Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector
Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector
Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector
Sebastian Perez-Navarro

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor

Sebastian Perez-Navarro is a sophomore majoring in communication studies. He hosts The Prospector Digest, UTEP’s student led podcast. He is a freelance Play-by-Play broadcaster for 600 ESPN El Paso in Football, Basketball, and more. Sebastian is a proud member of the University’s Speech and Debate Team. There, he competes in extemporaneous, impromptu, and argumentative settings. Currently, Sebastian is the UTEP beat writer for the Texas Sports Network.

All content by Sebastian Perez-Navarro

S:12 E:4 Picking Up on Slap Sauce!

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • March 21, 2025
In today's episode we discuss the belief over whether Gamescape can take over El Paso as it's premier entertainment destination and topped off the discussion with some slap sauce! We also, talk about Café Piro, a unique coffee shop in Texas, and highlight teams who we think can be bracket busters in March Madness.
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Protesters unite against cuts of federal worker. Photo courtesy of Free Malaysia Today (FMT)

DOGE’s effects on present and future government workers

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • March 17, 2025
From over 200,000 federal employees being laid off, to research grants being halted, those with aspirations to work for the government have to deal with DOGE’s changes.
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S:12 E:3 Picking Up on ‘Cobra Kai’ and ‘The Karate Kid’

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • March 7, 2025
It'd be a crime to ignore the end of a franchise 40 years in the making. At last, the end of a story for all the characters in Cobra Kai has come. Plus, our boss / EIC Avery Escamilla-Wendell joins us to speak about puppies, and life updates. On the topic of movies, we put a spotlight on UTEP's own movie club as they spread films that students may not know a lot about.
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Chuco Classic: Boxing hits Club Memorial

Sofia Sierra and Sebastian Perez-Navarro • February 24, 2025
The Chuco Classic brought with it tightly contested fights, ranging from pro debuts, controversial draws, and even main event disappointment.
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S:12 E:2 Picking Up On The Super Bowl

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • February 21, 2025
Hopping off the lyrics of Kendrick Lamar, there's no podcast like us. For the second episode of The Prospector Podcast Season 12, we talk about how shocking Super Bowl 59 was, halftime show, a new Spider-Man series on Disney+ and the Jazz scene around El Paso, Texas.
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[Video] Lovely sights, lovely vibes

Leah Austin, Staff Reporter • February 21, 2025
The Prospector asked UTEP students about how they see Valentine's Day. From their favorite memories, to current plans.
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The Philadelphia Eagles left the Kansas City Chiefs stunned with a 40-22 final score. Philadelphia’s wide receiver DeVonta Smith made a 46-yard touchdown catch in the 3rd quarter. Photo courtesy of Free Malaysia Today (FMT).

Chiefs dynasty denied, Eagles swoop hopes of a Mahomes three-peat

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • February 11, 2025
The Chief's desire to achieve the first Super Bowl three-peat was harrowingly denied by a flock of Eagles seeking revenge, and glory.
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UTEP loses their third conference game of the season against Western Kentucky University, 78-74. Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics

Miners topped by Hilltoppers in first matchup since CUSA championship final

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • February 10, 2025
From one nail biting finish to another. Unlike their 73-71 victory against Kennesaw State, this time, it was UTEP on the losing end of a back-and-forth CUSA affair, losing their third conference game of the season against Western Kentucky University, 78-74.
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S:12 E:1 Picking Up On Love

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • February 6, 2025
New host Sebastian Perez-Navarro, along with co-hosts Kristian Hernandez and Cameron Mason, guide the conversation from staff reporter Leah Austin's experience with the mayor, love, the border situation in El Paso, and UTEP Basketball.
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[Video] The effects of executive orders on the southern border

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • February 4, 2025
Policy changes aren’t just headlines—they impact real people, including UTEP students. The Prospector breaks down what President Trump's recent executive orders mean for El Paso, Texas.
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[Video] UTEP starts spring semester, how do the students feel?

