EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The UTEP Miners kicked off its home opener to Southern Utah Saturday night losing by 3 points in overtime.

The Sun Bowl stadium was filled with 41,609 fans to kick off the Scotty Walden era in the Sun City.

The Miners started off strong scoring on their first possession of the game. Skyler Locklear, the starting quarterback for the Miners, secured a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jevon Jackson giving UTEP their first lead, 7-0.

Keeping the momentum, on their second drive of the game the Miners would once again send it home. This time Locklear would score a touchdown on a 5-yard quarterback keeper.

At the half, UTEP led with a score 17-6.

In the third, Southern Utah began to wake up. In the third quarter, Targhee Lambson maneuvers his way through UTEP defense and snags a rushing touchdown for the Thunderbirds. Then later in the fourth, Lambson returns with a 47-yard touchdown giving Southern Utah their first lead, 21-17. The Thunderbirds run game was outstanding, rushing for more than 265 yards.

With four seconds on the clock, the Miners with a trick play. Jaden Smith finds Locklear for a 4-yard touchdown pass forcing the game into overtime.

Finally, the Thunderbirds Daniel King secures a 33-yard field goal to call it game.

The Miners fall 27-24, moving them down to a 0-2 record.

Next up, they'll get ready for the defending Conference USA champions, the Liberty Flames with a 4p.m. kickoff at Williams Field.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP Volleyball secured the Borderland Invitational title with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Stephen F. Austin on Saturday at Memorial Gym. The win capped off a perfect 3-0 weekend, boosting UTEP’s overall record to 5-1.

UTEP battled through a tough four-set match against Stephen F. Austin, taking the first set 25-19 after a strong 5-0 closing run. The Miners dominated the second set with a 25-15 win, hitting over .400, but faltered in the third set as SFA capitalized on a late run to take it 25-20. UTEP regrouped in the fourth set, securing a 25-18 victory behind a powerful offensive performance and strong blocking to close out the match 3-1. 

LEADERBOARD 
Ema Uskokovic led the Miners with 16 kills, hitting .268, while Torrance Lovesee added 13 kills at a .360 clip and recorded a double-double with 15 digs. Kalia Kohler and Mattie Gantt combined for 52 assists, with Kalia also delivering 3 aces. Alyssa Sianez anchored the defense with 16 digs, while Kaya Weaver dominated at the net with 8 blocks.  

THE STATS 
UTEP held the all-round statistical advantage in kills (59-42), service aces (7-5), and blocks (15-5). UTEP posted a .297 hitting percentage and held SFA to just .111. UTEP hit over .400 in the first two sets and earned 81 of their 95 total points in the match, showcasing a well-rounded and efficient team effort.

SET-BT-SET
ONE | Stephen F. Austin jumped out to an early 8-4 lead, but UTEP responded with kills from Torrance Lovesee and Lauren Perry, helping the Miners pull ahead 13-10. The teams traded leads as SFA took a 17-16 advantage, forcing UTEP to call the first timeout of the match. The Miners then closed the set on a dominant 5-0 run, fueled by four kills and an ace, to take the opener 25-19. 

TWO | SFA once again grabbed an early 4-2 lead, but UTEP quickly answered with three straight points to take control. The set saw ties at 5-5 and 6-6, but UTEP surged ahead with a 4-0 run, forcing SFA to call a timeout. Out of the break, both teams traded single points, but UTEP maintained a five-point cushion at 17-12. As the Miners approached set point, Ema Uskokovic delivered a powerful kill to seal the 25-15 win, giving UTEP a 2-0 advantage in the match. 

THREE | UTEP started strong with a 5-1 lead, highlighted by a kill and an ace from Kaya Weaver. However, SFA fought back, consistently scoring two points for every UTEP point and eventually tying the set at 12-all. The battle for the lead continued until SFA went on a 3-0 run, forcing UTEP to take a timeout at 19-16. SFA never relinquished their lead, taking the set 25-20 and getting on the board.

FOUR | Looking to close out the match, UTEP came out firing with 7 kills, taking a 10-6 lead. Back-to-back blocks extended the lead to 13-7, prompting SFA to call a timeout. Ema Uskokovic contributed two kills and Mattie Gantt added an ace, pushing UTEP to a 19-11 advantage. SFA responded with a 6-1 run, closing the gap to 20-17, but UTEP finished strong with a 4-0 run. Kills by Lauren Perry and Torrance Lovesee, a solo block by Kaya Weaver, and a match-sealing ace by Kalia Kohler secured the 25-18 win and the match victory.

"It was tough, and Stephen F. Austin gave us everything they had," Coach Ben Wallis said. "We faltered a bit in the third set—some of the challenges got really long and threw off our rhythm because we were rolling, and it just got us out of sorts. SFA earned that set, but we came back strong, blocking six balls in the fourth, which shows the resilience of our team. We got a little complacent in the third, but after they earned their victory, we came right back out determined to take over. We served tough, blocked big, and even though we were running out of gas, we managed to get the victory. It’s been a hard-fought week against three good teams, and this was a great team victory over another NCAA participant and conference champion."

UP NEXT       
The Miners are back in action September 13-15 as they travel to Vermillion, South Dakota to participate in the South Dakota Classic. 

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EL PASO, Texas - UTEP head coach Scotty Walden is in search of his first win at UTEP.

So far things are looking good with the Miners leading the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at the half, 17-6.

UTEP quarterback Skyler Locklear has thrown for 172 yards, one passing TD and one rushing TD.

Scoring Summary:

1st Quarter

UTEP scored a touchdown on their first possession of the game.

UTEP quarterback Skyler Locklear with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jevon Jackson.

7-0 UTEP

Southern Utah would also find the end zone on their first drive of the game.

Quarterback Bronson Barron with a 40-yard touchdown pass to Zach Mitchell.

Two point conversion attempt failed - UTEP leads 7-6

On UTEP's second drive of the game the Miners would once again hit paydirt.

Locklear would score a touchdown on a 5-yard quarterback keeper.

Miners extend their lead 14-6

End of the first 14-6 UTEP

2nd Quarter

UTEP kicker Buzz Flabiano connects on a 43-yard field goal.

Miners up 17-6.

Halftime score: 17-6 UTEP

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EL PASO, Texas - The Scotty Walden era will make its debut in the Sun City when UTEP hosts Southern Utah on Saturday, Sept. 7. The Miners (0-1) and Thunderbirds (0-1) will kick off at 7 p.m. MT in Sun Bowl Stadium. The contest will be streamed on ESPN+ and heard on 95.5 FM KLAQ.

Saturday night’s promotion is “Heroes Night” with UTEP Athletics’ partner GECU as the game sponsor. Miner fans can purchase their UTEP-SUU tickets at www.utepminers.com/tickets, by calling 915.747.UTEP, by emailing: tickets@utep.edu, or at the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 201 Glory Road [Brumbelow Building, UTEP Campus]).

Last week, Miner fans caught a glimpse of Walden’s “Blue Blaze” offense at Nebraska in the opening frame. Skyler Locklear drove UTEP 63 yards on only three plays that resulted in a Kam Thomas 38-yard touchdown strike that tied the game at 7-7 following Buzz Flabiano’s PAT in the first quarter.

“Kam Thomas played absolutely fearless in man-to-man coverage – he played fearless the whole day,” Walden said. “The things you’re not going to see that you go back and watch is his blocking on the perimeter. Kam sacrificed for the team and you watch how he played the game; he cares about his teammates and cares about winning. And that (touchdown) route was a fearless route in man-to-man coverage. (Nebraska) didn’t play man coverage the rest of the game.” 

Thomas racked up 132 all-purpose yards against the Cornhuskers including 71 yards on seven receptions, a 29-yard punt return, 30 yards on a pair of kickoff returns and two yards on the ground.

Locklear started the contest 5-for-5 with 59 yards and the TD and finished 11-of-17 for 115 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in his first collegiate start.

On defense, graduate student transfer linebacker, Dorian Hopkins made an immediate impression on Miner fans after racking up 16 tackles, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery to lead the “Orange Swarm” defense. Austin Peay transfer spur Kory Chapman also enjoyed an impressive debut tallying 10 tackles against the ‘Huskers.

Chapman, Thomas and Walden will face Southern Utah for a second straight year after last season’s 48-45 double overtime shootout victory in Cedar City on Oct. 21. Southern Utah recorded 561 yards on total offense to Austin Peay’s 438.

“This team (Southern Utah) plays harder than any team I’ve seen in the past three years on tape. I mean that with all my heart and soul. There’s not a team I’ve watched that plays harder,” Walden said. “You watch them against Utah, and they’re down whatever the score ended up being, their kids fight. (SUU head coach DeLane Fitzgerald) has a great culture over there. This is an offense that is going to run a lot of zone schemes up front and like to run a lot of them unbalanced. Coach Fitzgerald is going to have these kids wired up believing they can win. They’re going to come into the Sun Bowl with great energy.”

UTEP (0-1, 0-0) vs. Southern Utah (0-1, 0-0)

Date: Saturday, Sept. 7

Time: 7 p.m. MT

Location: El Paso, Texas

Venue: Sun Bowl Stadium (45,971)

X Updated: @UTEPFB

TV: ESPN+

PxP: Andy Morgan

Analyst: Ed Stansbury

Radio: 95.5 FM KLAQ

PxP: Jon Teicher

Analyst: Cole Freytag

Sideline: Mando Medina

WHERE TO WATCH & LISTEN

The Miners and Thunderbirds will be streamed on ESPN+ with Andy Morgan (play-by-play) and El Paso native and UCLA football great Ed Stansbury (analysis) will be on the call. The action will be on 95.5 FM KLAQ with “The Voice of the UTEP Miners” Jon Teicher calling play-by-play in his 44^th season. ‘Teich’, who called his 500^th game last season on Oct. 11, is joined by former UTEP WR Cole Freytag (2012, 2014-16) in the booth providing analysis in his third season. El Paso native and long-running member of the local media Mando Medina will be reporting from the sidelines. The contest can also be heard on the UTEP Miners app.

SERIES VS. SOUTHERN UTAH

Saturday’s game will mark the first meeting between UTEP and SUU.

ABOUT SOUTHERN UTAH

The Thunderbirds, after finishing 6-5 overall and 4-2 in United Athletic Conference action in 2023, lost their season opener 49-0 at no. 13 Utah on Aug. 29. SUU allowed 513 yards including 328 passing and gained only 150 yards of total offense. The Utes jumped out to a 35-0 lead at halftime. The T-Birds were penalized 13 times for 78 yards and finished 3-for-13 on third-down conversions. QB Jackson Berry led the passing game with 54 yards (6-11, INT), while QBs Bronson Barron (1-7, 9 yards) and Jordan Pachot (1-3, 8 yards) saw action. Targhee Lambson led SUU with 44 yards on six rushes (7.3 avg.). Lambson is a 5-9, 200-pound senior back who gained 507 yards (second-best on the team) on 105 attempts (4.8 avg.) and six touchdowns in 2023. Lambson added 95 yards on 11 receptions and two touchdowns last season. WR Mark Bails recorded 42 yards on three catches. Bails is a 6-3, 200-pound senior transfer from Seton Hill who gained 926 yards on 46 receptions and eight touchdowns last season. LB Darrian Feazell led the way with six tackles. Feazell is a 6-2, 210-pound redshirt junior who transferred from Los Angeles City College. LB Kohner Cullimore returns after ranking second on the team with 73 tackles. Cullimore added 10.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. He tallied six tackles against Utah. The Thunderbirds averaged 31.8 points per game and gave up 23.7 in 2023. The T-Birds averaged 397.3 total yards and yielded 345.7 last year.

