College Sports Established
1914
Location
El Paso, Texas
College Name
University of Texas at El Paso
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1914 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2005 - Present / Conference USA
1968 - 2004 / Western Athletic Conference
1962 - 1967 / Independent
1935 - 1961 / Border Conference
1914 - 1934 / Independent
Nickname
Miners - The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners is one of the most beloved teams in college sports. As a proud fan, you may have wondered where the nickname “Miners” came from. The answer is steeped in history and tradition!
The origins of UTEP's Miner moniker can be traced back to 1914 when then-President Joseph Rayam established a mining engineering program at what was then called the Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy (TSSM). To honor this new educational focus, President Rayam suggested that the school adopt an official mascot—the miner—to represent its students' hard work inside and outside their classrooms. This suggestion was embraced by students, faculty members, alumni, and fans alike, who all proudly adopted "Miner" as TSSM's official mascot shortly after that.
Since its inception over 100 years ago, UTEP has kept accurate to its roots by using “Miners” as its team name with pride throughout various changes in university leadership or athletic programs structure over time. Today it stands for more than just an academic field; it symbolizes strength through adversity which is something that every true UTEP fan can relate to regardless if they're cheering on football or basketball teams during game days!
One powerful message comes from humble beginnings deep within our shared history: Go Miners!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 1
1966
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1963
- 1966
- 1992
- 2002
- 2023
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UTEP Miners men’s basketball team makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance
In 1963: The UTEP Miners men’s basketball team makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance, losing in the first round to Utah State. -
UTEP Miners football team wins the Sun Bowl
In 1966: The UTEP Miners football team, led by head coach Don Haskins, wins the Sun Bowl, marking the first bowl victory in program history. -
UTEP Miners football team wins the WAC championship and the Sun Bowl
In 1992: The UTEP Miners football team wins the WAC championship and the Sun Bowl, marking the second conference championship and bowl victory in program history. -
Fred Carr inducted into the UTEP Athletics Hall of Fame
Fred Carr is a notable athlete who competed for the UTEP Miners football team. He played linebacker for UTEP from 1968-1972 and was a standout player for the program. Carr was named the WAC Defensive Player of the Year in 1971 and was a consensus All-American in 1972. He was selected in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft ... -
Miners Football Team Wins Conference USA
Miners win 99th Battle of I-10 as Aggies set to join UTEP in Conference USA in 2023
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Miners
The Miners’ first major success came when they won back-to-back WAC titles during their 1997-1998 season, making them only one of two schools ever to do so. Since then, they have gone on an unprecedented run, winning or sharing ten more conference championships over the last 15 years, including four consecutive CUSA titles from 2006 through 2009 as well as three Mountain West Conference Championships since joining it in 2012 – all while maintaining a perfect 10–0 record against rival New Mexico State Aggies along the way!
Their success hasn't just been limited domestically either; UTEP's basketball program also made waves internationally by becoming the third school to win the NIT championship and Eurocup title during the same year (2009). Even though football remains a primary focus for the university's athletics department, its other team, such as volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, track & field, golf, tennis, etc., have all had considerable achievements ranging from individual player awards to national rankings to top finishes in various tournaments throughout country abroad.
It would be an understatement to call UTEP Miner's sporting legacy impressive - but the truth is even after decades worth of accomplishments, there is still plenty of room for growth and potential future successes. So whether you're a diehard fanatic casual observer, keep an eye out for what this grand institution is doing next because you surely won't want to miss any upcoming action!
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