H. Catching Marginot, Contributor/Writer • January 24, 2025
UTEP kicked off their spring semester this week beginning Jan. 20. The Prospector's own Catching Marginot went around campus to ask students about their feelings, expectations, and hopes for the upcoming semester.
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Making the most out of everything in life and rolling with it

Making the most out of everything in life and rolling with it

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • January 24, 2025
I moved here to El Paso when I was seven, I didn’t know it then, and maybe don’t know the extent of it today, but being in El Paso has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. As multimedia editor, I’ll work hard to carry the pick with pride.
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President Donald Trump was sworn in on Jan. 20. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore

Trump cements his place in American history: President once again

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • January 22, 2025
For the second time in seven years, Donald J. Trump took the oath of office and became president of the United States. This time, he enters office not as a political stranger, but instead, as a living example of American history.
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Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez speaks at a press conference on Jan. 10 at the Larry K. Durham Center.

Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez pays a visit to UTEP: The perfect fit

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • January 22, 2025
Commissioner of the Mountain West Conference Gloria Nevarez experienced firsthand how UTEP fits into the mold of the Mountain West, while propelling UTEP’s new “Climb Higher” initiative.
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In the 2024-25 NFL season, the Denver Broncos made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Photo courtesy of Freerange Stock.

NFL Super AFC Wild Card Weekend Game previews, analysis, and predictions

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • January 10, 2025

This is the second story of a two-part series covering the 2025 NFL Wild Card Weekend. Read NFC predictions here. NFL Wild Card weekend only comes once a year, so before the semester starts, let’s bask in all its glory, and preview each of the weekend’s...

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The NFL Wild Card weekend will begin on January 11 through 12. The winner of these games will continue down the playoff bracket. Photo courtesy of FMT.

NFL Super NFC Wild Card Weekend Game previews, analysis, and predictions

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • January 10, 2025
This time only comes once a year, so let’s enjoy and preview all this weekend's NFL super wild card matchups.
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UTEP’s 2024 tassel available for Graduate students.

UTEP Fall Commencement Ceremonies, What and How many are there?

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • December 13, 2024
It’s almost time for the last part of UTEP’s 2024 graduating class to take their long-awaited steps at the Don Haskins Center. Here’s what they can expect for their special moment.
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Beetlejuice toured at the Plaza Theater in Downtown El Paso from Nov. 26 until December 1.

El Paso was ready for a show about death, Beetlejuice: The Musical

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • December 3, 2024
Beetlejuice is an absurd form of visual entertainment, with actors that further the story's ridiculously high creativity. But nothing was lost in translation when shifting Tim Burton’s story to the musical stage.
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UTEP football players play defense against NMSU.

Texas reclaims the I-10, UTEP beats NMSU in Las Cruces

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • December 3, 2024
UTEP went to Las Cruces on a mission to avenge last year's loss to New Mexico State University and create hope for a fanbase desperate to believe. Despite a 24-7 deficit, the Miner’s mission was a success.
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Dimel was UTEP’s 26th football head coach in program history and held the job for six seasons. Photo courtesy of The Prospector archives.

Dana Dimel, former UTEP football head coach, passes away at 62

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • December 3, 2024
Dana Dimel, former UTEP football head coach, has passed away at 62.
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Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics.

UTEP football suffers colossal defeat to No. 7 team Tennessee Volunteers, 56-0

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 26, 2024
UTEP went on the road to take on college football powerhouse Tennessee. The Volunteers’ playoff hopes were hanging by a thread, and they played like it. For the Miners, it’s time to regroup as the Battle of I-10 awaits.
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El Paso Animal Urgent Care West stands out against the night, highlighting the clinic's focus on urgent pet care. Bonds passed in the local 2024 election will allow the county's first animal shelter to be built.

Three County Bonds Passed, What Do They Mean?

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 20, 2024
El Pasoans voted to pass three county bonds on their ballots. What are these? And how does it affect property taxes?
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Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson in a long awaited fight Nov. 15. Photo courtesy of FMT

Jake Paul Vs Mike Tyson: A disheartening fight, and a streaming nightmare

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 19, 2024
After months of hype, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson took the main event stage to an audience who experienced persistent buffering issues, and a lackluster boxing main event.
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Mayoral candidates Renard Johnson and Brian Kennedy will head into a runoff election Dec. 14.

