NOVEMBER
NEWS Page 3
Bridging pets and families back together
PETE’s B-DAY Page 5
Behind UTEP’s Paydirt Pete
ARTS & CULTURE Page 9
Junk Approved hosts ‘Death by Denim’
SPORTS Page 11
UTEP football loses eighth game to MTSU
UTEP beats Tarleton to start season
Year two of Keitha Adam’s return to UTEP women’s basketball is one where she hopes to remind fans of her winning ways. In her previous stint, Adams led the Miners to multiple C-USA basketball titles and NCAA tournament appearances.
Last season, Adams resumed the head coaching position after leaving in 2017 for her home state of Kansas to coach Wichita State.
“It’s really a circle of a life, my story,” said Adams upon her return in 2023. “I left my home to come here. Then I left here to go back home, and now I’ve left there, to come back home. El Paso and UTEP have never left my heart.”
In her comeback season, the Miners experienced a little bit of a down year with a losing conference record. Still, they were able to rattle off a win against Sam Houston in the C-USA Championships.
“November and December, we’re going to work really hard these two months to learn about our team and figure out who we are,” said Adams five days before the season opener against the Texans.
On the first Monday of November, UTEP began its journey to becoming the best team they can.
While the Miners’ home opener was certainly tense, they were able to pull away from the Tarleton State Texans to beat them 52-49, starting the season 1-0.
UTEP found a groove early when junior Portia Adams led the charge by scoring the Miners’ first points of the season after making two free throws at the end of the first.
Portia Adams continued her production, but the ensuing 12 minutes were reserved by senior Ivane Tensaie to call her shot. Tensaie, who previously played for Penn State before coming to UTEP, scored six points in the quarter, which included her second three pointer of the day.
Tensaie’s game is a prime example
of a roster that Coach Adams labels as “unique.”
“We’ve got returning players, some incoming freshmen, we have quite a few international players,” said Coach Adams in a pre season press conference. “It’s a roster that’s a good foun dation for the future of our program.”
Going into half time, UTEP had a comfortable 22-14 lead over Tarleton State.
Yet, when coming out of the locker rooms, the switch flipped.
The Texan’s shooting game fi nally came alive as senior Elise Turrubiates sent a perfect shot to start the second half off with a Tarleton State three-pointer.
It will be over 300 days before Domestic Violence Awareness Month will come around again, but it is a topic that should have light shed on it every day. UTEP Campus Advocacy, Resources, and Education (CARE) hosts annual resource fairs in October. On Oct. 29, UTEP CARE hosted their annual resource fair, in collaboration with campus departments and community agencies. The fair was meant to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and remind victims that they have a voice.
Among the resources available were UTEP’s Title IX program, counseling and psychological services, and the District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance program.
Raul Ramirez is a victim advocate working with the district attorney’s office. Ramirez helps to assist victims whose cases go through the two felony courts he is assigned to. Some of his tasks include hearings, resolutions and recommendations for the victim.
“It’s good to be out here to provide the services to the community, we’re here to serve them,” said Ramirez. “There’s a percentage of people that don’t know this service is provided to them, and their voice counts. They have a vote and a say, and they deserve the help that they need.”
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 12 million people suffered from intimate partner violence in 2011. Additionally, almost half of all women and men in the U.S experienced psychological aggression from a partner in their lifetime the
The Miners pulled away from Tarleton State to win 52-49 at the Don Haskins. Photos by Alyda Muela and SalmaPaola Baca/The Prospector
Opinion
Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, editor-in-chief
with The Prospector
Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human existence that extends far beyond mere orientation. It encompasses our desires, fantasies and the ways we express intimacy and connection with others.
Understanding and embracing this broader view of sexuality can lead to deeper self-awareness, stronger relationships and a fulfilling life.
At its core, sexuality is about being sexual; a pretty important part of who we are as humans. As the world continues to evolve, so does the thought process behind sex, which seemed so concrete in the past.
In many cultures, such as in Hispanic communities, particularly here in El Paso, sex is often taught primarily as a means of reproduction. Yet, I believe it is so much more than that. Sex is about connection, love and pleasure.
Pleasure, in the context of sexuality, is a complex topic, often tangled with feelings of shame and guilt. For many, societal norms and cultural teachings can create a chasm between the natural human desire for pleasure and the internalized messages that deem sex as sinful or even inappropriate.
Along with this, sex education in Texas is mostly based around abstinence, causing young minds
to have a mindset of shame and fear when it comes to sex. The idea that sexual pleasure is something to be ashamed of can lead individuals to suppress their desires, which can lead to many emotional consequences resulting in harmful behaviors towards themselves or others by taking out their emotions in sometimes dangerous ways.
In this new era, we must recognize the importance of open conversations about sexuality and pleasure. It’s crucial to understand that pleasure is not merely a physical sensation but also an emotional and psychological experience. Engaging in sexual activity can deepen intimacy between partners, creating a bond that transcends the physical. Vulnerability is something that many of us may be taught to fear as well as our sexual desires but in a consensual space, this vulnerability can deepen your relationship with a partner, and especially yourself. However, the journey toward embracing pleasure is definitely not easy. Whether it is the fear of sin or lack of knowledge, there can definitely be some obstacles along the way. This shame can manifest in various ways. People may feel unworthy of pleasure, experience anxiety about their bodies or internalize the idea that their desires are somehow wrong.