CONNECTIONS

Austin Peay defeated SUU 48-45 on Oct. 21, 2023, with Scotty Walden at the helm for the Governors. Walden will face the Thunderbirds for a second consecutive season on Sept. 7.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Southern Utah University football head coach DeLane Fitzgerald had some fiery comments about UTEP, El Paso, and Ciudad Juárez ahead of his team's game against UTEP on Saturday.

Fitzgerald was on the Thunderbird Coaches Show on YouTube when he talked about UTEP being a rebuilding program.

"It's hard to call it a rebuild. It's a build. 'Re' what? 'Re' means at once upon a time they were good. Somebody gotta tell me what time that was."

"They'll have 20... 25,000 people in a stadium that seats 52,000."

Fitzgerald later spoke on El Paso and Ciudad Juárez as well, saying he had heard El Paso called a "vacation destination."

"Maybe Friday evening we'll lay on the beach chairs and overlook Juárez, heard that's a beautiful city also," Fitzgerald added, while laughing.

UTEP and Southern Utah will face off in the Miners' home opener on Saturday night at 7 PM.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- In a thrilling start to the Borderland Invitational, the UTEP volleyball team (3-1) made a statement in their home opener Thursday night at Memorial Gym, sweeping reigning Southland Conference champion Southeastern Louisiana in a decisive 3-0 victory.

The Miners opened their home campaign with a commanding performance, winning the first set 25-10 with explosive offense, taking the second set 25-17 after a late 9-0 run, and sealing the sweep with a tightly contested 25-23 victory in the third set.

LEADERBOARD
UTEP volleyball saw standout performances from multiple players, with Ema Uskokovic leading the team with 10 kills while hitting an impressive .409. The setter duo of Mattie Gantt and Kalia Kohler combined for 27 assists, with Gantt also delivering a team-high three aces. Defensively, Danika Washington was a force at the net, recording seven total blocks, while Alyssa Sianez and Torrance Lovesee each contributed eight digs to anchor the Miners' back row.

THE STATS
UTEP held the all-round statistical advantage in kills (35-27), service aces (9-0), and blocks (11-4). UTEP posted a .320 hitting percentage and held SE Louisiana to just .011.

SET-BY-SET
SET ONE | The Miners came out strong to start the match, displaying explosive energy that set the tone early. UTEP dominated with nine kills, pulling ahead 15-9 by the media timeout. They extended their lead with an impressive 10-1 scoring run, forcing SELU to call two timeouts to regroup. However, the Lady Lions couldn't find an answer, and a pair of attack errors sealed the deal for UTEP with a commanding 25-10 win. The Miners hit an outstanding .611, registering 12 kills with just one error. Ema Uskokovic led the charge with four kills. 

SET TWO | UTEP started the second set with back-to-back kills, but SELU quickly responded, resulting in a series of small scoring spurts from both teams. The set was tightly contested, featuring six lead changes. UTEP's setter duo, Mattie Gantt and Kalia Kohler, each added a setter dump to keep the Miners slightly ahead, leading 15-14 at the media timeout. The score remained tight, with three consecutive service errors from both teams tying it at 16-16. SELU briefly took the lead at 17-16 with a kill, but that marked the end of their scoring as UTEP regained control. The Miners closed the set on a dominant 9-0 scoring run to win 25-17, taking a 2-0 lead in the match. 

SET THREE | SELU gained early momentum in the final set, leading 9-7 before UTEP responded with a 6-1 run to take a 13-10 lead. The Lady Lions answered back with a 5-1 run of their own, reclaiming the lead while conceding just one point to UTEP. However, freshman Iana Loera served up two aces to lift the Miners to an 18-15 advantage. UTEP capitalized on a pair of SELU errors and added two kills to go up 22-19. Although SELU rallied with three straight points to tie the set at 22-23, Kaya Weaver stepped up in the clutch, delivering a kill and a block to secure the 25-23 win, completing the sweep for UTEP. 

"The message all week was that this conference champion (SELU) wasn't going to let us win easily, and they really turned a corner competitively, challenging us in ways we initially weren't responding to," said UTEP Head Coach Ben Wallis. "I thought Ema was spectacular tonight. SELU is an exceptionally talented team, and the fact that we got nine aces on them without getting aced ourselves made the biggest difference in the match. I'm proud of what we did from the service line. We continued to block well, did some really nice things, and found a way to win in those tough second and third sets. That's what you need to do against a conference champion, and I'm proud of this win.”

UP NEXT     
UTEP takes on Air Force on day two of the Borderland Invitational on Friday, September 6, at 6pm MDT. 

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- DeadBeach Brewery just announced the release its new Miner BrewTM, the official craft beer of the UTEP Miners. The beer will launch on Friday, September 6, 2024, both at Miner Palooza and at the first UTEP football home game.

The locally-brewed beer is the first-ever specialty beer made for UTEP, according to DeadBeach.

The brewery first teamed up with UTEP Athletics in 2021, a partnership that has been building up to this point, organizers say.

"We began discussing brewing this beer, which could be mass-produced in our new facility," said DeadBeach Brewery founder and owner Jason Hunt. "Now that our facility is open and pumping out beer cans, we were able to make this dream beer a reality. A portion of the proceeds from this beer will go directly back to UTEP. So, get your picks up, and let’s get ready to celebrate an incredible year of UTEP Athletics. Go Miners!”

The Miner beer is described as a 4.1% ABV Blonde Ale that was specially brewed to compliment your next tailgate or after-game party.

“We wanted to make a beer that would resonate with any beer drinker in our community; a Blonde Ale is known for its crisp, traditional taste," DeadBeach founder and head brewer Gabriel Montoya said. "We made sure that the ABV on the beer was low so that it could be enjoyed through the games with ease."

For the launch, organizers will offer tastings of the new beer at both Miner Palooza and at the first home football game.

"The beer will be available thereafter at UTEP Athletics' games and at the DeadBeach tavern," officials say.

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EEL PASO, Texas - UTEP Volleyball (2-1) will host the Borderland Invitational from September 5-7 at Memorial Gym, welcoming a strong lineup of competitors.

The Miners will face off against reigning Southland Conference champions Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday, Air Force Academy on Friday, and reigning Western Athletic Conference champions Stephen F. Austin on Saturday.

“We're really looking forward to seeing how many of our Memorial Maniacs come out to support us this week,” head coach Ben Wallis said. “Thursday night's home opener against an NCAA tournament team and conference champion is something cool to come watch. I really want to see our student body get behind this team, and I know the city and our Memorial Maniacs will show up at Club Memorial.” 

  TICKETS  
Season ($85) and single-game tickets ($10) can be purchased through the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office by calling (915) 747-UTEP, emailing tickets@utep.edu, visiting www.UTEPMiners.com/Tickets or in person at 201 Glory Road (Brumbelow Building, UTEP campus) Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Group tickets are also available for $5 (minimum of 10 tickets).     

  PARKING  
Parking may be impacted during the Borderland Invitational due to other events on campus.

• On Thursday, September 5, there will be a high school football game at Sun Bowl Stadium, and on Friday, September 6, Minerpalooza will take place. For both days, parking is free with no specific guidelines, except for restricted areas: no parking is allowed in Miner Village, OR2, or any blocked off spaces in RA2 (due to the staff/faculty appreciation tailgate setup).
• Saturday, September 7: Due to UTEP Football's home opener, fans attending volleyball matches will be charged football parking prices. Discounted parking passes are available at the ticket office until 8 a.m. on Sept. 7.
• Parking Map & Prices: Click here for the 9/7 parking map and prices.

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KVIA) -- UTEP Volleyball (2-1) swept Utah State, 3-0 at the Utah Classic on Sunday, with standout performances by Kaya Weaver and Kalia Kohler earning them All-Tournament Team honors. Weaver had a record-breaking performance, setting new program records with 10 block assists and 12 total blocks in a 3-set match.

UTEP dominated the match against Utah State, starting strong with a 25-19 win in the first set, followed by a commanding 25-15 victory in the second. Despite a late push from Utah State in the third set, UTEP held firm to secure the sweep with a 25-22 win, completing a 3-0 triumph over the reigning Mountain West champions. 

LEADERBOARD 
Torrance Lovesee led UTEP with 8 kills on a .385 hitting percentage, added 6 digs, and tallied 11 points, while Kalia Kohler delivered 4 aces and, alongside Mattie Gantt, combined for 26 assists. Kaya Weaver was dominant at the net with 12 blocks, contributing 15 points for the Miners. 

RECORDS & MILESTONES 

• Kaya Weaver had a record-breaking performance, setting new program records with 10 block assists and 12 total blocks in a 3-set match.  
• The team also made its mark, recording 16 total blocks, tying for the third-most in program history, and tallying 24 block assists, the second-most in a 3-set match.
• Additionally, Mattie Gantt surpassed a significant milestone, reaching 1,002 career assists against Utah State. 

THE STATS 
UTEP held the all-around statistical advantage in kills (34-31), hitting percentage (.333 - .105), service aces (9-5), and blocks (16-3). The Miners stuffed eight blocks in each set. 

SET-BY-SET
SET ONE | UTEP dominated the opening set, with Kalia Kohler starting the match with an ace as the Miners surged ahead to a 14-9 lead, forcing Utah State to call a timeout. Following the break, Utah State responded with a 5-2 run, closing the gap to 16-14 after giving up two points to UTEP on errors, which led the Miners to take a timeout of their own. However, UTEP quickly regained control, stringing together a pair of 3-0 runs to clinch the first set with a 25-19 win. 

SET TWO | UTEP exploded out of the gates in the second set, scoring six unanswered points. The Miners maintained their momentum, building a 13-4 lead as both teams exchanged points leading into UTEP’s first timeout at 16-9. Coming out of the break, Kaya Weaver delivered back-to-back aces to extend UTEP’s lead to 10 points. Although Utah State managed a small 3-0 spurt, Weaver and Torrance Lovesee answered with four straight points, securing a 25-15 set win and putting UTEP up 2-0 in the match.

SET THREE | Utah State came out determined in the third set, taking its first lead of the match at 9-6. UTEP responded by tying the game at 10-10 after a Utah State error and then pulling ahead 13-10. Refusing to back down, Utah State fired back with four unanswered points to regain the lead at 14-13. The Miners battled, taking control one last time with a 19-16 lead. Despite Utah State narrowing the deficit to one point twice, at 21-20 and 23-22, UTEP's Torrance Lovesee delivered a crucial kill for match point, and Kalia Kohler sealed the deal with an ace, securing a 25-22 set win and completing UTEP’s second straight sweep of the weekend. 

“I'm incredibly proud of our team," Coach Ben Wallis said. "We were competing like crazy against a really good Utah State team—three-time Mountain West champions and NCAA tournament participants. We stayed composed and competitive, fighting hard the entire time. For two days in a row, we were pushing and pulling the pieces, and our setters were a step ahead. Kaya and Danika are All-CUSA players for a reason—they just dominated the game. It was a really good effort from everyone, and we're excited to get back to El Paso and play at home this week." 

