UTEP

The UTEP Miners embody the spirit and grit of the desert Southwest at the University of Texas at El Paso. Established in 1914, the Miners compete in Conference USA proudly wearing orange and blue as they carry a legacy of historic athletic achievements from the rugged Franklin Mountains to national prominence. Their landmark moment was the groundbreaking 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship, marking the first Texas team to win college basketball’s ultimate prize and breaking racial barriers with an all-African American starting lineup defeating Kentucky. The Miners boast seven men’s cross country national titles and 13 men’s track and field championships, signaling unwavering desert determination. With a total of 21 NCAA Division I national championships, their multi-sport success is profound. Sun Bowl Stadium hosts an electrified Miner Nation, led by mascot Paydirt Pete and enduring chants of “El Paso Fight.” Historic arenas like the Don Haskins Center enhance their competitive edge throughout the Chihuahuan Desert. UTEP’s proud heritage blends groundbreaking moments with sustained success, developing Olympic athletes and champions across numerous sports. The Miners continue charging forward with desert grit and borderland resolve, proving that their orange and blue warriors rise highest in the Southwest.