Mayoral Election Runoff: Kennedy versus Johnson

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 15, 2024
After the November elections, the El Paso mayoral election is going to a runoff. Property taxes are the biggest issue on the ballot, and voters are pitted to choose to either grow or balance the economy to say goodbye to the lingering issue.
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UTEP bacteria lab students carefully prepare testing equipment.

[Photo] What’s Up Doc? UTEP’s new Post Doctoral Researchers Form Association

November 9, 2024

UTEP bacteria lab students carefully prepare testing equipment.

The mayoral runoff election is scheduled for Dec. 14.

Local Elections, Mayoral Runoff, Democrats run the table

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 8, 2024
Election night decided the future for four political positions representing El Paso. Those positions were mayor, county sheriff, district attorney, and the city’s congressional house seat. Out of a group of eight mayoral candidates, two survived and are headed to a runoff race. While one more ballot is needed to decide the next mayor, El Paso’s county sheriff race was called for Oscar Ugarte. Meanwhile, Veronica Escobar claimed a fourth term as district 16’s house congressional representative.
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Junior guard Heaven Samayoa-Mathis dribbles against Tarleton's defender.

UTEP beats Tarleton to start season

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 7, 2024
The Miners have started their basketball season, and despite a closely contested game, UTEP pulled out the victory in the end to start 1-0.
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With multiple versions of Pete's appearance in the past, the current version of Paydirt Pete debuted in 2004.

How mascots can improve campus morale

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 7, 2024
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.
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On Oct. 30, the LA Dodgers won the 2024 World Series, marking the eighth win in the franchise's history. Photo courtesy of FMT.

Dodgers Dismantle Yankees: 2024 World Series

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 6, 2024
The World Series has come to end after featuring the MLBs two biggest franchises. Despite it only being five games long, this year's Fall Classic featured moments which will live forever in baseball history.
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Donald Trump was declared president-elect Nov. 6, 2024. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

2024 Presidential Election, Donald Trump becomes 47th President of the U.S.

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 6, 2024
The Presidential Election did not confirm a presidential elect, but did provide much information on day 1 on the future of the US.
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The audience meets Concha at the beginning of the play. Later, her daughter Perla, and granddaughter Aurora are introduced. These generations are linked by a tangible item whose symbolic value cannot be underestimated, a crow’s feather.

UTEP theater’s ‘Plumas Negras’ ready to soar

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 5, 2024
It’s almost time to hit the lights, camera, and say action! But before UTEP Theatre debuts a story in which differs from the typical expectation one may hold from a school play… they must practice.
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Viewers admire Tom Lea's The Turning Point, captivated by its portrayal of the Texas Western Miners' comeback against the University of Utah.

Tom Lea Immortalizes UTEP history, told by Billy Stevens

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 4, 2024
UTEP’s history goes far beyond its name. Here’s why one “random” game against Utah, forever changed the story of the Miners.
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Voting begins at 7 a.m. Nov. 5. The polls close at 7 p.m. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

Know Before You Vote

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • November 4, 2024
The day to elect the 47th president of the United States and decide the future of our nation has finally arrived. Here is everything you need to know to make the most out of your vote.
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The Miners went on the road to take on LA Tech in the midst of conference play Tuesday, Oct. 22 in Ruston, Louisiana. Photo courtesy UTEP Athletics

UTEP Miners football team falls to LA Tech in Ruston, drops to 1-4 in conference play

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • October 25, 2024
The Miners went on the road to take on LA Tech in the midst of conference play. UTEP looked to keep that momentum alive after their first win with the added motivation to try and beat LA Tech at home for the first time in 20 years.
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Photo courtesy of Flickr images.

UNLV’s Sluka: Living Proof of NIL Obsession in College Sports

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • October 22, 2024
The state of college football has historically altered. Matthew Sluka has become the most viral college athlete after announcing he’d be redshirting due to an unfulfilled NIL deal. Did he get ripped off? Or is Sluka in the wrong?
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The UTEP School of Pharmacy is sponsoring a food drive honoring baseball legend Roberto Clemente.

Step Up to the Plate: Roberto Clemente Food Drive

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • October 20, 2024
September has come and gone, but the legacy of the month in which the UTEP School of Pharmacy sees vital in doing good for their community.
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Head coach Scotty Walden celebrating in the stands with the fans the victory against FIU Wednesday Oct. 17 at the Sun Bowl.