UP NEXT    
UTEP returns to action as it hosts the Borderland Invitational Sep. 5-7. The Miners face Southeastern Louisiana at 6:30 p.m. MT Thursday (Sep. 5) in their home opener. Season ($85) and single-game tickets ($10) can be purchased through the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office by calling (915) 747-UTEP, emailing tickets@utep.edu, visiting www.UTEPMiners.com/Tickets or in person at 201 Glory Road (Brumbelow Building, UTEP campus) Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Group tickets are also available for $5 (minimum of 10 tickets).    

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DALLAS, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP's Kaya Weaver earned the first 2024 Conference USA Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week honors announced by the league office Monday afternoon.   

Weaver named CUSA Defensive Player of the Week
Weaver delivered an impressive performance, earning all-tournament team honors at the Utah Classic. The native of Galt, California, led UTEP to a 2-1 record sweeping both Green Bay and Utah State. Against Utah, she recorded 11 kills with a .529 hitting percentage. Against Green Bay, she added 5 kills and 6 blocks. Her standout performance came against Utah State, where she notched 5 kills, hit .364, served 3 aces, and set new program records with 10 block assists and 12 total blocks in a 3-set match. Overall, Weaver tallied 21 kills, hit .366, a team-high 21 blocks, and accumulated a team-high 36.0 points. 

Conference USA Release

UP NEXT    
UTEP returns to action as it hosts the Borderland Invitational Sep. 5-7. The Miners face Southeastern Louisiana at 6:30 p.m. MT Thursday (Sep. 5) in their home opener. Season ($85) and single-game tickets ($10) can be purchased through the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office by calling (915) 747-UTEP, emailing tickets@utep.edu, visiting www.UTEPMiners.com/Tickets or in person at 201 Glory Road (Brumbelow Building, UTEP campus) Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Group tickets are also available for $5 (minimum of 10 tickets).     

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has secured a spot on Forbes' Top 500 Colleges list for 2024.

Among Texas’s 80 four-year institutions, UTEP is one of only 15 recognized, joining the ranks of prestigious universities like UT Austin and Rice.

UTEP stands out for graduating students with minimal debt, ranking first in Texas and 15th nationwide in this category.

Forbes reports that UTEP graduates earn a median salary of $106,000 within a decade of graduation, with an average debt of just $4,735—well below the national average of $28,244.

President Heather Wilson and Vice President Amanda Vasquez highlight UTEP’s dedication to providing affordable, high-quality education, reflecting the university’s commitment to reducing financial barriers and enhancing student success.

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KVIA) -- The UTEP Volleyball team (1-1) showcased their dominance in a commanding 3-0 sweep over Green Bay, exploding out of the gates in each set. Led by Ema Uskokovic’s 13-point performance and a fierce defensive effort that included 11 team blocks, the Miners cruised to victory on day two of the Utah Classic Saturday afternoon. 

Ema Uskokovic led the Miners' offensive charge with 11 kills while hitting an impressive .346. The dynamic setting duo of Kalia Kohler and Mattie Gantt combined for 29 assists. Kohler also delivered five aces. On the defensive end, Alyssa Sianez anchored the backcourt with 13 digs, while Kaya Weaver dominated at the net, stuffing six blocks. 

UTEP held the all-around statistical advantage in kills (40-29), hitting percentage (.333 - .124), aces (8-1), and blocks (11-1).

The Miners produced 59 of their 75 points with contributions from 11 different players, including double-digit performances from Ema Uskokovic (13 points) and Torrance Lovesee (10 points).

SET ONE | The Miners exploded right out of the gate, surging to a commanding 9-1 lead to start the match. Green Bay, struggling to find their rhythm, used both timeouts to ice the red-hot Orange and Blue before UTEP reached 15 points. Though the Phoenix managed a brief 3-0 burst before the Miners hit 20, it was UTEP's Serbian duo who sealed the deal in the opening set. A 4-0 scoring run, featuring two blocks and a kill by Ema Uskokovic and a solo block by Sara Pustahija, put UTEP on the board first with a dominant 25-11 win. Notably, eight of UTEP's 11 blocks in the match came during this opening set. 

SET TWO | The Phoenix kept the second set close, resulting in a thrilling back-and-forth battle that saw 13 tied scores and four lead changes. UTEP led 15-12 going into the media timeout, but Green Bay responded with a 5-1 run, taking a 17-16 lead and forcing the Miners to call a timeout. Coming out of the break, UTEP regained control, and though Green Bay tied the score twice, the Miners' determination prevailed. A series of four kills and an ace secured a 25-21 win, putting UTEP up 2-0 in the match. 

SET THREE | UTEP once again had an explosive start in the third set, racing to an 8-0 lead as Kalia Kohler fired off four aces. The Miners extended their advantage to nine points, leading 13-4, as Green Bay burned their second timeout of the set. Although the Phoenix managed to cut the deficit to five on several occasions, UTEP remained steadfast in their pursuit of a sweep. Torrance Lovesee and Luvina Oguntimehin each added a kill to close out the set with a 25-18 victory, securing the Miners' 3-0 win.

"After a disappointing loss last night to Utah, I challenged my team, and they responded incredibly well today,” head coach Ben Wallis said. “They competed fiercely from the serving standpoint, getting back to a level where we could control the game from the service line, which is our goal. We didn't have that effort last night, but today we returned to our identity, leading to what was likely a school record of 8 blocks in the first set. With 11 blocks over three sets, our defensive performance was impressive. I was proud of the team's offensive execution against Green Bay, a team that gave the Mountain West champions a tough match yesterday. We knew they were formidable, but we managed to take key elements away from them, and the team executed our game plan well in extended stretches, which led to the sweep."

UP NEXT    
UTEP will wrap up the Utah Classic on Sunday, Sep. 1 as the Miners go up against Utah State at 10am MDT.  

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LINCOLN, Nebraska - UTEP head coach Scotty Walden will have to wait a little longer to get his first win as UTEP's head coach.

The Miners start the 2024 season with a loss on the road to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 40-7.

It was a tough first test for Walden and his Miners going to a Big 10 Conference school, and playing in front of a jam packed crowd of more than 80,000.

In the first quarter of the game, the Miners held there own scoring a touchdown on their second possession of the game.

Unfortunately, those would be the only points of the game for UTEP.

The game was tied at 7 at the end of the first quarter before the Huskers would put up 23 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 30-7 lead at the half.

UTEP quarterbacks, Skyler Locklear and Cade McConnell would both take the field in Saturday's game.

Locklear would end the day with 115 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.

McConnell would have 20 yards passing and one interception.

Nebraska freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola shined in his debut with the Huskers ending the day with 238 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Miners start the season 0-1 and will look for better days ahead.

That begins with the team's home opener next Saturday against Southern Utah.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. from the Sun Bowl.

Scoring Summary:

First Quarter

Nebraska scored on their first possession of the game following a 5-yard touchdown run by running back Dante Dowdell 7-0 Nebraska

UTEP QB Skyler Locklear with a 38-yard touchdown pass to WR Kam Thomas 7-7

7-7 End of first

Second Quarter

Nebraska safety - 9-7 Nebraska

Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola to WR Isaiah Neyor, 59-yard touchdown pass - 16-7 Nebraska

Nebraska RB Gabe Ervin with a 3-yard run for a touchdown - 23-7 Nebraska

Right before the half - QB Dylan Raiola to WR Jahmal Banks, 21 yard touchdown pass - 30-7 Nebraska

30-7 Halftime

Third Quarter

Nebraska RB Gabe Ervin with a 1-yard run for a touchdown - 37-7 Nebraska

Fourth Quarter

Nebraska kicker Tristan Alvano connects on a 20 yard field goal 40-7 Nebraska

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LINCOLN, Nebraska - The Scotty Walden era at UTEP kicked off in Lincoln, Nebraska Saturday as the Miners took on the Nebraska Cornhuskers out of the Big 10 Conference.

At the half, the Miners are trailing the Huskers, 30-7.

Both UTEP quarterbacks Skyler Locklear and Cade McConnell would see action in the first half of the game.

The Cornhuskers would march down the field on their first possession of the game and score a touchdown to go up 7-0.

UTEP's first possession of the game was one to forget as they went three and out.

However, on UTEP's second possession, UTEP fans got their first glimpse of UTEP's fast paced offense as the Miners scored their first touchdown of the game in only three plays.

Scoring Summary:

First Quarter

Nebraska scored on their first possession of the game following a 5-yard touchdown run by running back Dante Dowdell 7-0 Nebraska

UTEP QB Skyler Locklear with a 38-yard touchdown pass to WR Kam Thomas 7-7

Score was 7-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter

Nebraska safety - 9-7 Nebraska

Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola to WR Isaiah Neyor, 59-yard touchdown pass - 16-7 Nebraska

Nebraska RB Gabe Ervin with a 3-yard run for a touchdown - 23-7 Nebraska

Right before the half - QB Dylan Raiola to WR Jahmal Banks, 21 yard touchdown pass - 30-7 Nebraska

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EL PASO, Texas - With UTEP's season opening game on the horizon, UTEP head coach Scotty Walden finally named his starting quarterback.

The job will go to Austin Peay transfer, Skyler Locklear.

Locklear will be tested right out of the gate as the Miners begin their 2024 season Saturday on the road against the Big 10's Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Coach Walden had a decision to make between Locklear and returner Cade McConnell.

Walden opted to go with the QB he's very familiar with from a season ago when Locklear played for Walden at Austin Peay.

Locklear played in two games for the Governors last season, and Saturday will be his first start at the FBS level.

Austin Peay is an FCS program.

During his Monday news conference, Walden had said he would make his decision on a starting quarterback Wednesday or Thursday.

The decision came Thursday night with Walden telling ABC-7 that he first wanted to let the whole team know who the starting quarterback would be.

Walden has said he expects both quarterbacks, Locklear & McConnell to see playing time this season, but for now Locklear will get the first shot against the Huskers.

Saturday's game against Nebraska kicks-off at 1:30 p.m. MT.

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EL PASO, Texas - UTEP women’s basketball has brought in six players to bolster the 2024-25 roster, Head Coach Keitha Adams announced Wednesday.

A brief profile on each signee and quotes from Adams follow below.

Portia Adams

Guard

5-6

Lamar

Cedar Hill, Texas

Coming to UTEP after taking a year off following two seasons at Lamar (2021-23) … averaged 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in her sophomore campaign … put up 10 or more points in 20 contests …  scored in double figures in 10 of last 11 games … went off for a career-high 32 points against Houston Christian (2/16/23) … snagged a career-best nine rebounds against Texas A&M – Commerce (1/26/23) … dished out a career-high eight assists against Mississippi Valley (11/25/22) … put up 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in freshman season … recorded three double-digit scoring efforts.

“Portia brings a lot of college experience as a transfer student. She can really shoot the ball and has really good basketball IQ. We are looking for great leadership from her.”

Heaven Samayoa-Mathis

Guard

5-7

Salt Lake Community College

Sacramento, Calif.

Averaged 12.0 points and 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game as a sophomore at Salt Lake Community College … received Scenic West Athletic Conference Second Team All-Conference honors … tallied 10 or more points in 18 contests … poured in a career-high 23 points against Odessa College (11/25/23) … pulled down a career-best 11 rebounds to go with 16 points against Utah State Eastern (1/24/24) for her first collegiate double-double … did not compete in the 2022-23 season … played her freshman year at Hawai’i Hilo, averaging 8.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game … posted seven double-digit scoring efforts.

