THE UNI V ERSIT Y OF TE X A S AT EL PA S O
AS SAY ER OF STUDENT OPINION
October 6, 2026
THEPROSPECTORDAILY.COM
VOL. 112, NO. 2
OPINION Page 1
NEWS Page 4
ARTS & CULTURE Page 5
SPORTS Page 9
“Nunca dejes de soñar, solo quien sueña aprende a volar”
El Paso High School: The Haunted Lady on the Hill
Surfistas del Sistema Bring Their Sound to El Paso
How brothers Carver and Cash Cheeks are electrifying the UTEP offense
Halloween Festivities in the Borderland maze twist. Halloween BBQ Market at the El Paso County Coliseum (Oct. 17): This free annual market features over 80 vendors, a state BBQ competition and hosts many Halloween activities. The event encourages attendees to come in their costumes and participate in their Halloween costume
B BRIANA ESTRADA Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
With Halloween right around the corner, El Paso is getting into the holiday spirit with countless festivities all over the city. Beyond dressing up and trick-or-treating, the city offers many different events throughout October. From family fun to events for fear seekers, there’s sure to be events for everyone in the borderland. La Union Maze (Sept. 26 -Nov. 8): This is a classic part of getting into the Halloween spirit in the borderland. All throughout October, attendees can visit La Union to pick out pumpkins at their pumpkin patch. La Union also offers entry to their iconic corn maze, and every Friday. Saturday and Sunday of October you can experience the haunted
contest. They also include a dance show and trick-or-treating for children. Boo at the Zoo (Oct. 31): This annual event mixes the usual fun of the El Paso Zoo with the usual Halloween festivities. Attendees are encouraged to come in costumes and children can bring their candy bag to go trick-or-treating throughout the zoo while experiencing the thrill of seeing and interacting with the animals. This year’s theme is “Creepy Carnival Spectacle” and features entertainment and activities surrounding this theme. Halloween Fest at Franklin Mountains State Park (Oct. 31): This event is a great way for families to start Halloween day. From 9 a.m. to noon, the Franklin Mountains visitors center will be offering an array of spooky activities for children and parents. The event features “creepy critter talk,” where attendees can learn about all the critters that live in the Rocky Mountains, carving pumpkin contests and guided Halloween hikes and bike rides. For the thrill seekers, there are also events happening all month long ready to scare
you into the Halloween spirit: Ghost Stories by the Campfire at the historic 1937 Courthouse and Jail (Oct.10): This event gives you the opportunity to explore the haunted prison through a candlelit tour guided by professional storytellers who tell you all of the frightening history of the site and surrounding areas. At the end of the tour, attendees gather in the courtyard for a campfire accompanied by even more terrifying ghost stories. Burlesque on the Rio: Gorgeous Nightmares at Touch Bar (Oct. 8): This event mixes the elegance and performance of burlesque with the classic characters associated with Halloween. The show features both local and international talent who will grace the stage with classic burlesque acts as well as drag and circus acts. Scream Scream: The Retro Halloween Party Experience at the Marriott (Oct. 31): On Halloween night, people can party at the Marriott Airway Hotel with over ten DJs playing across five stages inside the hotel. This event will be an interactive and immersive exploration of the hotel featuring activities such as a costume contest and photo ops. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
Who’s running? A look at Texas’ Democratic candidates in the 2026 midterms B VANESSA OROZCO Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
Editor’s Note: This is the first part of a three-part series covering Texas’ 2026 midterm elections, examining Democratic candidates, Republican candidates and final election results.
As the 2026 midterm elections approaches, some young voters may be unfamiliar with the candidates running for statewide
offices in Texas and the issues that are shaping their campaigns. Statewide positions up for election this year include governor, U.S. senator, attorney general, lieutenant governor, comptroller, land commissioner and agriculture commissioner. Here is a look at the Democratic candidates running for these positions: Governor Democrat Gina Hinojosa was
born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and attended public schools in Brownsville. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and earned her law degree from George Washington University before working as a civil rights and union attorney. Hinojosa entered politics after her son’s elementary school was threatened with closure because of state budget cuts, leading her to
run for the Austin Independent School District school board. She later was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, where she worked on public education, health care and corporate reform. As a candidate for governor, Hinojosa’s campaign says she would focus on increasing funding for public schools, ending the STAAR test and opposing school vouchers.
