Skip to main content

Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal

Leon Symanski oral history interview, 2024 July 23

Level of Description

File

Identifier

OH_03922_014

Scope and Contents

Oral history interview with Leon Symanski conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on July 23, 2024 for the Game On! The Oral History of Las Vegas Sports project. In this interview, Symanski, a three-time UNLV graduate, recalls his childhood in Southern California and his early relationship with sports. He recalls playing basketball in high school, college, and being recruited by UNLV coaches, who offered him a scholarship with a well-defined role as a backup player. He understood his role and played with the Runnin' Rebels two seasons (1984-87), including UNLV's second Final Four Team. In this interview, Symanski discusses the celebrity status the team enjoyed; coach Jerry Tarkanian's work ethic and method of teaching and preaching after every practice, coach Tim Grgurich's inspirational style, and the role a coach plays in a player's life. He talks about his ten years in hospitality that began with summer jobs at Paul-Son Gaming, working at the Tropicana and Luxor Hotels, before joining the first class at UNLV Boyd School of Law. Finally, he recalls the indoor basketball city leagues run by the Clark County Department of Parks and Recreation. Digital audio and photographs available; no transcript available.

Date

2024-07-23

Extent

22 digital_files (MP3, JPG)

Creator/Contributor Links

Narrator: Symanski, Leon

Container

To request this item in person:
Collection Number: OH-03922
Collection Name: Game On! The Oral History of Las Vegas Sports Interviews
Box/Folder: Digital File 00
English