“Heaven is coming from a good junior college program, and we are counting on her experience at the college level. She can shoot the ball well and she makes good decisions on the court.”

Ndack Mbengue

Forward

6-3

Cowley College

Bergamo, Italy

Averaged 12.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in her sophomore season at Cowley College … earned a KJCCC Second Team All-Conference nod … posted double-digit scoring efforts in 19 games and pulled down 10+ rebounds in 17 contests … grabbed a career-best 24 rebounds twice, against Dodge City CC (2/10/24) and at Pratt CC (2/24/24) … also poured in a career-high 37 points on 64.0 percent shooting at Pratt … tallied 14 double-doubles … averaged 16.8 points and 14.9 rebounds over final 10 games of the 2023-24 season … was named the Cowley College Female Athlete of the Month in February 2024 … averaged 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in her freshman season at Cowley … is a member of the Italian junior national team.

“Ndack is a post player from Italy that played her last two years at a very good program at Cowley and each year she got better. We are excited about her rebounding skills and her play around the basket. She also brings great positive energy to workouts and life in general.”

Osade Igbinedion Omoruyi

Forward

6-4

Real Canoe

Madrid, Spain

Has represented Spain at the youth national team level … earned a spot on the Madrid regional youth team … plays for Real Canoe in Madrid at the club level … averaged 10 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 season … won the 2022 U16 Madrid Championship with Real Canoe.

“Osade is young, but she has great potential. She is a lengthy and athletic post player who can run the floor very well and is a good rebounder.”

Yagmur Canguven

Guard

5-11

Fenerbahce

Mersin, Turkey

Averaged 11.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game with Fenerbahce in Istanbul, Turkey … shot 55.2 percent from the field … scored in double figures on eight occasions, including three games with 20 or more points … won the 2022-23 Turkish youth league championship … has represented Turkey at the youth national team level.

“Yagmur is another young player coming in with good basketball IQ and good work ethic. We are looking forward to her helping us from the guard spot.”

Mary Moses Amaniyo

Forward

6-1

KIU Rangers

Arua, Uganda

Averaged 14.4 points and 11.6 rebounds per game in the 2023 East African basketball league … was named Player of the Month in May 2023 for her important role in her club, KIU Rangers, going on nine-game winning streak, which included a trip to the tournament finals … picked up an MVP honor after helping her school, St. Mary’s Kitende, win the National Secondary Schools Basketball Championship …  averaged 7.8 points and 9.5 rebounds in the 2023 FIBA Africa Women’s Basketball League Qualifiers.

“Mary Moses is one of the most talented young players from Uganda. Jane Asinde is her role model, and we are excited to work with this athletic forward.”

2024-25 UTEP Women’s Basketball Roster

2          Heaven Samayoa-Mathis

3          Ivane Tensaie

5          Delma Zita

7          Delphine Jatta

8          Dunja Zecevic

10        Yagmur Canguven

11        Portia Adams

12        Irene Asensio

13        Ndack Mbengue

15        Abby Priscilla

20        Thelma Barbitch

22        Mary Moses Amaniyo

23        Luisa Vydrova

25        Osade Igbinedion Omoruyi

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso Chihuahuas are hosting a UTEP Night and asking all current and former Miners to turn out and turn the ballpark orange.

The game is happening Friday, August 30, 2024 at 6:35 PM at Southwest University Park in Downtown El Paso. The Chihuahuas will be taking on the Tacoma Rainiers.

The UTEP bands and cheer and dance teams will be in attendance to add some extra Miner spirit. UTEP President Heather Wilson will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, game organizers say.

The first 1,000 fans will get an exclusive commemorative t-shirt.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP's head coach Scotty Walden held his first weekly presser of the regular season Monday at the Larry K. Durham center.

UTEP fans are five days away from witnessing a new era of UTEP football. The Miners will hit the road for their season opener against Nebraska who will have a new starting quarterback, the true freshman Dylan Raiola.

As for the Miners, they have yet to announce if either Cade McConnell or Skyler Locklear will start against the Cornhuskers come Saturday.

"I'm getting a strong feeling but I want to see how they handle game prep," coach Walden said. "I've been in a quarterback battle, it's been close and sometimes I've played two guys in the first two games. It'll be a great test, no better test than we could have playing Nebraska with all the different looks they're going to give us and they're certainly not going to make it easy on our quarterbacks."

The UTEP Miners will meet Nebraska on Saturday, August 31st at Memorial Stadium Lincoln with a 1:30p.m. kickoff time.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Fourth-year head coach Joe Golding has returned to the Sun City following his time in Kuwait while volunteering to be part of the Operation Hardwood Classic basketball tournament at Camp Arifjan presented by “Feherty’s Troops First Foundation.” The nearly weeklong event (Aug.11-16) is designed to afford a select group of coaches with the special opportunity to interact with and coach currently deployed U.S. service members.

“The basketball part was awesome, just being able to spend time with those troops and build real relationships that will last a lifetime” Golding said. “As the week went on, you really got to know those troops and their stories, which was really neat. Those troops learned a ton about UTEP, basketball and the city of El Paso. There are two bases that those troops get deployed to, to train before they head over there, and one of those is Fort. Bliss. I’d say about 80 percent of those soldiers know about Fort Bliss and the city of El Paso. The responsibility that Fort Bliss plays in our military was very obvious to me.”

There was a distinct Miner flavor with the group of attendees, with three (Golding, Tim Floyd and Greg Foster) of the eight individuals in attendance having ties to UTEP. Also spending time coaching, interacting and more with the troops were John Brady, Pete Carroll, Jeff Jones, Jay Ladner and Jim Woolridge.

“It was an unbelievable opportunity, and I was honored to be chosen to be part of that group,” Golding said. “It was extremely educational for me. Being able to hang around with so many terrific coaches that have done such a great job coaching their teams was great for me. I just shut up, listened a lot and took mental notes. The educational piece as far as the miliary for me was incredible. I highly recommend anyone that has the opportunity to go over there and serve and spend time with our troops to do it.”

Once Golding and company arrived in Kuwait on August 11, he started coaching up his squad. He finished 2-2 in the event, including a buzzer-beating victory against Floyd’s team that will earn him bragging rights with the former Miner head coach. The tournament wrapped up on August 16, but the on-court action was just part of the story. Troops First Foundation supplied transportation, logistical support, direct contact with Camp Arifjan officials and more.

“I didn’t really know what to expect, but I’m just so proud now to be an American for what our soldiers and our troops do every day to protect us,” Golding said. “I knew there were sacrifices that they make, but I don’t think it really hit me until I got down there and I saw our troops. What they do, the sacrifice and respect that they have for their jobs and for our country was eye opening for me. I think I was a little blown away too by the youth in our troops that go over there and serve our country.”

The “Feherty’s Troops First Foundation” is a nonprofit organization started in 2005 by co-founder and executive director Rick Kell. It focuses on the well-being of both active military and veterans. It also works to provide meaningful assistance to military members who have been wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through unduplicated programs designed for OIF/OEF combat-wounded service members and their families, the foundation addresses relationship building, mentoring, reintegration and looking forward. For more information, please visit www.troopsfirstfoundation.org

Help support UTEP student-athletes by making a gift to the Miner Athletic Club. Visit givingto.utep.edu/mac today!

For complete coverage of UTEP men’s basketball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPMBB (Twitter), @utepmbb (Instagram) and on Facebook @UTEPMensBasketball  or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at www.UTEPMiners.com

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The UTEP Miners will get ready to enter game week getting ready for Nebraska for its season opener on Saturday, August 31st.

The big question throughout Fall camp has been who is going to be the starting quarterback for the Miners and head coach Scotty Walden said he'll be announcing his starting QB entering game week.

As for Nebraska, they announced their starting quarterback which will be the true freshman, Dylan Raiola.

He was rated the top QB prospect in the country by many sources and coach Walden knows they're going to have to come out ready knowing they'll be facing a skilled player like Raiola.

"He is special," Coach Walden said. "We're going to have to do a great job containing him. I think he's at his best when he's improvising because he's so smart and he has so much arm talent so we have our work cut out for us. We expected it to be him and I think he's going to be one of the most talented guys in the nation when it's all said and done. He's definitely an NFL player, I know he's young, he's a freshman but in my opinion he's got all the tools to be an NFL guy. We're going to have to make sure we stay on top of the cut and contain him." 

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The UTEP soccer program was defeated 1-0 by UC Riverside at University Field Sunday afternoon. The Highlanders scored early in the first half and the Miners could not find the equalizer.

UTEP held a slight advantage in total shots (10-9) and corner kicks (6-2), but UCR earned more shots on goal (4-1). Angelina Amparano made three saves in net for the Miners.

“College soccer can be brutal, and we let the emotion of a hard-fought victory on Thursday bleed into our Sunday,” Head Coach Gibbs Keeton said. “We are still in the process of learning how to be winners, and unfortunately giving up the early goal changed our belief, and we weren’t able to chase the game the way we wanted to for 85 minutes. I think our players believe that we can score, the shots reflect our ability to score, as does the number of times we got in the box. We just didn’t score today, and when you give up an early goal, you have to score.”

The Highlanders took the lead in just the fifth minute of the game when Mimi Dominguez put a solo effort low to the right corner past Amparano.

For much of the first half, UTEP struggled to maintain possession against UCR, though they did fire off seven shots to the visitors’ four. Anai Lopez and Mina Rodriguez paced the Miners with 2 shots a piece, with Lopez firing one off the crossbar early in the period. Leslie Gutierrez, Marina Hill, and Sydney Williams also tallied one shot apiece in the first half.

The Orange and Blue came out stronger in the second half, with Sheyliene Patolo forcing a save from Highlander keeper Allee Grashoff in the 50th minute and Rodriguez following five minutes later with a shot the narrowly missed the right bottom corner of the net.

The Miners’ best chance of the game came midway through the second half when Ana Quintero broke away from the UCR defense and looked like she was in on goal, but a well-timed pass breakup from the visitors stopped the attack in its tracks. Quintero would later try a shot herself in the 75th minute, but it missed over the top.

UCR would have three shots in the final minutes of the game, but none hit the target.

UTEP now heads out on a two-game road spell. The first stop is at Stephen F. Austin Wednesday (8/28) at 6:15 p.m. MT/ 7:15 p.m. CT followed by a matchup at Houston Christian Saturday (8/31) at 6 p.m. MT/ 7 p.m. CT.

The next chance to see the Miners in action at home is Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. MT when they take on Texas A&M – Corpus Christi at University Field.

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EL PASO, Texas - The UTEP soccer program earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Texas A&M – Commerce in its home opener Thursday evening.

Ana Quintero put away a chance in the 22nd minute off an assist from Taya Lopez. Angelina Amparano (six saves) and strong defensive play kept the Lions (1-1-0) at bay the rest of the way.

It marks the first victory in a home opener since the 2020 season, when the Miners (1-0-1) won 3-1 over Battle of I-10 rival NM State on Feb. 11, 2021. 

UTEP has also posted back-to-back shutouts to open the season for the first time since 2016.

That year the Miners tallied three blankings in a row to kick off the campaign.

A&M – Commerce held the advantage in shots (14-10) and shots on target (6-2) but could not find the back of the net.