Her campaign also supports issuing $1,500 refund checks to Texas households, lowering grocery and health care costs, freezing residential utility rates, and limiting private equity firms from purchasing homes. U.S. Senate Democrat James Talarico is a native of Round Rock Texas. see CANDIDATES on page 4
PAGE 2 · OCTOBER 6, 2026 · THE PROSPECTOR
Opinion
Ximena Cordero, editor-in-chief
‘Nunca dejes de soñar, solo quien sueña aprende a volar’ B L E S LY C H A V E Z Y MULTIMEDIA EDITOR • THE PROSPECTOR
Whenever a chapter ends in my life, there’s a sense of relief, but also a fear accompanied with the question, “what am I going to do now?” High school was like that, four years of laughter, memories and wins, but also a period of tears and insecurities that were created by “teachers” and “friends.” I lost people I never thought I would. Despite all this, I am aware that the Lesly I am now is a product of multiple events and people in my life, and whether it was good or bad, it got me to where I am now. One of the major changes in my life happened in 2024. It was a year full of major wins, but nothing could overcome losing my Tita, Irene Roman, in a fire. That dawn, I lost a part of my soul. She was my first best friend, the person, that apart from my mom, I would envision to be by side in every moment. Every time I look back to that last April 19 with her, I remember the last conversation we had. She picked me up from Montwood after the 2024 yearbook arrival party and I told her a desire that had sparked in my heart after hearing The Prospector’s Spring
2024 staff give a presentation in the yearbook room. I wanted to work for The Prospector. Little did I know, this would become a reality months later. For a long time, my passion for journalism turned into dust. It was like my body was here, but I evaporated on April 20. When senior year began; although I was grieving during most of that school year, I came back to journalism because of the overwhelming support of my family and closest friends who I love more than any words can express; but also thanks to my incredible teachers, Norma Chacon and Marvin Hanley. Ms. Chacon was one of the people that first took me under her wing after the fire happened, looking out for me in every way she could and encouraging me to apply to one of the greatest blessings in my life, the Terry Scholarship, the reason why college became a reality when I thought it wouldn’t. As for Mr. Hanley, or “Papa Pato” how I have proudly called him for many years, was the person that like a good “mother duck with
Why fall beats summer every time B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
Let’s be honest: summer gets way too much good PR. For months, we are subjected to sweat dripping down our necks, mosquitoes treating us like an all-you-can-eat buffet, and the constant, agonizing debate of whether it’s too hot to wear denim. Summer demands effort. Then, like a cool breeze whispering through the window, October arrives and Mother Nature finally wakes up and chooses peace. Fall has long since transcended to become a full-blown pop culture staple. As author L.M. Montgomery famously wrote in Anne of Green Gables, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Somewhere around mid-
September, society collectively shifts its personality. We abandon our iced coffees, wrap ourselves in oversized flannels that make us look like friendly lumberjacks, and lean heavily into the aesthetic that F. Scott Fitzgerald captured in The Great Gatsby: “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” That crispness also brings a cinematic romance unique to the season. Fall is the undisputed spiritual home of comfort-viewing and onscreen affection, anchored by iconic films like “When Harry Met Sally,” where Nora Ephron immortalized the season by having New York City transform into a living postcard of amber leaves, chunky sweaters and strolling through Central Park. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
her ducklings,” led the way and never stopped encouraging me to keep learning and keep shining. Amid being surrounded by people who just caused me struggles and obstacles, these two souls I consider
my mentors always kept their faith in me and helped me rise not only professionally, but personally, and for that I will always be thankful for. Fast-forward to college, I
Ximena Cordero, Editor-in-Chief Abby Pedroza, Arts & Culture Editor Kristian Hernandez, Sports Editor Nate Flores, Photo Editor Tori Adler, Web & Copy Editor Lesly Chavez Multimedia Editor Cameron Mason, Audience & Engagement Editor Mia Colmenero, Layout Editor
ADVERTISING STAFF Adrienne Garcia, Account Executive Elias Segura, Advertising Videographer
Sofia Montes, Promotional Activities Assistants Daniela Ordaz, Promotional Activities Assistants Aaron De La Cruz, Promotional Activities Assistants
STAFF Vanessa Orozco, Staff Reporter Kayla Rodriguez, Staff Reporter Adrian Gonzalez, Staff Reporter Diego Figueroa, Staff Photographer Dustin Perez, Staff Photographer
ADMINISTRATION Veronica Gonzalez, Director Crystal Hinga, Assistant Director