Head Coach Scotty Walden, UTEP football finds first win of season over FIU Panthers: “I feel like a winner”

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • October 17, 2024
The UTEP Miners have won their first game of the season at home against the FIU Panthers. The defense led the way to a spectacular win, with some key help from junior Jevon Jackson.
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MLB postseason started for the 2024 season and fans across the 915 are eager to see who will make it to the World Series.

What do UTEP students have to say about the upcoming MLB postseason?

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • October 16, 2024
Whether it’s the Red Sox coming back from an 0-3 series deficit, Derek Jeter becoming Mr. November on Halloween night, or the Chicago Cubs breaking the curse of the Billy goat, playoff baseball has engraved itself into the fond memories of those who have their eyes glued onto the field every fall season.
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Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics.

UTEP’s on field struggles continue on the road against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • October 13, 2024
The Miners played on the road for the fourth time this season. UTEP’s game against WKU may have ended in a loss, but after an injury to quarterback Cade McConnell, and a stellar performance by freshman Ezell Jolley, the rest of UTEP’s season is still ambivalent.
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El Paso Film Festival hosts their local filmmakers' screenings in Philanthropy Theater.

Sitting at the edge of your seat: El Paso Film Festival Returns

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • October 7, 2024
For the seventh year in a row, West Texas’s Preeminent destination for Indie film has come and gone. The Film Festival’s fallout is one which hopes to inspire the inner director of those young and old.
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Courtesy of The Harris-Walz Campaign and Wikipedia Commons The vice presidential debate took place on Oct. 1.

The vice presidential debate gives voters insights into their respective campaigns

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • October 6, 2024
In an unprecedented circumstance, the vice-presidential candidates' debate could possibly be the last word said on the debate stage before America heads to the polls.
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With a sudden conference realignment, UTEP will switch to the Mountain West Conference starting in the 2026-27 season. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

UTEP joins the Mountain West, is it the right decision?

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • October 1, 2024
UTEP has moved to the Mountain West. While ideal at first impression, the larger implications are some that don’t have a stable road for the Miner’s future.
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Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

UTEP students react to the death of Franklin Mountain legend Bob the Goat

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 27, 2024
The recent passing of the beloved Bob the Goat has united the 915 in honoring his life. Bob’s legacy is one that impacted all citizens, including those at UTEP.
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The University of Texas at El Paso has been named one of Forbes' 500 Best Colleges.

Forbes Top 500 List furthers the truth for UTEP

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 25, 2024
After the release of the Forbes Top 500 list, the rest of the US learns what those who stepped into UTEP already know, its promise to excellence.
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Courtesy of UTEP Athletics.

UTEP football falls to Jay Norvell-led Colorado State, QB1 now in question

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 24, 2024
UTEP has a strong outing in Fort Collins against Mountain West’s own Colorado State. Despite the result, UTEP demonstrated a resilient attitude, almost completing a second half comeback. Entering the bye, the Miners are left with a significant question.
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Lucas Stauffer for the El Paso Locomotive.

Colorado Switchbacks Versus El Paso Locomotive thriller makes fans go ‘Loco’

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 24, 2024
The Locomotive finally returned home after two weeks, but were confronted with a perennial USL club in the Colorado Switchbacks, who are second in the Western Conference. To the tunes of a nail-biting finish, the Locomotive rode the crazy train all game long.
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Photo courtesy of Conference-USA

C-USA Realigns for the second time in three years

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 22, 2024
UTEP’s athletic world just got a whole lot different. As C-USA finally gains some sustainability, recognition is now needed if the Miners look to get hot in the conference, and the past can tell UTEP what they can expect from their imminent future.
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Niesha Burgher was born in Jamaica and represented her country and UTEP at the Olympics this year.

Olympians & Paralympians in the 915

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 20, 2024
Paris 2024’s global competitions have officially wrapped up. Yet, the recognition of those who reside in El Paso and competed in the Olympics has barely begun.
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Genesis Tanner is a senior who’s majoring in theater design and technology.