“We played really well at home tonight and were excited to have the crowd behind us,” Head Coach Gibbs Keeton said. “I’m proud of the performance we put in in our pursuit of victory, and we love playing at home. It’s awesome to play here and the community came out despite a little weather delay, and it ended up being a great evening.”

The Lions opened the game with a shot in the seventh minute from Kaydence Ramirez, but Amparano was up to the task and saved it. After that the Miners turned up the heat and fired off five shots in 10 minutes, including a low, hard try from Lopez that A&M – Commerce keeper Gillian McKenzie managed to smother.

In the 22nd minute, Quintero chased down a through ball from Lopez, beating out the Lion defense and smashing the ball past McKenzie with her right foot. It was Quintero’s first goal in Orange and Blue and first assist of the season for Lopez.

A&M – Commerce tallied five shots in the latter part of the first half, but none managed to hit the mark. Sydney Williams narrowly missed one of her own as halftime approached. At the break, UTEP held a 7-6 advantage in shots.

In the second half the Miners defended well against a barrage of shots from the visitors to keep the narrow lead. Amparano posted three saves in the second period. In the 71st minute, UTEP thought they had doubled the lead when Hayden McMillan slotted home a long ball over the top from Ashlyn Neireiter, but the offside flag went up and it was called it back.

A late free kick for the Lions just outside the 18-yard box made for a nerve-wracking ending, but Daniele Tovar fearlessly headed the ball clear. The Miners batted away the ensuing corner as time expired to give them the win.

UTEP returns to University Field this Sunday (8/25) to take on UC Riverside at 12 p.m. There will be a free pre-game tailgate starting at 11 a.m. MT.

“Tonight was important for us because Texas A&M – Commerce was picked to finish second in the Southland, and that’s a great conference,” Keeton said. “They finished second last year as well. They are super tough and beat us 3-2 last season and are very well coached. For us to win tonight is massive to get us in the right direction and push us forward.”

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EL PASO, Texas - The UTEP soccer program welcomes Texas A&M – Commerce to University Field at 7 p.m. MT Thursday (8/22) for the first home match of the 2024 season. Thursday is camp reunion night, where summer camp participants can take advantage of a special buy one, get one ticket offer.

GAME COVERAGE

Thursday vs Texas A&M – Commerce – Live Stats or Watch Here

#ICYMI

The Miners opened the 2024 campaign with a nil-nil draw at ACU last Saturday. Twenty different players featured for the squad. Senior keeper Angelina Amparano made five saves in the contest and faced nine total shots. Anai Lopez led the team with two shots (one on goal) while Sheyliene Patolo, Ana Quintero, Mina Rodriguez, Daniele Tovar, Sarina Villa Cuellar, and Sydney Williams also registered shots for UTEP.

SHOUTOUT FOR THE SHUTOUT

The Miner defense held strong against nine total shots (five on goal) to keep the Wildcats scoreless, which marks the first season-opening shutout since a 5-0 win at I-10 rival NM State in 2016.

BACK IN THE SADDLE

Eve Barry and Hayden McMillan returned to UTEP’s starting 11 at ACU, both having been sidelined with injuries last season.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Nine players made their UTEP debut against ACU. They were Emma Cook, Cassie Garza, Marina Hill, Anai Lopez, Ashlee Mora, Ana Quintero, Sarina Villa Cuellar, and Sydney Williams. Lopez, Mora, and Williams also earned their first collegiate starts.

CLOCKING IN

The Miners had six players log 70 or more minutes against the Wildcats, including three that played the full 90 (Angelina Amparano, Ashlyn Neireiter, and Daniele Tovar).

SCOUTING REPORT: TEXAS A&M – COMMERCE

The Lions started their 2024 campaign with a 4-1 dismantling of Oral Roberts. Hannah Bell earned Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week for her two-goal performance. Camila Montero and Savannah Powell also added to the scoring tally with a goal apiece while Ashley Campuzano, Hailey Griffin, and Mya Mitchell all posted assists. Goaltending duties were split between Gillian McKenzie and Veronica Pacione.

A&M – Commerce is coming off a stellar 2023 season, where the Lions finished second in the SLC with a 9-7-3 overall record (7-1-2 in conference). Bell picked up both SLC Freshman and Forward of the Year awards and Kaydence Ramirez earned Newcomer of the Year. Both return to bolster the 2024 roster. The team returns 19 players from the 2023 squad, including 11 who started 10 or more contests. Ramirez led the team with 10 goals and five assists with Bell following closely behind with nine goals and one assist. Montero paced the team with six assists and Mindy Shoffit added five.

SERIES HISTORY WITH THE LIONS

UTEP is 0-1-0 all-time against A&M – Commerce, having lost 3-2 in the first-ever matchup between the two sides on 9/10/23 in Commerce.

2023 SEASON REWIND

The Orange and Blue took strides in the right direction during Gibbs Keeton’s first season at the helm of the program. The team went 1-2-3 over the last six games of the year (1-9-1 to start the campaign).

SPRING-ING FORWARD

The Miners are looking to capitalize off of a positive spring season, which included a lot of player development and exciting experiences. Highlighting the spring season was an incredible effort from UTEP to draw 0-0 against a tough FC Juarez Femenil squad in an international friendly at University Field on 4/3/24.

BUILDING BLOCKS

Heading into the second full year with Keeton and his staff, the team has put much emphasis on fostering meaningful relationships and reconstructing the culture into one focused on achieving the most out of the season.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Miners are back at University Field this Sunday (8/25) for the second game of the homestand, taking on UC Riverside at 12 p.m. MT. There will be a free pre-game tailgate starting at 11 a.m. MT.

TICKETS
For tickets, fans can call 915-747-UTEP or visit UTEPMiners.com/Tickets for more information.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Twenty years after it was made famous by former head coach Mike Price, the “Mine Shaft” UTEP football team entrance is returning to the Sun Bowl for the 2024 season.

Fans will want to be in their seats 10 minutes prior to kick off to witness the one-of-a-kind entrance of UTEP football players and coaches from the “Mine Shaft” onto the field.  This edition of the “Mine Shaft” entrance will bring some new wrinkles and surprises that fans will be able to observe first-hand prior to UTEP’s home opener versus Southern Utah on Saturday, Sept. 7.  Kickoff is at 7 pm.

“The ‘Mine Shaft’ entrance became iconic under coach Price, and we’re excited to bring it back as we launch a new era of UTEP Football,” first-year head coach Scotty Walden said.  “Not only did it make sense to bring back the ‘Mine Shaft’ because of its special place in our football history and how it embodies the spirit of being a Miner, it felt appropriate to do it now as we plan to recognize the 2004 team and its accomplishments later this season.”

A 20-year reunion of the 2004 Miners, who won eight games in their first year under coach Price and reached the Houston Bowl, is scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 1-2.  The team will be honored at the game versus Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 1:30 pm.

“The Mine Shaft started with the idea of being a Miner and what they looked like, how hard working and tough they were,” Price said.  “We wanted our opponents to know that they were going to be in for the fight of their life [against us].  It was an exciting way to enter the field.  Coach Walden asked if I minded that they brought it back.  I thought that was really professional and kind of him to do that.  He didn’t take it for granted, he understood what it was all about and how fun it could be for the team.  So that was pretty cool.”    

UTEP football gamedays will take on new excitement with the return of the “Mine Shaft.”  Additionally, the “Miner Walk” is back for the 2024 season with a new look.  The UTEP football team will once again be dropped off on Sun Bowl Drive two hours and 15 minutes prior to each game.  But this year, UTEP players and coaches will walk through Paydirt’s Pregame Party Zone to the Larry K. Durham Center.  Paydirt’s Pregame Party Zone is located in the GR2 parking lot at the North End of Sun Bowl Stadium.

“We are looking forward to interacting with our passionate fans by walking through Paydirt’s Pregame Party Zone on our way to the locker room,” Walden said.  “This will get everybody fired up for the game by creating an electric pregame environment!”

UTEP Football season and single-game tickets are on sale now by calling (915) 747-UTEP or by visiting www.UTEPMiners.com.

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ABILENE, Texas (KVIA) -- The UTEP soccer program drew 0-0 at ACU Saturday evening in the first match of the 2024 season.

The Wildcats held a slight advantage in shots (9-8), shots on goal (5-3), and corners (5-2) while the sides were tied in offsides offenses with four apiece. Angelina Amparano made five saves in net for the Miners.

“Despite the draw it was great for us to continue to build and establish our identity,” Head Coach Gibbs Keeton said. “I was proud of the effort our team and game changers provided, specifically in the second half. We made big strides to forge relationships across the field.

The UTEP defense were tested twice in the opening 10 minutes by ACU’s Peyton Hill, but the Miners managed to block the first try and Amparano smothered the second. Later in the first half the Wildcats fired off three shots in quick succession, but the Orange and Blue held strong and kept things level.

Sydney Williams nearly connected on a Mina Rodriguez corner in the 27th minute to get things started for the offense. Ana Quintero followed that with a hard shot to the low corner in the 35th, but ACU keeper Lili Ross got her hands on it. Daniele Tovar rounded out the first half efforts in the 45th minute, but the shot missed the target.

Amparano stepped up again in the second half, saving two shots from Chayse Thorn and Gracie Kelly in the 50th and 67th minutes, respectively.

The Miners outshot the Wildcats 5-3 in the second half. Anai Lopez led the charge with two shots (one on goal) in the 53rd and 57th minutes. Sarina Villa Cuellar got in on the action and forced a save from Ross in the 70th minute while Sheyliene Patolo and Mina Rodriguez both had their efforts blocked down the stretch.

The Miners return to University Field next Thursday (8/22) for their home opener against Texas A&M – Commerce. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. MT.

“Eight freshman and one transfer made their debuts for us tonight (Emma Cook, Cassie Garza, Marina Hill, Lopez, Ashlee Mora, Quintero, Villa Cuellar, and Williams) and we also welcomed back Eve (Barry) and Hayden (McMillan) from their injuries. I love that we were able to play so many players in our first game and still get a shutout. There is a lot to build on and grow from,” Keeton said.

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(Courtesy: UTEP Athletics)

EL PASO, Texas - UTEP football’s Maurice Westmoreland was one of 90 defensive linemen and linebackers selected to the Lombardi Award Watch List on Thursday.

Westmoreland led the Miners with 7.5 sacks and finished second in Conference USA in 2023.

The senior led the league with 64 sack yards, and ranked fourth in CUSA with 10.5 tackles for loss (75 yards ranked second in the league).

“Mo”, who moved to the bandit position recently, added 37 tackles (24 solo), three breakups, four hurries and a forced fumble.

The product of Houston put up big numbers on national television at FIU on Oct. 11, tallying career-highs in tackles (six), tackles for loss (3.5) and sacks (2.5). Westmoreland earned the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week after the tremendous effort. He also produced 2.5 TFLs and a sack during the Miners’ come-from-behind win at Sam Houston on national TV on Oct. 25.

Westmoreland recorded his first career sack at Northwestern on Sept. 9, while also getting to the QB at Arizona the following week. He finished out his junior with a sack each at Middle Tennessee, and against no. 22 Liberty.

For Westmoreland, it’s his second preseason watch list, as he was selected to the Bronko Nagurski Watch List on July 30.

ABOUT THE LOMBARDI AWARD

The Lombardi Award was established in 1970 in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi.