follow my footsteps in multimedia journalism and join the newspaper after his graduation in 2027. That is why months after when I got the email from my editor-in-chief, Ximena Cordero, asking if I was interested in the multimedia editor position this fall semester, I felt like I was walking on air, I looked back to that somber night and realized that I was given the opportunity to be part of something bigger than me, and that my work can impact others in ways I could never imagine. All my life, one of my favorite films to watch is “Peter Pan”, and before she died, my Tita often highlighted a phrase that I keep close to my heart, “nunca dejes de soñar, solo quien sueña aprende a volar” (“the moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it”). All the moments that lead me to where I am now is because through it all, I never stopped dreaming, even if ran into some gray clouds along my journey. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
The ghosts of chopped clothes past B DIEGO HERNANDEZ Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
There’s a scene in the “Sex and the City” movie that has always stuck with me. Carrie Bradshaw cleaning out her closet. She goes through racks and racks of clothes, trying things on, reminiscing, deciding what stays and what has to go. Watching Bradshaw sort through years of her life one piece at a time made me want to do the same thing. Not because
VOL. 112, No. 2 October 6, 2026 EDITORS
applied for The Prospector as a photographer, where I started as a photo contributor. I had the security of being with people I knew from high school, but again, to start another chapter frightened me. However, during my time as a contributor, I had the blessing of capturing moments for amazing stories and writing some of them too. It also taught me in a cold, cruel way that the work that I do here matters. During my second semester at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), in April, (cause of course everything major in my life happens in April) one of my closest friends, Mario Mendoza, committed suicide. He was a soul who I had introduced to the media world and encouraged him to join the broadcasting team back in high school. When I was at the hospital waiting to say my “goodbyes” to his physical self, his mom told me something I will never forget; during one of last conversations she had with her son, he told her that he was proud of what I was doing at UTEP and that he wanted to
CONTRIBUTORS Hasana Akinloye Ashley Alvarado Briana Estrada Christian Friedrichsen Diego Hernandez Alexander Jauregui Carol Mora Perla D Parra Aguilar Aziel Ramos America Rubio Madilne Sommer Allysa Vela-Quezada
I suddenly needed to recognize my closet, but because I started thinking about how much of me is sitting in there. Every closet has ghosts. The shirt you were obsessed with in high school. The jeans you couldn’t take off. The top that made perfect sense at the time but now makes you look in the mirror and think, “YUCK.” You pull something out from the back of your closet and suddenly remember exactly who you were when you wore it, where you went, and who you were friends with. And then comes the question: Why do I still have this? I think our closets hold on to old versions of us much longer than we do. We change our hair, cut it, grow it out. We change our makeup. Make new friends. We grow up.
And even after all of that, there’s still something sitting on a hanger that belongs to a person you don’t know anymore. Fashion is like a diary we wear. Sometimes, when we reread that diary, there are chapters we would rather skip. Even fashion designers get this. Alexander Mcqueen, for example was famously critical of some of his early work at Givenchy, saying that some of it was “crap.” If someone like Alexander Mcqueen could look at his own work and think, “crap”, then maybe I am allowed to look at an old, ugly outfit and feel the same way. We don’t have to love everything we’ve ever made just because we made it. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
SP E A K YO U R M IND! …and submit a letter for publication. Please include your full name, street address, telephone number and email address, as well as your student major, classification and/ or title if applicable. Write to us at 1608 Hawthorne St. El Paso, TX 79968; email us at prospector@utep.edu, or call us to 747-5161. Personal information (phone number and address) will be used for identification only. Letters are subject to editing to fit available space, clarity and brevity. The Prospector is published by Student Media and Publications, 105 Union East, 500 W. University Ave. El Paso, Texas, 79968. The Prospector appears in print monthly on Tuesdays during the fall and spring semesters. The newspaper is not printed during holidays and when classes are not in session. The Prospector provides news online at www.theprospectordaily.com. The Prospector is provided to students through student fees. First copy is free. Any additional copies, if available, must be purchased for $1 through the Department of Student Media and Publications. The Prospector is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. Additional policy information may be obtained by calling The Prospector at 915-747-5161. Opinions expressed in The Prospector are not necessarily those of the university.
