), and the squad is off to another hot start in 2022.

A Garfield Christmas (1987)

Garfield specials set the standard in the 80’s, winning three consecutive Emmy awards from 1984-86 (a stretch that included “Garfield’s Halloween Adventure,” one of the all-time greats). Much the way other specials aspired to get on Garfield’s level, UNLV is competing with a dozen other mid-major hopefuls for an invitation to the Pac-12. “Cathy” joined Garfield in the Emmy pantheon in 1987; perhaps a resurgent basketball team and a well-funded football program will be good enough for UNLV to join the Pac-12 in the next round of realignment.

A Rugrats Chanukah (1996)

Just when it seemed holiday specials had gone out of style, the Rugrats came along with their take on Chanukah and everyone was excited again. Tommy, Chuckie and Angelica breathed new life into a stale format, and Doug Brumfield was a breath of fresh air for UNLV football. Before a concussion derailed his junior season, Brumfield looked like a legitimate star at the quarterback position, using his powerful left arm (and electric legs) to power UNLV to a 4-1 start. He is staying on to play under new coach Barry Odom, raising hopes for a successful 2023 campaign.

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.