It is presented to outstanding linemen who best epitomize their values of leadership, courage, performance and discipline on and off the field. Furthermore, the watchlist includes plyers who consistently show the values of strength, agility and football acumen in their respective positions.

The Lombardi Award represents much more than the distinction involved. It memorializes the perspiration, dedication and perseverance of these exceptional athletes. As they compete on the gridiron, they inspire future generation of football players and continue the legacy of a coaching icon.

ON THE HORIZON

UTEP will open the 2024 season and Scotty Walden era at Nebraska on Aug. 31 with kickoff set for 1:30 p.m. MT on FOX. Walden’s fast, physical football will make its home debut on Sept. 7 versus Southern Utah at 7 p.m. in the Sun Bowl.

2024 UTEP FOOTBALL TICKET INFO

Season ticket memberships are available here starting at only $65 (seating chart and pricing).

Fans can also call 915.747.UTEP, email utep@tickets.edu, click www.utepminers.com/tickets, or visit the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, Texas, 79968 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP and NMSU enter week three of Fall camp starting on Monday.

Both the Miners and Aggies are still trying to hone in on who their starting quarterbacks will be.

For the Miners, they have six players fighting for the starting quarterback position. Cade McConnell, the returning Junior, and Skyler Locklear, the redshirt Sophomore who followed head coach Scotty Walden from Austin Peay, are in contention for the starting QB position.

Coach Walden has worked with many quarterbacks before and has a good idea of what he's looking for in his starting QB.

"The thing that guy ultimately has to have is the locker room," Coach Walden said. "The players have to respect him and have to follow him. They have to know when he's behind center, he's in charge and we are going to follow that guy. So, whoever grabs that, I think you'll see grab the confidence and then you'll see that stats, the play making ability and all those things come out because the team has his back and he's got the teams back."

As for the Aggies, they have seven players in contention for that starting QB spot. However, Santino Marucci, the transfer from Wake Forrest has been getting a lot of reps in along with Parker Awad, the sophomore from Golden West College.

"None of them have taken a stamp for the Aggies before," head football coach Tony Sanchez said. "We have to put them in as many stressful situations so we can see how they react to them. The biggest thing about that spot is consistency, you might have a great day today but what are you going to do tomorrow night? There's enough talent around these guys, they have to be ready to deliver the ball on time and make good decisions. If they do that, again the talent around them will take care of itself but we just have to get them comfortable."

The Miners will travel to face Nebraska August 31st at Memorial Stadium at 1:30p.m.

The Aggies will kick off their home opener August 31st against Southeast Missouri State at 7p.m.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- “Meet the Miners,” a fresh take on UTEP Athletics Fan Day, took place Saturday at Memorial gym. Fans came out and met UTEP coaches and student-athletes from 1-3 pm and was open to the public.

The football, soccer and indoor volleyball teams were in attendance, as well as select coaches and student-athletes from UTEP’s remaining 12 sports programs.

“Meet the Miners” gave fans the opportunity to interact with UTEP student-athletes and coaches, as well as get pictures and autographs.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The UTEP volleyball team kicked off practice Thursday at Memorial Gym.

The Miners added six new freshman to their 2024-45 roster.

Last season UTEP finished with a 25-10 overall record and 11-5 conference record. Head coach Ben Wallis said he isn't focusing on winning a championship but building a championship program.

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EL PASO, Texas - UTEP basketball head coach Joe Golding is headed to Kuwait.

Golding will be supporting a good cause as part of Operation Hardwood.

Operation Hardwood is a basketball tournament for U.S. soldiers from various bases around Kuwait.

Current or former basketball coaches are invited to take part in coaching teams comprised of U.S. soldiers.

Coach Golding will be coaching one of the teams.

He'll also get a chance to reconnect with some former Miners including former UTEP head coach Tim Floyd who will be coaching one of the teams as well.

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(Courtesy: UTEP Athletics)

EL PASO, Texas - Daniel Foo has been promoted to head coach of the UTEP Beach Volleyball team, Vice President and Director of Athletics Jim Senter announced on Monday.

Foo has served as Associate Head Coach for the first two seasons (2023-24) of the fledgling program. 

Ben Wallis has doubled as head coach of the indoor and beach programs during that time and can now focus solely on leading an indoor team that has enjoyed unprecedented success under his guidance.

"We are thrilled to give Daniel the opportunity to take the reins of UTEP Beach Volleyball," Senter said.  "The experience that he brought to El Paso, having served as assistant coach of the New Mexico beach team for five years, has proven to be invaluable.  He has played a pivotal role in the progression of our program, from start-up to 12-match winner in only two years.  We look forward to seeing continued growth under his leadership.  UTEP Beach is in great hands with coach Foo!"

"I am very appreciative of, and excited about, the opportunity that Mr. Senter and UTEP have given me," Foo said.  "I am highly aware of the type of winning culture being built in UTEP Athletics.  Miner fans have lots to cheer for and I know Beach Volleyball will be one of them.  I would like to thank Ben for his mentorship, leadership, and support these past two years.  We are all very excited to see what Indoor Volleyball does this year.  I hope to see all of you out in the sand next spring."

"I can't be more thrilled for Daniel to be the leader of our Beach program moving forward," Wallis said.  "We knew pretty quickly in 2022 that we nailed the Beach hire with Mr. Foo, and it was obvious how great of a fit he is in El Paso.  Daniel is a tireless worker who isn't afraid to show up early and leave late, and he is very in tune with the ever-changing landscape of sand volleyball around the globe.

"What I love most about Daniel is that he is a complete volley nerd and wants to get better every day as a leader of the program," Wallis added.  "He cares a lot about our players and there aren't many beach programs in the country that are incorporating crossover players at the rate and level that we are, and that should be really fun to watch.  I love that his family is already entrenched in El Paso culture and we are all excited to see where he takes this young, exciting, athletic Beach program in the near future."  

UTEP announced the addition of Beach Volleyball as its 17th Division I sports program in January of 2022.  Foo was hired in May of that year. 

The Miners took to the sand for their inaugural campaign in 2023 and posted a 4-19 record. 

Last year, UTEP achieved a winning record during the regular season before finishing 12-13 overall. 

The Miners' Mila Popovic was named to the 2024 Conference USA All-Freshman Team. 

Two Miners (Madison Hill and Summer McDonough) earned spots on the CUSA Beach Volleyball All-Academic Team, while UTEP's 3.63 team GPA merited an AVCA Academic Award.

Foo started playing beach volleyball in 2004 before transitioning into a coaching career. 

He helped start the beach program at New Mexico in 2015. 

The Lobos ranked 18th in the country a year later.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP's Niesha Burgher earned herself a spot in the 200-meter semifinals on Saturday in the 2024 Olympics in Paris after finishing second in her heat in round one, clocking in a time of 22.54.

The 21-year-old finished fifth in heat two of the 200-meter semifinals on Monday with a time of 22.64. With only the top two from each heat advancing to the finals, that performance would knock Burgher from making it to the 200-meter final.

Overall, this was a great Olympic debut for Burgher and El Paso hopes to see her in the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Miner Fridays are coming on August 9!  Gather your orange and blue gear and get ready to put your UTEP school spirit on full display.  Whether you’re on campus, in the community or at home, Miner Fridays are the perfect opportunity to show your UTEP pride.

“On Fridays, everyone is a Miner!” UTEP President Heather Wilson said. “Each Friday, we’d love to see El Paso in Miner Orange and Blue, showing their support for UTEP and our teams.”

UTEP Football Coach Scotty Walden will kick off Orange Fridays by getting out in the Sun City community on the afternoons of Friday, Aug. 9 and Friday, Aug. 16.  Stay tuned for coach Walden’s schedule as he visits area businesses and throws out the first pitch at the El Paso Chihuahuas game on Aug. 16.

“It’s no secret that UTEP has the best fans in the country, and we need you to show your spirit on Miner Fridays,” Walden said.  “The football season is right around the corner.  We need all Miner supporters to be decked out in orange and blue every Friday leading up to, and during our 2024 campaign.  Then continue your support by wearing UTEP apparel every Friday and cheering on all of our teams!” 

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The UTEP Miners kicked off day one of fall camp at Sun Bowl Stadium Thursday morning.

""We were a little sloppy but I love the energy and the attack," head football coach Scotty Walden said. "We've got to get in shape, the way normal teams practice we would've been good but we practice in a totally different way. I really love the defensive competitivenesses today, I thought offensively we looked good in the beginning and then we got tired. Our tempo kind of went to heck and defensively I thought we flew around and did really good but overall I'm very proud of our guys."

The big question is who is going to fill in that starting quarterback position.

Returning player Cade McConnell, and new player Skyler Locklear, who followed Coach Walden from Austin Peay, are looking like the two potential starting QB's but so far, it's been a friendly competition between the two. McConnell and Locklear actually like to hit the green (golf) together off the field.

"We're going at it right, we're trying to be the best quarterback that we can possibly be," McConnell said. "Not necessarily to beat the other guy out but to be the best quarterback for this team."

"Of course there's a quarterback battle, there's four other quarterbacks as well," Locklear said. "It's not like we're the only two quarterbacks here, there's six of us, the spots open and we're battling for it but every time I come out here it's just try to be the best version of myself, for my team and try to be the best teammate that I can be."

The Miners will take on Nebraska at Memorial Stadium August, 31st at 1:30p.m.

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(Courtesy: UTEP Athletics)

EL PASO, Texas - UTEP football’s Maurice Westmoreland was one of 75 defensive standouts selected as a contender for the National Defensive Player of the Year announced by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) on Tuesday.

Westmoreland led the Miners with 7.5 sacks and finished second in Conference USA in 2023. The senior led the league with 64 sack yards, and tied fourth in CUSA with 10.5 tackles for loss (75 yards ranked second in conference).

“Mo”, who moved to the bandit position recently, added 37 tackles (24 solo), three breakups, four hurries and a forced fumble.

The product of Houston put up big numbers on national television at FIU on Oct. 11, tallying career-highs in tackles (six), tackles for loss (3.5) and sacks (2.5).

Westmoreland earned the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week after the tremendous effort.

He also produced 2.5 TFLs and a sack during the Miners’ come-from-behind win at Sam Houston on national TV on Oct. 25.

Westmoreland recorded his first career sack at Northwestern on Sept. 9, while also getting to the QB at Arizona the following week. He finished out his junior with a sack each at Middle Tennessee, and against no. 22 Liberty.

The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2024 trophy on Nov. 20 and the winner will be unveiled Dec. 9 by the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

Link to full release by the FWAA.

ON THE HORIZON

UTEP will open the 2024 season and Scotty Walden era at Nebraska on Aug. 31 with kickoff set for 1:30 p.m. MT on FOX. Walden’s fast, physical football will make its home debut on Sept. 7 versus Southern Utah at 7 p.m. in the Sun Bowl.

2024 UTEP FOOTBALL TICKET INFO

Season ticket memberships are available here starting at only $65 (seating chart and pricing).

Fans can also call 915.747.UTEP, email utep@tickets.edu, click www.utepminers.com/tickets, or visit the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, Texas, 79968 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

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EL PASO, Texas - The UTEP men's basketball team will be headed to paradise this week.

Wednesday, the team will fly out to Nassau in the Bahamas.

While the team will sight-see and spend some time at the beach, the Miners will be putting in some work on the island.