This internal conflict can lead to a disconnection from one’s own body
and feelings, inhibiting a person’s ability to fully enjoy sexual experiences, and trust me, this is all very hard to get over but there are ways to get through this and falling in love with yourself is the first step. The journey toward pleasure can also be liberating. When individuals begin to dismantle the shame associated with their sexuality, they open themselves up to a more fulfilling and authentic life. This process often involves self-exploration and education—understanding one’s own body, desires and boundaries. It may also require having difficult conversations with partners about expectations and comfort levels, but this is just as important as everything else, if not more. Open communication is one of the largest steps one can take in becoming comfortable with your body and opening it to pleasure. Pleasure is multifaceted, encompassing emotional, physical and psychological dimensions. It can be found in a multitude of experiences—whether it’s the warmth of a hug, the thrill of a passionate kiss or the ecstasy of sexual climax. There is not only one way to experience pleasure; pleasure again, is more than physical, it is the connection of your body and mind. Engaging in sexual experiences should be an exploration of what brings individuals joy and satisfaction, do not constrain yourself to societal or
cultural expectations.
Ultimately, redefining our understanding of sexuality and pleasure requires a cultural shift—one that embraces open dialogue and dismantles the stigma surrounding sexual expression. This involves educating future generations about the beauty of sexual intimacy while also instilling respect for individual boundaries and consent.
As we navigate this new world, it is essential to approach conversations about sexuality with empathy and openness. Encouraging discussions that celebrate pleasure can help dismantle feelings of shame, fostering a culture that views sexuality as a natural and enriching part of human experience. Embracing pleasure in its many forms can lead to profound self-discovery and deeper connections with others, allowing individuals to live more authentically and joyfully.
Pleasure and shame are intricately linked within the realm of sexuality, influencing how we perceive and engage with our own desires. By fostering open conversations and embracing a holistic understanding of sexuality, we can create a world where pleasure is honored, shame is diminished, and intimacy flourishes as a result.
Voting is our voice and every vote counts
In 2008, my dad officially became a citizen of the U.S. after migrating from Guadalajara, Mexico. He was naturalized right before the election between Barack Obama and John McCain, so he voted in that, and every other election since.
Four years ago, the election workers let me watch my dad as he cast his ballot. Once finished voting, he turned and told me “Next time, it’ll be you in this position.”
This year, I went back to the polls with him. I didn’t just spectate or go off to the side and pick my nose, instead I cast my ballot.
I’ve been lucky to have a family who has engrained the importance of voting in my mind for all my life,
but it’s a lesson that not everyone my age has had the privilege to learn and experience.
My age group constantly doubts whether their voice matters and if they truly have a say in the larger national or statewide results .
It’s easy to think that way. After all in the case of the presidential race, the electoral college makes it hard to feel that one vote can tip the
beam if you live in a state like ours.
You’ve obviously heard the usual arguments on why to vote, so I won’t be reiterating those.
What I want you to think about is one pillar which has been underutilized in the agency to motivate citizens to vote, changing demographics in our state.
Think of our home state of Texas, who has long preserved conservative values. Politics in the state have been divisive in cities like El Paso who tend to lean blue. But now more than ever, Texas can join the club of changing ideologies.
In the past four years, Texas’s population has increased to nearly two million. A shift which has been led by interstate migrants, and youth, notably minority groups.
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The only way to track change in a state is by exercising one’s voice through the ballot.
If we don’t get out and vote, then there’s no way that those who lead will know what it is that the younger generation wants.
It doesn’t matter if our age group leans to one party, what matters is that the needs of the entire community are being met.
Think of voting like a domino effect. Currently major polling studies such as the New York Times have stated that the race to the white house is tied. That means any county or city’s popular vote can affect which candidate gets the state’s electoral votes.
Now, the domino effect extends far beyond the presidency, be-
cause you’re also voting for down ballot races. These candidates are your senators, representatives, and mayor. All of which have a say in passing legislation that affects wide ranging issues.
For congressmen and women, they’re constitutionally elected by direct vote. There isn’t an odd system which “hinders” anyone’s voice. There might be a case of imposter syndrome held by us, after all figuring out how to be an adult is hard, but in no way should that make us feel that our voice shouldn’t count. At the end of the day, you’re the boss. That’s because you have the power to choose the type of country you want to live in.
Sebastian Perez-Navarro is a Staff Reporter for The Prospector and can be reached at spereznavarro@miners. utep.edu
Bridging pets and families back together
Pets are not just animals that are kept at home. They are furry companions that become an integral part of anyone’s family. However, many immigrant families are having their beloved pets taken away from them at the border.
Families who enter the U.S. are being separated from their loyal companions, their pets, during processing. While Border Patrol cannot look after the pets and El Paso’s Animal Shelter is overcrowded, numerous pets are going unclaimed across the Borderland.
Bridge Pup Rescue is a local initiative that helps reunite immigrant families with their beloved pets, recently stepped up to the plate.
Founder and Director of Bridge Pup Rescue, Ruby Montana shared helping stray dogs and cats and find loving homes. However, since 2022, the focus of Bridge Pup Rescue has shifted, making their primary focus to help immigrants who arrive at the border with their pets.
“We basically offer assistance by taking care of the pets while the owners are in immigration custody,” said Montana. “Then we reunite them once the family is able to have those pets back and those reunions take place all over the country.”
Montana shared that she takes care of some pets herself.
While living her day-to-day life and still making the effort to help families and pets, she has a lot on her plate. To relieve that stress and make an impact, Montana received a partnership with animal services allowing coverage on all vaccinations needed for pets.
