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.
While the team has already gained national recognition, Cubillos’ hope for the team is to elevate its presence further.
“We imagine this program going to compete at UCA [Universal 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 generations of students and fans continue to feel the connection to the university through Pete.
Ximena Cordero is a staff reporter and may be reached at [email protected]