UTEP is scheduled to play two exhibition games against local teams from the Bahamas and will also take part in a basketball clinic.

This is the team's first overseas trip since the Miners visited Puerto Rico in 2017.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The 2024 UTEP football season will get off to a rousing start on Wednesday, Aug. 21!  Join coach Scotty Walden for the “UTEP Football Kickoff Party” in the GECU Terrace at Sun Bowl Stadium.  The event will start at 6:30 pm and conclude at 8:30 pm.

Billed as “UTEP’s Biggest Tailgate Party of the Year,” the event will feature a live DJ, tailgate games, and plenty of UTEP spirit.  Non-alcoholic beverages and game day food will be provided, and a cash bar will also be available.  Tickets are just $35 for adults and $15 for kids ages 2-12. 

Coach Walden will offer an exclusive “sneak peek” at his first season with the Miners, which commences with a game at Nebraska on Aug. 31.

Tickets are on sale now by visiting www.MinerAthleticClub.com.  Tickets will remain on sale through Monday, Aug. 12.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP's quarterback, Cade McConnell, held his first passing and skills football camp Saturday morning at Canutillo High School.

"These camps can be really cool when they can be intimate and you can actually go out and coach kids," McConnell said. "Earlier in the week I said it would feel like it would be a total disservice to not be able to pass on some of the football information and knowledge that I've been lucky enough to be blessed with and gifted to."

McConnell even had some former Miner football players participate in the camp including s few of his current teammates including wide receiver Trey Goodman and cornerback AJ Odoms.

"This is our off time right now before we start fall camp so we don't get a whole lot of time," McConnell said. "These guys chose to stay back here in El Paso instead of going home and resetting before we start camp so I can't thank them enough for being out here."

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Seven former Miners are in Paris getting ready to compete on the biggest stage in the world.

Tobi amusan will run in the 100-meter hurdles for team Nigeria.

Sean bailey will compete in the 400-meter for Jamaica.

 Niesha Burgher earned her spot in the 200-meter for Jamaica.

Greta Kerekes will compete in the 100-meter hurdles representing team Hungary.

Jevaughn Powell will run in the 400-meter for Jamaica.

Samantha Hall will compete in discus for team Jamaica.

Aiyanna Stiverne will run for Canada in the 4x400 meter-relay. 

Two former aggies will also be a part of the 2024 Olympic games in Paris.

Alena sharp will represent Canada and Ursula Wikstrom will represent Finland, both in golf. 

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(Courtesy: UTEP Athletics)

EL PASO, Texas - UTEP men’s golf head coach Aaron Puetz announced on Wednesday that Jett Isoda will serve as the golf program’s assistant coach.

“We are excited to add Jett to our coaching staff. His playing and coaching experience match what we are looking for to lead our programs to post-season success,” Puetz said. “Welcome to the 9-1-5, Coach Isoda!”

Isoda comes to the Sun City after a four-year playing career (2017-2022) at Ottawa University Arizona while recently serving as a graduate assistant for the Spirt the last two seasons.

“I want to thank Aaron for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the team, and having a successful year,” Isoda said.

OUAZ ranked fifth last season and won the 2024 GSAC Conference Championship.

The Spirt competed in the first round of the NAIA Championships.

The native of Las Vegas, Nev., played in 10 tournaments during his four-year career. Isoda saw action in 25 rounds and penciled in a 75.9 stroke average.

During the 2020-21 campaign, Isoda recorded his best stroke average – a 73.3 and posted a win-loss record of 63-24-3.

Isoda will also assist with the UTEP women’s golf program. 

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FRISCO, Texas - Tuesday was Conference USA Media Day, and it was a day of firsts for UTEP head football coach Scotty Walden, and NMSU head football coach Tony Sanchez.

Both are entering their first seasons as head coach with their respective progams.

Coach Walden was joined by wide receiver Trey Goodman, and defensive end Maurice Westmoreland.

Along with a news conference, the teams took part in a kickoff show on ESPN Plus.

Walden is gearing up for his first season as head coach of the Miners as he looks to turn around a program that finished 3-9 last season.

NMSU is also entering a new era under new head coach Tony Sanchez.

Coach Sanchez was joined at CUSA Media Day by offensive lineman Shiyaz Pete, and defensive end Buddha Peleti.

Sanchez is not a stranger to the program as he was the team's wide receivers coach under former NMSU head coach Jerry Kill.

The Aggies do have some holes to fill as NMSU lost 17 starters from a season ago. 

It was a season that saw the Aggies reach the Conference USA championship game.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP has received a $2.3 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue their work in helping migrant farm workers obtain their high school equivalency certificate (HSE). This grant will fund the program until 2029.

The grant will help fund UTEP's High School Equivalency Program (HEP), which began in 1972. 55 students graduated from the recent class. Students went through a 12-week course program at different sites, including at UTEP.

UTEP says the grant will also fund transportation assistance for students, testing fees, textbooks, and more.

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CHAMPAIGN, Illinois - Former UTEP head football coach Dana Dimel will don another shade of orange on the sidelines this football season.

Monday it was announced Dimel will join the coaching staff at Illinois.

He was hired as the team's senior offensive assistant.

For the past six seasons, Dimel was the head football coach at UTEP from 2018-2023.

The Miners were 5-26 over Dimel's first three seasons, and then in 2021 he led the team to a 7-6 record and a trip to the New Mexico Bowl. 

Dimel was fired following the 2023 season following back-to-back losing seasons.

Prior to UTEP Dimel was an assistant coach at Kansas State, but he also served as head coach of two division 1 programs, Houston and Wyoming.

He now joins a Big 10 program in Illinois and their head coach Bret Bielema who has been the head coach at Illinois since 2020.

Last season the Fighting Illini finished with a record of 5-7.

(The below information is courtesy of Illinois Athletics)

"We are so excited to bring Dana, and his long history of experiences throughout his career, to Illinois," Bielema said. "He will be a great voice and another experienced coach on our staff."

"My family and I are very much looking forward to joining Coach Bielema," Dimel said. "He is an outstanding football coach and leader and I have always admired how his teams play the game. We can't wait to start working with the talented staff to help the program and players reach high levels of success."

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DALLAS, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP’s RB Jevon Jackson, DT KD Johnson, CB AJ Odums, OL Otis Pitts III and LS Angelo Tejada were announced to Conference USA’s 2024 Preseason Football Watch List as announced by league officials on Friday.

Jackson, a transfer from Austin Peay, was named a 2023 FCS Football Central Second Team All-America after rushing for a team-high 1,373 yards on 252 attempts (5.4 avg.) and 10 touchdowns. The first team All-United Athletic Conference performer added 78 yards on 11 receptions with a TD. Jackson recorded eight career 100-yard efforts including seven last season. Jackson amassed a career-best 197 yards on 26 attempts (7.6 avg.) and a TD against SFA.

Johnson played in all 12 games in his first season as a Miner in 2023. Johnson tallied 22 tackles (13 solo) and a QB hurry from the interior defensive line. He concluded the campaign with a career-high eight tackles against no. 22 Liberty. Johnson added three tackles and a hurry against UNLV and recorded a trio of stops against I-10 rival NM State.

Odums, who transferred to UTEP from New Mexico before the ’23 season, started in all 12 games at the cornerback position during his first season with the Miners. Odums racked up 36 tackles with a team-tying high eight breakups and a 0.5 TFL. Odums concluded the campaign tied third in CUSA in pass breakups. He registered a season-high six tackles and a PBU at Middle Tennessee. Odums matched his season best with six more stops against no. 22 Liberty and tallied a season-high three pass breakups against rival NM State.

Pitts III enters his final season as a Miner playing in all 12 games in 2023 as a redshirt junior. Pitts III added two starts at right guard – at Sam Houston and against WKU. UTEP gained 222 on the ground with a trio of rushing scores during a come-from-behind victory at Sam Houston. His efforts on the line helped the UTEP rushing game gain over 1,700 yards and score 16 touchdowns.

Tejada returns for his fourth season with the Miners. Despite injuries late in the season, the senior started at long snapper in 10 games. Tejada played in 43 career games and has posted two tackles on special teams. He was named to the 2022 All-CUSA second team.

The Scotty Walden Era kicks off on Aug. 31 in a nationally televised game at Nebraska (1:30 p.m. MT) on FOX, while the Miners’ first home game is Sept. 7 against Southern Utah with kickoff slated for 7 p.m. in Sun Bowl Stadium.

OFFENSE

QB Keyone Jenkins, FIU

QB Kaidon Salter, Liberty

QB Jack Turner, LA Tech

RB Quinton Cooley, Liberty

RB Monte Watkins, NM State

RB Jevon Jackson, UTEP

RB Elijah Young, WKU

WR Gabe Benyard, Kennesaw State

WR Omari Kelly, MTSU

WR Kordell David, NM State

WR Noah Smith, Sam Houston

TE Sean Brown, Jax State

OL JD Lee, FIU

OL Clay Webb, Jax State

OL Ethan Newman, Kennesaw State

OL Jordan White, Liberty

OL Bert Hale, LA Tech

OL Ethan Ellis, MTSU

OL Canaan Yarro, NM State

OL Ethan Hagler, Sam Houston

OL Otis Pitts III, UTEP

OL Quantavious Leslie, WKU

DEFENSE
DL Jeramy Passmore, FIU

DL Darrell Prater, Jax State

DL Pooda Walker, Kennesaw State

DL CJ Bazile, Liberty

DL Jessie Evans, LA Tech

DL Andy Nwaoko, MTSU

DL Buddha Peleti, NM State

DL Jevon Leon, Sam Houston

DL KD Johnson, UTEP

DL Hosea Wheeler, WKU

LB Reggie Peterson, FIU

LB J-Rock Swain, Jax State

LB Kolbe Fields, LA Tech

LB Kavian Gaither, Sam Houston

DB Sidney Porter, Kennesaw State

DB De’Arre McDonald, MTSU

DB AJ Odums, UTEP

DB Upton Stout, WKU

SPECIAL TEAMS

K Colby Sessums, Sam Houston

K Lucas Carneiro, WKU

P Jack Dawson, Jax State

KR Julian Gray, Liberty

KR Demarcus Griffin-Taylor, LA Tech

PR Dean Patterson, FIU

PR Gabe Benyard, Kennesaw State

PR Jordan Smith, NM State

LS Brody Butler, MTSU

LS Angelo Tejada, UTEP

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Former Miner Niesha Burgher is exactly 16 days away from making her first Olympic appearance competing in the 200-meter.

“Knowing that I train and I prepare, I know I can compete against anyone," Burgher said. "I don’t compare myself to anyone, I’m the best too so at the end of the day, I’ll just show up.”

At the Jamaican Olympic trials, Burgher finished first in her heat in the prelims recording a time of 22.90. In the finals, she went up against the second fastest women in history in the 200-meter, Shericka Jackson. Burgher ran a personal best of 22.39 and finished third to punch her ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“She came off the curve slightly in the lead," Burgher's coach Rohsaan Griffin said. "She made a move and didn’t commit to it and that’s when Shericka started coming back in the race and I was like ok, we have something good here. She ran a personal best so I knew we were going to Paris.”

“Everything happened at the right time," Burgher said. "This is something that I’ve been praying for, telling my parents like I’m going to make it and seeing my dream come true is just a blessing.”