Heavily relying on volunteers, Montana is looking for more volunteers and foster homes. Volunteering can comprise of taking pets to their needed appointments, delivering food or supplies and of course looking after a furry friend.
“I rely on the kindness of people opening their homes to help me continue to do what I do,” said Montana. “I couldn’t do any of this without fosters.”
The next big goal for Bridge Pups Rescue is obtaining a federal policy to be put in place when immigrants arrive to the border with their pets.
As of Nov. 2024, there is no set policy to ensure safety or care for those pets.
“It really is arbitrary,” said Montana. “It could be entirely up to whatever agent is at the border,
whether that’s CBP; Border Patrol or Texas National Guard. If they happen to be kind and caring and have a moral compass, then they will do things the right way.”
Common instances are several agents dispersing dogs in Juarez, letting them loose, or even taking ownership of their own but not giving the quality care needed.
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar is now working in collaboration with Montana to get federal funding and assistance for pets separated at the border.
Escobar noticed the severity of the issue after doing a tour of the border and witnessing a dog trapped in the concertina, or coil wire. The deadly wire was placed in effect after Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s order, Operation Lone Star. Due to this detrimental act, Escobar offered assistance for Montana and Bridge Pup Rescue.
“I’m rather relentless and I’m extremely stubborn, especially when it comes to causes that are related to any sort of oppression or injustice,” said Montana. “I was just really fortunate that the congresswoman offered.”
Bridge Pups Rescue is also in assistance with the Texas Civil Rights project and lawyers within that organization that are known as Beyond Borders.
Marco Hinojosa is the audience and engagement editor for The Prospector and may be reached at mhinojosa4@ miners.utep.edu
A&E EDITOR THE PROSPECTOR MARCO HINOJOSA B Y
Ruby Montana, organizer of foster-based Bridge Pup Rescue, with one of the foster puppies along the U.S.Mexico Border. Photo courtesy Ruby Montana
Immigrant pup was separated from its family. Photo courtesy Ruby Montana
‘Frontera Madre(hood)’ challenges oppression and violence of women along the Borderland
On Thursday, October 24, the University of Texas at El Paso hosted a book launch for the release of Frontera Madre(hood): Brown Mothers Challenging Oppression and Transborder Violence at the U.S.-Mexico Border.
The event, held at the Centennial Museum, highlighted stories from the collection of essays edited by Cynthia Bejarano and Cristina Morales, exploring the vast concept of mothering and its connection to geopolitical border struggles.
Featuring contributions from over 30 people, Bejerano and Morales used this book as an opportunity to
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share the experiences and resistance of Latinx, Black and Indigenous mothers on both sides of the U.S. Mexico border.
“The idea was to create a space to collect all of these stories,” said Bejerano. “The testimonials, the survival tactics and everyday experiences of women. Not just of women who are mothers, but of women who mother in action, of women who’s mothering is not biological solely but is in the heart and in the soul.”
Morales shared that this collection seeks to capture the voices of the border and provide a human and dignified narrative space for migrant experiences.
The cover artwork for the book was created by artist Paola Isabel Nava González. Initially, the illustration was meant to accompany the testimonial of Gonzalez’s grandmother, Paula Flores Bonilla, who lost her daughter in the ongoing femicides in Ciudad Juárez.
“I remember that me and my
cousins when we were little, we would go with my grandma to the protests wearing t-shirts with my aunt’s face on them,” said González.
González’s aunt began working in a maquiladora at age 16, before going missing after her shift one night. Her body was later found and she was pronounced dead. Since then, Bonilla has continued to make it her mission to demand justice.
She created Voces Sin Eco (Voices Without Echo), a group advocating for the families of femicide victims.
Over the years, she has been instrumental in mobilizing her community, bringing basic utilities like water, sewage, and electricity to underserved neighborhoods.
González shared how her grandmother’s persistent fight for justice for her aunt’s murder inspired her.
“All my life I’ve seen her fight for justice for my aunt’s case and I’ve had the opportunity to see the results of all her efforts,” said González.
Postdoctoral researchers form association at UTEP
Believe it or not, it’s possible to get a more concentrated education after receiving a Ph.D. That would require someone to become a postdoctoral researcher.
Now, that doesn’t mean that every student, after receiving said degree, has to continue working at a university. As a matter of fact, that ideology has become a common misconception surrounding postdoctoral research.
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education states, “a postdoc is a dedicated researcher with specialized knowledge.”
Further analyzing that participating in this type of research is mainly for those wanting to apply their skills into what can best be described as a hyper niche discipline.
Whilst the crowd may be small, that doesn’t mean they deserve to be washed by the wayside.
“The institution didn’t have anything aimed at post docs.” said
a founder of the UTEP Post Doctoral Researchers Form Association Dr. Priscila Silva Grijo Farani. “We’re under the graduate school, everything towards us is basically the graduate school resources for Ph.D.s, but they’re not the same. We’re not students anymore, we’re professionals.”
Dr. S.G. Farani has worked at UTEP as a postdoctoral researcher for three years. With a Brazilian origin, Farani not only recognizes, but advocates that post-doctoral students need a larger access to networking opportunities.
“One thing that I’ve been really bugging everyone for, is resources for funding to go to conferences,” said Farani “All of our grad students, they get funding for conferences. Like 500 to 1000, depending on where it is. Us, we have nothing. I already asked the graduate school the college of sciences, all of them say the same thing, we have no resources aimed at post docs.”