PAGE 3 · OCTOBER 6, 2026 · THE PROSPECTOR
News
Ximena Cordero, editor-in-chief
La Mina: La celebración de nuestra herencia en la frontera B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
Si hay una época del año en la que el pulso de la frontera late con más fuerza, es durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Entre el eco de la música, el calor de la comunidad y el inconfundible aroma de antojitos tradicionales, las kermeses se han convertido en el escenario viviente donde la cultura se planta, se celebra y se hereda de generación en generación. A lo largo de las últimas semanas, El Paso y sus alrededores se convirtieron en un desfile vibrante de fe y tradición. Desde las concurridas jornadas en las iglesias de St. Raphael Parish y San Antonio de Padua, pasando por La Purísima en Socorro, hasta el emotivo cierre de temporada este fin de semana en la parroquia Our Lady of Guadalupe, en Fabens, estas celebraciones han servido como la ancla perfecta para conmemorar la cultura hispánica y de dónde venimos. Para miles de residentes y migrantes, la kermés es mucho más que una feria dominical; es una declaración de pertenencia. Reflejando el sentimiento de la comunidad, Lorenza Avelar resume lo que significa conmemorar nuestra identidad hispana en tierras estadounidenses.
“Para mí significa ser Mexicana y estar viviendo aquí en los Estados Unidos, algo de mucho orgullo... y celebrar como son las fiestas de comunidad, que son excelentes porque la mayoría somos Mexicanos y venimos a disfrutar de estas festividades que hay, porque no las tenemos tan seguido, solamente cada año,” Avelar dijo. Este orgullo cultural se traduce también en el esfuerzo diario de quienes mantienen estas tradiciones desde los puestos de comida y organización. Para la vendedora Yasmín Martínez, estar presente cada año en estas fechas dedicadas a nuestra herencia es darle seguimiento a una tradicion familiar: “Es parte de lo que nos dedicamos nosotros... estamos acostumbrados año con año a estar aquí con familia, ” Martínez dijo. El Mes de la Herencia Hispana encuentra su verdadero significado en estos momentos de convivencia intergeneracional. Brenda García, madre de familia asistiendo a los festejos, destacó cómo estos espacios fortalecen la union comunitaria. “Es algo muy bonito porque la comunidad se reúne y todos podemos convivir en familia con nuestros hijos, y a la misma vez le ayuda a la comunidad”, Brenda
Don Haskins Center renamed after $29.1M gift from GECU B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
On Monday, Sept. 28, University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) President Heather Wilson announced that UTEP received a $29.1 million gift from Government Employees Credit Union (GECU), the largest donation to UTEP Athletics, second largest ever in University history. The donation is meant to support enhancements to Don Haskins Center and the University’s athletics program. “The GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center is and will continue to be a place where legends unfold, and it needs to be maintained accordingly,” Jim Senter, vice
president of athletics said. “These funds will be used for a wide variety of projects designed to improve the community and fan experience and maintain the facility.” President Wilson announced that the Don Haskins Center name will be changed to the ‘GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center following the donation.’ “This gift will affect generations of El Pasoans. In supporting the Don Haskins Center, GECU is not just helping UTEP, it’s supporting the whole community,” Wilson said. The naming of GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center is set for the next 15 years. Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at agonzalez255@ miners.utep.edu
UTEP President Heather Wilson announced a $29.1 gift from GECU at a ceremony on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. This is the largest donation to the UTEP Althetics program. Photo by Adrian Gonzalez/ The Prospector
García dijo. Y es que, en el corazón de cada kermés late una profunda devoción espiritual que une a las iglesias locales. Carlos García, participante en rituales y ceremonias religiosas que acompañaron las festividades, describio como inigualable la atmósfera que se respira. “Se siente muy bien, se siente la emoción, la energía ante todo... nada más que venir a venerar y más que nada con fe y devoción”, Carlos García dijo. Mientras el Mes de la Herencia Hispana avanza hacia su conclusión el 15 de Octubre, el eco de la fiesta permanece vivo en la comunidad. Las mesas se guardan momentáneamente y las luces de las iglesias se alternan de una comunidad a otra. Nos recuerdan que en las calles de El Paso nuestras raíces no solo se recuerdan durante estas semanas: se viven con orgullo todo el año. Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at agonzalez255@ miners.utep.edu