The bright lights and blinding recruiters from reality: Women deserve to be in Showbiz

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 20, 2024
Showbiz seems to speed through the ramp of limited inclusion. But UTEP keeps advocating through plays and national performances on why everyone deserves a fair shot to be a star.
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High School Football Kicks Off! Meaning that YOU should go out to a game

High School Football Kicks Off! Meaning that YOU should go out to a game

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 18, 2024
High School football has made its long-awaited return to the borderlands. A tradition in which many high schools and matured El Pasoans take pride in… yet college and graduate students tend to stay away. Now’s the time to beat the fear of embarrassment.
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UTEP Miners faced off against Liberty Flames in Lynchburg, Virginia on Sept. 14.

Miners fall to Liberty: But improvement shown

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 16, 2024
After taking the road to face inner conference rivals the Liberty Flames, the Miners were able to improve upon the lessons learned last week vs Southern Utah. Despite the loss, UTEP has a framework to build from.
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UTEP professor Aaron Campbell provides insight about the path many UTEP graduates pursue after graduation.

To leave or not to leave: Where do UTEP alumni go after graduation?

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 15, 2024
With graduation on the horizon for those receiving their diplomas this fall, many have plans to leave the 915 entirely, following the trend of UTEP alumni. But how life shapes these graduates is one in which many return to the place that makes them happy.
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UTEP comes out of the Mine Shaft for a game against Southern Utah in the season opener at the Sun Bowl in El Paso.

Iconic ‘Mine Shaft’ entrance makes its return after 12 years

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 13, 2024
After 12 long years, the Mineshaft makes its long-awaited return to the sun bowl. The iconic entrance embraces UTEPs old and new chapters as the Miners hope to write history into their story, now with some extra help from the Miner faithful.
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Supporters of the men’s basketball team launched a program called the “Miner Collective” two years ago.

NIL continues to grow at UTEP

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 13, 2024
For most of college sports history, amateur athletes could not profit off of their status. That was until 2021 when the Supreme Court ruled that the NCAA was in violation of Antitrust laws because they wouldn’t let athletes receive financial benefits from their own on-field performance. 
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Photos courtesy of Flickr. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Harris faced off in first debate on ABC News Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Trump V Harris: The First Presidential Debate

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 12, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have finally faced off in their race to the oval office. Here’s what you need to know about last night's events.
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“Segundo Barrio” is one of the poorest areas in the country, per census.

The unpleasant recognition of 79901 zip code: El Segundo Barrio’s past and present struggles

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 11, 2024
El Segundo Barrio is one of El Paso’s oldest neighborhoods, and it’s also one of the most impoverished areas in the country. Race, culture and education all play a factor in the why and it’s our roots that can possibly lead to a change. 
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On Sept. 7, UTEP had it’s first home game against Southern Utah, UTEP’s defense tried to stop Southern Utah offense. It struggled to help the offense in the second half.

UTEP’s home opener ends in the hands of thunder: Southern Utah Thunderbirds win overtime thriller.

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 10, 2024
UTEPs home opener ends in heartbreak. While there are many improvements to make on the bulletin board, the road to increasing spirit has hit a stride. Now, Miner fans have their attention, and hopefully their dedication to coach Walden and the Miners for the rest of the year.
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Sophomore quarterback Skylar Locklear maneuvers Nebraska’s defense from a received pass.

UTEP football opens Scotty Walden-era with 40-7 loss to Nebraska Cornhuskers

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • September 3, 2024
UTEP football kicked off its 2024 football season by going after a Big Ten Conference school, the Nebraska Cornhuskers. While the stats may be disappointing, the Miners saw a new chapter of UTEP football history that Head Coach Scotty Walden hopes to make remarkable.
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Bud Light partners with UTEP to create the limited edition official beer sponsoring UTEP Athletics.

Picks Up? I thought you meant Cans up!: UTEP partners with Bud Light for specialty cans

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • August 31, 2024
A partnership like no other is coming to the borderlands. Just in time for football season, fans will see the bright orange colors and UTEP logo on Bud Light cans. This partnership looks to add to the already high levels of hype for this new era of UTEP football by giving fans another way to interact with the university.
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Calling all Miners: UTEP kicks off back to school events with ‘Late Night at the Rec’

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter • August 26, 2024

Ever since most school districts in El Paso adopted a year-round schedule, university students felt like they had an extra special summer, one where they don’t have to worry about packed pools or arcades. But at last, those extra weeks in August...

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