Bertha Tapia Bermudez Ph.D. and sociology professor at NMSU with an expertise in photography surrounding the borderland presents one of her latest projects. Photo by Eddie Ibarra/The Prospector
UTEP bacteria lab students carefully prepare testing equipment. Photo by Sebastian Perez-Navarro/The Prospector
Behind the Pete: The Miners that bring UTEP’s iconic mascot to life Paydirt Pete’s Birthday
From football games to campus events, Paydirt Pete, complete with his cowboy hat, handlebar mustache, and pickaxe, has become an iconic symbol for UTEP and the El Paso community.
According to the Division of Student Affairs, the name “Paydirt Pete” first came about in 1974 in a contest with 500 entries to name the mascot. The first Pete was known by a sweeter nickname, “little ‘ol Miner”.
Over the years, Pete has seen many iterations, but the version known and loved today debuted in 2005 as a tougher miner who embodies UTEP pride.
No matter the version, Pete has always been the ultimate ambassador for the university—so who is behind the iconic character?
Team Pete, a group led by Caesar Cubillos, the assistant cheerleading coach and mascot advisor is responsible for bringing Pete to life, ensuring he embodies the spirit and pride of the university.
A member of Team Pete, freshman Cathryn Banda decided to join the team because she wanted to be part of something bigger, put herself out there, and meet as many people as possible.
Banda says Pete is not just the university’s image; he is the key to school spirit at games and events. Students, children, and parents all adore him, and he loves to excite the student section, creating an atmosphere that brings students and fans together.
A typical game day for Banda as part of Team Pete is far more demanding than it appears.
“It’s chaotic, it seems easy cause from the viewer’s point of view, they just see us standing there talking to each other,” said Banda. “But there’s more that goes behind the scenes, we have to meet about four to three hours earlier before the game, we have to get everything ready, we have to make sure that Pete is ready to go to tailgates or to the miner walk, we have to be alert, we have to be on our feet. We can’t rest, it’s a job.”
With Pete’s busy appearance schedule, one of the biggest challenges Banda faces is balancing the job’s responsibilities, school and personal life.
While it can be challenging with events scheduled back-to-back, Banda shares that the memories she has created traveling and bonding with other members of Team Pete as well as the cheer and dance teams has helped her experience UTEP as more than just a student.
The biggest challenge Cubillos faces while managing the team is recruiting members. He shares that anyone is welcome as long as they are willing to try and commit to the role.
“I look for people who are willing to be more animated,” said Cubillos. “They can be reserved out of character as long as when they’re in character, they are Pete and that they’re able to just show their emotion through their movements and mannerisms.”
Banda shares the same sentiment, fully embracing the role is a key part of being in Team Pete.
“Best advice is do it,” said Banda. “You have to have two feet in, you can’t have your toes dipped in the water, you have to submerge yourself. You just have to go ahead and dive in because you learn from experience.”
Team Pete has gotten the chance to travel across the country including Nebraska, New York, Colorado, Hawaii, and Florida.
Cheerleaders Association] Nationals in Orlando being out there and being seen with the big school,” said Cubillos. “We are part of the national spotlight now (but) we want to be at the forefront of it.”
With 50 years of history behind Pete, Cubillos shares that despite changes in appearance over the decades, the essence of Pete remains the same.
Team Pete continues to honor this legacy by sharing the spirit of UTEP, so past and future genera
Paydirt Pete is the heart of UTEP’s pride and spirit during school events. Photo by Iziah Moreno/The Prospector
“Happy Birthday Pete!! Picks Up!!” Scotty Walden
Pete Heals All: How mascots can improve campus morale
Imagine this, the game is on the line, either Memorial Gym, the Don Haskins Center or the Sun Bowl is packed out to the brim with roaring fans excited to see the game.
The future of Miner athletics is in the hands of a couple of college athletes, and before the play, they turn to see the now 50-year-old Paydirt Pete. Does it calm the athlete down?
Well, Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory can give us an answer. For those who haven’t taken a communication or psychology class, in short, the theory proposes that human behavior is a result of interactions and environmental influences.
Street Characters, a company which creates mascots for entities ranging from the NHL to your local high school soccer team, claims that this theory diffuses to mascots.
To be specific, their study details “Mascots, with their indomitable spirit and unwavering enthusiasm, provide a model of resilience and perseverance. Teams often soak up this energy, channeling it into their performance.”
Even if Street Characters relies on
mascot popularity for profit, their argument is one tough to rebuttal. Especially when thinking about Paydirt Pete and the legacy in which he’s crafted at UTEP, as the Pete that we know today has been the first thing that comes to mind when people think about what it means to be a Miner.
From a look’s standpoint, he has a relatively modern and sleek design, and despite lacking a smile, you can’t help but feel an insurgency of joy when running into him.
A large part of how Pete transmits happiness into the minds of athletes, fans, or the random student he runs into in the halls, is because of how he interacts with them. Think athletics, and ask yourself how many high fives is Pete averaging per game? As far as I am concerned the number is way over 100.
Pete also isn’t scared to spend some time having fun. Regularly, he is caught dancing with the fans, hanging out with his second mascot cousins like Ozzy the bat, or playing around with athletic equipment.
All these actions have created an image for Pete, one in which we want to keep experiencing, and modify our behaviors to be able to
interact with Pete. This can be as simple as extending our hand for a high five or running to the point of being out of breath to catch a picture with the mascot.
What Paydirt Pete has done through crafting his image, is mastered the art of reinforcement, or the idea to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Pete’s encouraging us to interact with him because we know that it’ll be a fun experience.