Aiming to become an Olympian is already enough motivation in itself. However, Burgher had someone special in the stands at the Olympic trials who gave her an extra boost of drive.

"This was my first time my dad watched me race," Burgher said. "He was always busy and I remember last time I went to the trials he got in an accident so he couldn't make it. After watching me qualify for the Olympics, he was happy and kept smiling. He couldn't continue the legacy he wanted so when he saw me doing what he had loved, it made him really happy."

The 200-meter prelims are set to be on August 4th in Paris.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The UTEP volleyball team is thrilled to announce the addition of Alex Gantt as the new graduate assistant coach. A native of Aledo, Texas, Gantt brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished playing and coaching career to the Miners.  

He played for a top club in North Texas, where he served as team captain for three years and finished in the top 10 in the open division. A standout athlete, Gantt was the #1 setter recruit out of Texas for the 2020 class. He graduated from Aledo High School in 2020 and played collegiate men's volleyball at Fontbonne University for four seasons (2020-2024), captaining the team for his last two years. Gantt played in 60 matches (202 sets) as a setter, achieving 1,117 career assists, 46 kills, 226 digs, 34 blocks, and 28 aces. His tenure saw the Griffins post a 59-40 overall record and a 30-11 conference record, highlighted by three winning seasons, a 20-win campaign in 2022, and an undefeated conference season in 2022. The Griffins made two postseason appearances, winning the MCVL Championship title in 2021 and earning an NCAA tournament bid. Gantt graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Accounting from the Anheuser-Busch Business School.  

His coaching experience includes roles in top north Texas power clubs, three years as the Aledo High School team manager, private lessons coach in development programs, and VP of Operations at Aledo Volleyball Club.  

Gantt will pursue a master's in leadership studies from UTEP. Notably, his sister, Mattie Gantt, is a current member of the UTEP volleyball team who is set to begin her junior season with the Miners.

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(Courtesy: UTEP Athletics)

EL PASO, Texas - The 2024-25 Conference USA schedule for the UTEP women’s basketball team was announced by head coach Keitha Adams Thursday.

After a fresh look to CUSA last year, this season will only feature one new member (Kennesaw State). FIU, Jax State, LA Tech, Liberty, Middle Tennessee, NM State, Sam Houston and WKU remain to make up the 10-team conference along with UTEP

The Orange and Blue will have to prove their mettle early by playing their first three league contests and five of the initial seven on the road. The benefit of that, however, is that the latter half of UTEP’s conference slate is heavy laden with home games. Seven of the final 11 league tilts will be held inside the Don Haskins Center.

The CUSA lidlifter is set for at LA Tech (Jan. 2), with matchups at Sam Houston (Jan. 4) and at I-10 rival NM State (Jan. 11) rounding out the opening three-game roadswing. Other road tilts include at Jax State (Jan. 23), at Kennesaw State (Jan. 25), at FIU (Feb. 13), at Liberty (Feb. 15), at WKU (Feb. 27) and at Middle Tennessee (March 1).

UTEP gets a reprieve from contests in hostile territory with its CUSA home lidlifter against Liberty (Jan. 16), with FIU (Jan. 18) also paying a visit to the Sun City that weekend. The Miners also have home games against WKU (Jan. 30), Middle Tennessee (Feb. 1), NM State (Feb. 8), Kennesaw State (Feb. 20), Jax State (Feb. 22), Sam Houston (March 6) and LA Tech (March 8) for the regular-season finale and “Senior Day.”

It will mark year two for the Miners since the winningest coach in program history, Keitha Adams, returned to guide UTEP. Senior starters Ivane Tensaie and Delma Zita are back in the fold to set the tone for the squad. Sophomores Thelma Barbitch, Aspen Salazar, Luisa Vydrova and Dunja Zecevic return as well. Adams and her staff have hit the recruiting trail hard to round out the roster. Vydrova and Zecevic are currently gaining tremendous experience by representing their respective countries at the European Championships U20.

2024-25 UTEP Women’s Basketball Conference USA Schedule

Home Games in Bold

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(Courtesy: UTEP Athletics)

EL PASO, Texas - The 2024-25 Conference USA schedule for the UTEP men’s basketball team was revealed by head coach Joe Golding on Thursday.

The Miners will square off against each league member twice for an 18-game slate.

There will be more continuity to the conference this year, with only one new member (Kennesaw State) having joined for the ’24-25 campaign.

FIU, Jax State, LA Tech, Liberty, Middle Tennessee, NM State, Sam Houston and WKU return to comprise the 10-team league along with UTEP.

The UTEP faithful have a chance to cheer on the Orange and Blue early and often to start league play, something which hasn’t been the case in recent years.

After beginning conference action on the road for five of the past six seasons, the Miners will play their first three league tilts this year within the friendly confines of the Don Haskins Center.

UTEP hasn’t opened with three straight home conference contests since the 1991-92 campaign when it was a member of the WAC.

Furthermore, five of the initial seven league games will be at the Don.

The Miners commence CUSA play the day after New Year’s, welcoming LA Tech (Jan. 2) to the Sun City.

UTEP wraps up the homestand with visits by Sam Houston (Jan. 4) and I-10 rival NM State (Jan. 11).

Other home matchups include Jax State (Jan. 23), Kennesaw State (Jan. 25), FIU (Feb. 13), Liberty (Feb. 15), WKU (Feb. 27) and Middle Tennessee (March 1).

UTEP ventures across the country for its first league road contest against Liberty (Jan. 16). The Orange and Blue’s other road dates include at FIU (Jan. 18), at WKU (Jan. 30), at Middle Tennessee (Feb. 1), at I-10 rival NM State (Feb. 8), at Kennesaw State (Feb. 20), at Jax State (Feb. 22), at Sam Houston (March 6) and at LA Tech (March 8) in the regular-season finale.

UTEP returns all its eligible scholarship players from last year’s team that made the program’s first appearance in the CUSA title tilt since 2011.

Honorable-mention All-CUSA honoree and All-Defensive team member Otis Frazier III is one of five seniors on the roster, with Corey Camper Jr., Derick Hamilton, Baylor Hebb and Kevin Kalu also back in the fold.

2024 CUSA Freshman of the Year David Terrell Jr. returns, as do fellow 2024 CUSA All-Freshman team members Trey Horton III and Elijah Jones.

Guard Antwonne Holmes and forward Babacar Mbengue, who both redshirted last season, are ready to go in 2024-25.

Rounding out the roster are JUCO All-American Ahamad Bynum, Tarleton State transfer Devon Barnes, three-star HS recruit KJ Thomas and Cochise College transfer and El Paso native Jordan Hernandez.

Season tickets are now on sale and may be purchased through the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office by calling (915) 747-UTEP, emailing tickets@utep.edu, visiting www.UTEPMiners.com/Tickets, or in person at 201 Glory Road (Brumbelow Building, UTEP Campus), Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Help support UTEP student-athletes by making a gift to the Miner Athletic Club. Visit givingto.utep.edu/mac today!

For complete coverage of UTEP men’s basketball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPMBB (Twitter), @utepmbb (Instagram) and on Facebook @UTEPMensBasketball  or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at www.UTEPMiners.com

2024-25 UTEP Men’s Basketball Conference USA Schedule

Home Games in Bold

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(Courtesy: UTEP Athletics)

EL PASO, Texas - Dating back to 1952, the UTEP track and field program has produced numerous athletes who have competed in the Summer Olympics. This year six Miners (one current, five former) will see action at the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad from July 26 through August 11 in Paris.

Making the trip to France are Tobi Amusan (Nigeria, 100 hurdles), Sean Bailey (Jamaica, 400 meters), Niesha Burgher (Jamaica, 200 meters), Samantha Hall (Jamaica, Discus), Greta Kerekes (Hungary, 100 hurdles) and Jevaughn Powell (Jamaica, 400 meters).

Amusan will compete in her third consecutive Olympics after running the 100 hurdles at Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021. Bailey is making his second straight appearance after competing in Tokyo three years ago.

Burgher, Hall, Kerekes and Powell are making their Olympic debuts.

Amusan ran for UTEP track during the 2016 and 2017 seasons before turning pro. She was a 2017 national champion in the 100 hurdles while placing second overall the season prior. Amusan was a Conference USA champion in the 100 hurdles and 200 in 2016 while also taking gold in the 100 hurdles and 4x100 relay in 2017. She ranks first in school history in the 100 hurdles with a 12.57. The women’s 100 hurdles round one is Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Bailey competed at UTEP for three seasons (2019-2021) and ranks fifth on the program’s all-time 400 list with a 45.19. Bailey was a second team All-American in 2021 in the 400. The men’s 400 first round will be on Sunday, Aug. 4.

Burgher is coming off a sensational senior outdoor season as she was named the 2024 Conference USA Women’s Track Athlete of the Year. Burgher earned NCAA second team All-American honors in the 200-meter dash. Burgher most recently saw action in the 200 and 4x4 at the NCAA Championships. She clocked in a 22.48 (2.7) at the NCAA West Prelims to advance to Eugene before finishing 10th overall at Nationals. The senior sprinter won gold in the 200-meter dash with a meet record, personal best and school-record 22.44. The women’s 200 round one is Sunday, Aug. 4.

Hall was a two-time CUSA discus champion. In 2015 she threw 56.40 meters (185-0), while in 2017 she turned in a 54.40-meter toss (178-6). She still holds the program record in the discus with a 58.50-meter throw (191-11) during the ’15 campaign. The women’s discus qualifications are on Friday, Aug. 2.

Kerekes ranks 10th on the program’s all-time 100 hurdles list with a 13.53. The women’s 100 hurdles round one is Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Powell was a Miner for two seasons before transferring to Florida. Powell ranks third on the program’s all-time 400 list with a 44.87. In 2022, he was honored as a first time All-American in the 400 after finishing in seventh place. Powell also won the 2022 CUSA 400 with a 46.02. The men’s 400 first round will be on Sunday, Aug. 4.

UTEP OLYMPIC NOTES

UTEP track and field athletes have combined for 16 total medals with a trio capturing gold. Emmanuel Korir was the last to do so when he won the 800-meter race at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Bob Beamon was the first gold medal winner to do so in the long jump at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

Five Miners have won silver, while eight have taken a bronze medal home with them. Olapade Adeniken was the most recent to win silver (1992 Barcelona) while a trio of Miners took bronze at the 2008 Beijing games as Blessing Okagbare did so in the long jump, and Osayomi Oludamola and Halimat Ismaila in the 4x100.

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(Courtesy: UTEP Athletics)

AUSTIN, Texas - UTEP’s Arianne Morais was named to the 2023-24 Academic All-America® women’s track and field/cross country second team as selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC) on Tuesday.

Morais maintained a perfect 4.00 GPA in Leadership Studies (Gr) in the class.

On the field, Morais earned second team All-American honors in the javelin throw for a second consecutive season.

She was named the CUSA Outdoor Female Field Performer of the Meet after she captured gold in the javelin at the CUSA Championships with a meet-record 56.53 meters (185-5).

The senior launched a season-best 57.41 meters (188-4) at the NCAA West Prelims to advance to her third consecutive Nationals.

The native of Oslo, Norway, won three regular-season events at the Arizona Spring Break Fiesta, Mt. SAC Relays, and Desert Heat Classic while placing fourth at the Texas Relays.

Morais was also named to the 2024 Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll and honored as a CUSA Academic Medalist.

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