For athletes, the Psychology is the same. Since Pete represents UTEP pride, athletes look to him to increase their motivation to represent the Miners. Whether in wins or in losses, they look to Pete as a symbol of hope, and inspiration.
To make the case that every mascot leaves the same imprint as Pete simply isn’t justifiable. Pete has the history, the looks, and the cadence to make him notorious.
So, as we celebrate the five decades of Pete, know that his purpose extends far beyond eye candy. Pete is here to strengthen the community, make everyone feel welcomed, and stand as the epitome of what it means to be a Miner.
Sebastian Perez-Navarro is a staff reporter and can be reached at spereznavarro@miners.utep.edu.
Did you know the history
of Paydirt Pete?
B.P.
(Before Pete)
UTEP’s first mascot was named “Clyde,” a burro.
1974
The name “Paydirt Pete” was adopted.
1980
Pete’s “Sweet Pete” incarnation was introduced. Jimmy Legarreta becomes the first student to take on the Pete identity.
Post-Lagarreta
Susanna Perez becomes the next student to don the stache. Additionally, becoming the first woman to wear the costume.
1983
Pete was redesigned and given muscles and started smoking cigars.
1986
Pete quit smoking and ditched the cigar.
1999
Paydirt Pete traded in his mining helmet for a cowboy hat and his iconic handlebar mustache.
2000
Pete was redesigned to a scraggly, worn out miner, with chubby cheeks and a thick, long beard. He was nicknamed “Deranged Pete.”
2005–Present
The mascot we know and love today was introduced.
“Happy Birthday Pete! Picks up.” Joe Golding
“Pete, make it a great 50th B-day. Go Miners!!” Jim Senter
“Happy Birthday Pete! Go Miners.” Ben Wallis
Once a Pete, always a Pete: Former Paydirt Pete shares his journey
Throughout the past 50 years, many people have become part of Team Pete and taken on the role of the iconic UTEP mascot.
Emmanuel Bernal served as the Paydirt Pete from 2018 to 2023. His journey from high school to college mascot was filled with unforgettable experiences, challenges, and valuable lessons.
Bernal’s path to becoming Pete started at Pebble Hills High School, where he was the school’s mascot and had the opportunity to try out for the role.
“We were offered a tryout, and I, along with another mascot, decided to see what it was about,” said Bernal. “It was a fun opportunity, and I never expected it would lead me to become Pete.”
After a successful audition that included trying on the suit and performing in front of the UTEP cheerleaders, Bernal was chosen for the role.
Bernal shares that through his time being Pete, some of his favorite memories were traveling for football games, particularly a trip to Tennessee during his first year and performing as Pete in the New York City as part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Being Pete opened the door for Bernal to experience and be involved in his college years in a
unique way.
“Throughout the entire time I was Pete, I got to meet so many new people and I got to really get involved in my college years in a way that I didn’t expect,” said Bernal. “It was like a different side.”
Along with the joys of being Pete, there were challenges Bernal had to face, particularly the physical demands of the mascot suit.
“It’s a lot of physical tolls on you,” said Bernal. “You sweat a lot, and carrying around that weight can be a lot at times. To overcome that, I would join the cheerleaders in their workouts and that helped me like towards my last year as I was able to do a lot more because I was more physically fit.”
Time management was a key part of the role as handling Pete’s busy schedule, on top of other responsibilities was another challenge for Bernal.
“Pete is incredibly busy all year round and there was a time when it was only me and one other person doing it,” said Bernal. “Just that alone was like really challenging and being on top of your schoolwork and your events and you still have to keep your grades up and workouts.”
Bernal credited Pete’s handlers as key parts to his success in the role, as they were in charge of making sure he and Pete were taken care of by serving as his eyes and ears.
Being behind the face of UTEP,
Bernal felt honored to be part of the university’s spirit, embodying a character that connected with students and fans alike.
“He’s almost like a local celebrity,” said Bernal. “The face people make when like they see Pete, especially young kids when we would visit schools throughout like the year, I feel like he is the essence of UTEP and showing we have a really good school here and it’s something to be excited about.”
The relationships he built with fellow mascots and cheerleaders were among his biggest takeaways from the experience.
“The family that you build with the other mascots and along with the cheerleaders, just the relationships that you built in that team was a big takeaway for me,” said Bernal.
After retiring the suit, he found that revealing his identity as Pete surprised many of his friends and family, who had no idea he was behind the mask.
“A lot of people were really like surprised because I’m not like a crazy outgoing person like that,” said Bernal. “ It’s truly a different character whenever I was in Pete, but I would always get a really positive reaction.”
Now a graduate with a degree in civil engineering, Bernal looks back fondly on his time as Paydirt Pete and encourages others to consider the role.
“If you have any interest in becoming Pete, just go for it and don’t be scared because the good thing about being a mascot is nobody knows who’s under there,” said Bernal. “There’s a lot of freedom in being silly and dancing and being a completely different person.”
For those aspiring to one day be behind the iconic mascot, Bernal’s encourages them to embrace the opportunity, enjoy the ride, and bring happiness to others.
Calling all emerging leaders! This is your final month to take part in the Miners Leadership Initiative, the ultimate program designed to get students ready to dive into leadership, make connections, and prepare for success at UTEP and beyond!
Get ready to sharpen those skills and supercharge your resume. This is more than a workshop series; it’s a high-impact experience that will set you apart and prepare you to lead with confidence. Don’t miss out on this final opportunity to reflect, connect, and finish the semester as a fully equipped Miner leader!
Sign up now for the final workshops! Let’s finish strong and make this last month unforgettable!
Ximena Cordero is a staff reporter and may be reached at xcordero@miners.utep.edu
“Happy B-day! 50.” Keitha Adams
Paydirt Pete is the mascot for UTEP and has been around for 50 years. Photo courtesy of UTEP Marketing and Communications
Arts & Culture
While death and denim typically don’t intersect in the fashion world, the “Death by Denim” fashion experience, hosted by designer and creative director Janace Griffin of Junk Approved, explored the theme of rebirth through both denim and mortality.
Griffin shared how the loss of her father marked a distinct shift in her life and prompted her to focus on what is born from difficult situations rather than solely on what dies.
The show took place at Martin Funeral Home on Oct. 26, opening with a eulogy to denim given by Griffin and followed by a model crying at the casket set at the front of the room.
Griffin wanted attendees to go through a range of emotions, from sadness to terror, but ultimately to leave refreshed.
“When they come out of that funeral home, I want them to appreciate the fact that they’re not being left there,” said Griffin. “Some people that is their last place, besides the grave. But you get to walk away from here with a show and a story to tell and more life to live.”
Denim was chosen as the focal point of the show as Griffin noted, it is a universal fabric that everyone owns and wears regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.
Representing the idea of rebirth, the denim designs in the show were upcycled pieces as designers gave old pieces a new life.
The designers featured were Ron derrance, Re by Je, Lunat, Blessed One, EPPC fashion instructor Va nessa Monte’s “7 Rs” projects and
Brave Books, an independent bookstore in central El Paso, celebrated the spooky season with its fourth annual “Little Bookshop of Horrors” event this October.
The store was filled with rare, signed and hard-to-find horror books, attracting local horror enthusiasts and curious readers eager to discover new spine-chilling treasures. Jud and Laurie Burgess, owners of Brave Books, have made it a tradition to host this event every year in the days leading up to Halloween.
“We’ve been doing this for four years now, and it’s always a highlight,” said Jud Burgess. “El Paso is a horror-loving town. People get really into the spooky season, and we wanted to create something special that brings that excitement to life.”
Jud Burgess spent months scouring the internet and connecting with specialized booksellers to find
Death and Rebirth: Junk Approved hosts
‘Death by Denim’ fashion show
Feel the Sting. The show’s finale was Griffin’s brand Junk Approved.
Models walked the runway in extravagant head to toe denim outfits that showcased the fabrics versatility. The outfits included denim skirts, tailored shirts, chic jackets, trendy shorts and jeans. The final touch to many outfits included denim hats and statement bags that brought the looks together.
Cesar Sotelo whose handmade coffin shaped bags were featured in the show shared that their favorite element of the show was seeing everyone’s creativity come together.
“Just getting to see everyone’s creative side, getting to be backstage, seeing all the different models, wearing different kinds of garments—it was amazing,” said Sotelo.
Griffin shared she was most excited to give a platform to local designers in a way that has not been done before.
“I think what excites me the most about it is bringing a show in El Paso that I don’t think anybody else has done before or had a similar concept and kind of the feedback that I’ll get from it,” said Griffin.
Ximena Cordero is staff reporter and may be reached at xcordero@miners.utep.edu
Little Bookshop of Horrors Brings Spooky Literature to El Paso
the most unique horror literature.
“We’ve become known as a place where you can find horror books you won’t see at a chain bookstore like Barnes and Noble,” said JudBurgess. “I spend months searching online, from eBay to specialized booksellers, to find rare and high-quality pieces for our community.”
This year, his collection included a pristine first edition of Stephen King’s “Pet Sematary,” complete with an untouched dust cover that had, “never seen the light of day.”
Other notable selections featured signed works by gothic author and illustrator Edward Gorey, whose books are renowned for their dark humor and hauntingly whimsical illustrations.
Jud Burgess also showcased the art of Harry Clarke, a celebrated illustrator from the 1920s and ‘30s, known for his detailed, eerie depictions that continue to captivate readers to this day.
The event not only celebrated the
spooky season but also continued Brave Books’ mission to serve and uplift the El Paso community.
Live performances took place on the bookstore’s front porch, featuring improvisational songs by musician Cassie Holguin and musician and historian David Romo. The event continued to bring in many, with some browsing for books, others relaxing and enjoying live
music and many simply unwinding with a drink.
“We call ourselves Brave Books because we want to encourage people to elevate their quality of life through reading and getting involved in their community,” Jud Burgess explained. “We believe books are one of the best investments you can make in your mind, whether you’re young or old. They
have the power to impact you positively and open your world to new ideas.”
Brave Books has long been dedicated to addressing El Paso’s literacy challenges, as the city historically faces high illiteracy rates. Through creative events like “Little Bookshop of Horrors” and an eclectic selection of literature, the Burgesses are building a welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect over the love of reading.
“The goal is to create community and make literature accessible and exciting,” said Jud Burgess. “We want to keep people engaged, bring them together, and introduce them to new books and experiences they might not encounter elsewhere.”
As the spooky season continues, Brave Books’ “Little Bookshop of Horrors” continues to be a highlight for El Paso.
Frida Acuna, editor
Model walks the runway wearing clothing by Junk Approved, along with a custom bag by Cesar Sotelo. Photo Iziah Moreno/The Prospector
Local bookstore, Brave Books decorated with bats and Halloween decor.
Photo by Rumi Sevilla /The Prospector
Model goes down the runway wearing clothing made by Feel the Sting.
Photo Iziah Moreno/The Prospector
Model wearing Ronderrance Barvetta.
Photo by Iziah Moreno/The Prospector
Spooktacular Fun: UTEP’s costume contest brings Halloween spirit
The Halloween spirit was in full swing at UTEP’s annual Halloween costume contest hosted by the Mineros Entertainment Board.
The contest was held to celebrate the holiday and boost school spirit among students. The event drew a large crowd of students and faculty, transforming the campus into a showcase of creativity and humor.
Dorothy Moreno, the event organizer for the entertainment board, highlighted the importance of events like these on campus.
“We want students to get involved and we want them to participate in this costume contest so that they can express themselves a little bit and get ready for the holiday,” said Moreno.
Students arrived in a wide range
of costumes, from whimsical characters to pop culture icons, each outfit reflecting personal interests and creativity.
Moreno shared that events like the costume contest, with hilarious and inventive costumes can help lift students’ spirits.
“The moment that you see someone dressed up in a funny costume, that already makes you laugh,” said Moreno. “Maybe you were already having a bad day, you see someone like, ‘oh my God, that’s so funny,’ and then you kind of forget about what you were thinking about or what you were upset about.”
The fun could be seen as students displayed their creativity in an array of costumes, including Wolverine, Magneto, Krusty the Clown from The Simpsons which won second place, Rosie the Riveter, Goku from Dragon Ball Z among many others.
UTEP junior, Martha Rios, who dressed up as the Lorax by dying a onesie orange, painting her face to match, and making a bright yellow mustache and eyebrows from yarn shared that with midterms recently behind many students, the costume contest offered a much-needed break from the stresses of school.
“It’s a good break from midterms because that’s usually what happens around this time,” said Rios. “So, it’s a good chance to have fun and be silly or look super cool.”
Among the contestants was Marlene Nieto, whose costume caught the attention of judges and attendees alike, earning her first place. Her costume, inspired by the
white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, showcased her creativity and turned personal quirk —being late to class—into an entertaining theme.
“Given the fact that I’m always late to class, I wanted to make fun out of the situation, and I’ve always been a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland,” said Nieto. “And it was just pretty fun doing this costume.”
Nieto’s costume included a dress inspired by the Queen of Hearts from a deck of cards, white makeup, matching hair and accessories, a rabbit nose prosthetic, and a clock to tie the whole look together.
The third-place winner was Gerardo Gorria who dressed up as
Man from the Japanese manga series Chainsaw Man. His outfit featured props for each arm and a striking hat designed to resemble chainsaws, complete with fake blood.
“I didn’t expect it really; I thought there were other people that, that their customs were way cooler than mine and maybe they would’ve deserved it, but I’m glad I won,” said Gorria.
This Halloween, UTEP not only embraced the festive spirit of Halloween by sharing students’ creativity, passion, and humor but also strengthened the ties that bring its students together.
Ximena Cordero is a staff reporter and may be reached at xcordero@miners.utep.edu
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Chainsaw
XIMENA CORDERO
UTEP’s 2024 Halloween costume contest was held by the Mineros Entertainment Board on Oct. 31 outside of the Union Building. Photo by Iziah Moreno/The Prospector
The winners of the 2024 costume contest; Chainsaw Man, The White Rabbit and Krusty the Clown. Photo by Iziah Moreno/The Prospector
Sports
Sofia Sierra, editor
Celebrating half a century of women’s basketball at UTEP
When UTEP introduced its women’s basketball program in 1974, it marked a pivotal moment not only for the university, but for women’s athletics nationwide.
Only two years earlier, Title IX had been signed into law, an act that would reshape opportunities
thought, ‘You know, there’s no basketball here, wouldn’t it be cool if we had a women’s basketball team too?’” said Thornton.
Determined to make their idea a reality, the two men approached the then university president, Arleigh B. Templeton.
The university agreed and handed over $1,000 to get the program up and running.
That humble beginning set the stage for what would become a transformative chapter in UTEP’s athletic history.
The first unofficial year, under the leadership of Lewis as head coach and Thornton as assistant coach, there was a lot of trial and error. The team practiced in a secondary gym near the campus
housed a pool.
The women played a slew of local and regional opponents, including the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State, Juárez and Fort Bliss. Though modest in scale, that first season laid the foundation for something bigger.
Hiring Carol Ammerman
In 1974, UTEP decided to take the program to the next level, officially hiring Carol Ammerman as the first female coach in UTEP athletics history. Only 22, Ammerman came from Wayland Baptist University, home to one
sidelines hugged the walls so tightly that there was barely room for players to step out of bounds of the court.
Concerned for her athletes’ safety, Ammerman turned to Don Haskins, the legendary coach of UTEP’s men’s basketball team.
“I went to Don Haskins and said, ‘My girls are going to get hurt,’” said Ammerman. “That’s when we started playing at Memorial.” Haskins became one of the women’s biggest advocates. “Coach Haskins was very supportive of the program,” go to practices, (and) he would sometimes conduct practices for Early success and recognition
UTEP football loses eighth game to Middle Tennessee
After yet another loss on the road for the UTEP football team (1-7, C-USA 1-4), the Miners returned to the Sun Bowl to take on the Middle Tennesse Blue Raiders (MTSU) (2-6, C-USA 1-3).
Entering Saturday’s game, the Miners sat at the bottom of the conference standings tied with New Mexico State who is 1-4 in conference play and 2-6 overall.
Despite the loss against LA Tech (3-5, 2-3 C-USA 2-3) last week, the Miners managed to keep racking defensive milestones. UTEP allowed only seven yards per carry, 17.5 points per game in the last two matchups while leading the conference in sacks and tackle for loss metrics.
Defensive metrics through Oct. 22
Sacks..................................................21
Sacks per game...............................2.6 Sack yards......................................116
Tackles for loss (TFLs)..................56 TFLs per game..................................7 TFL yards......................................202
Under Ammerman’s leadership, the team gained respect quickly, finishing its first season with an
success was the work we put in,” said Ammerman. “It was a lot of hard work. In fact, one of my main criticisms sometimes would be that I worked my girls too hard, but I knew they were capable of
Among the standouts from those early years was Gloria Estrada. As a junior and senior, Estrada led the Miners in scoring and quickly
Her impact earned her a place in the UTEP Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013 and was named to UTEP’s
“Gloria is probably the most decorated athlete and the greatest basketball player in the history of the program,” said Thornton.
The university retired Estrada’s jerseys, being the first woman honored with such distinction. Estrada’s influence remains a crucial part of the program’s history.
After the Oct. 22’s loss to LA Tech, Head Coach Scotty Walden praised the team’s defensive play. “I thought our defense played at a championship level all the way,” Walden said. “They played physical and played our brand of football. The ‘D’ gave us every chance to win that game.”
In its first drive Saturday, the Blue Raiders stormed their way downfield following the Miners’ opening drive. But after a goal line stand from the UTEP defense, MTSU walked away with just a field goal from senior kicker Zeke Rankin after a failed run-pass option (RPO) and a failed pass attempt.
The Blue Raiders were up 3-0 with 7:29 left in the first quarter.
The Blue Raiders would get the ball back following a UTEP threeand-out, but after a key tackle in the backfield from UTEP on second down, the Miners’ defense rushed junior quaterback Nicholas Vattiato forcing a tipped pass into the hands of senior defensive back Josiah Allen, his first career interception.
Women’s basketball member Judy Marsh presented photos to Carol Ammerman in scrapbooks at the end of the first season. All photos courtesy of Carol Ammerman/UTEP Athletics.
All photos courtesy of Carol Ammerman/ UTEP Athletics.
Dodgers dismantle Yankees in the 2024 World Series
After their 1981 matchup, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers reignited their rivalry on baseball’s biggest stage, the MLB World Series.
In their previous Fall Classic matchup, the blue crew was down 2-0 to the Yankees, but when coming back home to LA, it was Fernando Valenzuela who
ultimately clinching the title at Yankee Stadium.
New York wanted to erase the ghosts from 43 years ago after blowing a favorable 2-0 series lead.
The Dodgers aspired to honor the legacy of the recently deceased legend, Valenzuela.
Game one was a battle that lived up to the hype. While it was tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, extra innings were needed. New
the first series win for Dodgers. The Yankees’ response to the loss showed that they were prone to falling into a slump.
your
El Paso Rhinos!
In total, New York only put up four hits in game two. Half of those came from Juan Soto, who is a free agent this offseason. The top of the batting lineup struggled, and the major story for the Yankees when taking the series back to the Bronx was if captain Aaron Judge would be able to escape his playoff funk and get a hit.
The Dodgers knew that a crowd who hasn’t hosted a Fall Classic since 2009 would come in hot, so they wasted no time in putting up runs. Freeman hit a two-run homer to give LA a 2-0 lead early.
Despite Yankee legend Derek Jeter throwing the first pitch, the Bronx bombers again failed to show up at the plate, posting four total hits which turned into only two runs.
LA was now up 3-0 in the series, and if New York wanted to keep their championship hopes alive, they would have to become the second team in MLB history to come back from such a deficit. The last time a team came back from being down 3-0, was the Boston Red Sox in 2004 against the New York Yankees.
COVER
The Miners were able to keep up with an all-around effort to keep the game close even though they were outscored in the third quarter.
Fouls and turnovers defined the second half, as Tarleton finished the game with 17 fouls and 22 turnovers. UTEP fared a little better with only 15 fouls and 20 turnovers once play came to a close.
Despite the Texans and Miners committing more mistakes than they would’ve liked, they were solid in capitalizing off of each other’s mess ups. All in all, both teams gained 18 points off of turnovers.
Going into the fourth quarter, UTEP’s advantage was cut down to four points.
When reaching the end, it looked like first game jitters left the system of the players on the court because the Texans and the Miners combined for nearly forty points in the final quarter alone.
Tarleton senior Niki Van Wyk
put up a pair of three-pointers, but to Tarleton’s dismay they were answered by Portia Adams, who didn’t let her 5 feet 6 inches height discourage her from taking a shot behind the three-point line.
Portia Adams was joined by Tensaie and sophomore Dunja Zecevic in the three-point attack. Zecevic, who has experience in big game moments after spending time in Europe’s perennial basketball league, the Euroleague, came up with eight points in the game’s final minutes. Overall, both teams made 18 total shots, but it was UTEP who held the better field goal percentage with 43.9%, compared to Tarleton State’s 38.3%.
Their journey continues as they host Morehead State this Sunday at the Don Haskins Center and have plenty of time to grow before starting conference play Jan. 2.
An average of 12.9 million viewers from Japan watched the 2024 World Series in support of the Dodger’s Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Photo courtesy of FMT.
UTEP noted a field goal percentage with 43.9%, compared to Tarleton’s 38.3%. Photos by Alyda Muela/The Prospector
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