Familias y miembros de la comunidad se reúnen en las kermeses de la región de El Paso para celebrar la cultura, la fe y las tradiciones hispanas durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Photo by Perla D Parra Aguilar/ The Prospector
Page 4 NEWS
THE PROSPECTOR · OCTOBER 6, 2026
The Lady on the Hill is El Paso’s most haunted location B K AY L A R O D R I G U E Z Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
Under the Franklin Mountains, El Paso High School, known as “The Lady on the Hill,” is the city’s oldest working high school and has gained a reputation for being the most haunted place in El Paso. The school opened for operation in 1916 and was designed by famous architect Henry C. Trost. El Paso High has three stories, an elevated basement and elaborate tunnels. It is also a place where students and faculty have claimed to have seen objects being thrown off shelves, heard footsteps or chatter in the halls or have even seen ghosts. One of the most popular urban legends surrounds a young woman who was rumored to have jumped from a balcony in the 1920s. Students claimed to have seen
a woman walking the halls or stairway near the balcony she allegedly jumped from, wearing a white dress. In 1985, a class yearbook photo strengthened this legend. Pictured in the yearbook, in the second row on the right, a blurry figure appearing to be a young woman, nicknamed “Ghost Girl,” wearing a white dress, connected her to the girl believed to be walking the halls. According to ghost hunters, Haunted Room Co., nobody could identify the girl and the school faculty at the time had no recollection of the girl in the photo negative, yet she showed up in the developed photo.
From campus to City Council B MIA COLMENERO Y LAYOUT EDITOR • THE PROSPECTOR
Jesus ‘Jesse’ Moreno, a senior majoring in economics and minoring in management at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), is running for the El Paso City Council to represent District 6 in Texas. Representing Gen Z and other UTEP students while leading an upcoming generation in the borderlands. Moreno has held several leadership roles at the university, including president of UTEP College Democrats, Outreach Director for the Political Economy Club, and a member of the Business Student Council for The Woody L. Hunt College of Business [COBA]. Through this leadership experience,
read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
Moreno says he decided to take on a bigger role and run for District 6 City Council. “A lot of my colleagues in the student orgs weren’t aware of many fiscal decisions or policies in our state, local or national politics,” Moreno said. “I want to take those burdens and put them at the forefront so that people know different demographics of the past and what issues they‘re going through, but truly just bringing back compassion to government and representation.” Moreno has taken multiple jobs to support his family while leading organizations and being a college student. His experiences inspired him to run and advocate for students that work multiple jobs to provide for their family.
I have witnessed people’s struggles getting by, having experienced it myself, making ends meet, but also being a provider for my household,” Moreno said. “Still going to school, still working, and still being active in my community and on campus. The experiences you learned, the opportunities you went through, the failures, the successes, all truly matter, and I want to make that on a great scale.” As a Gen Z candidate, Moreno takes pride in his youth, believing that his generation is the future. Although he is younger than his constituents, he is not targeting only Gen Z, but all of his district, no matter their age. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
Originally established as Central High School in 1865, El Paso High School stands out among the sea of other schools with its Greco-Roman style architecture and its long, haunting and fascinating history. Photo by Dustin Perez/The Prospector
Jesse Moreno poses for a portrait on the UTEP campus on Monday, Sep. 21, 2026. Moreno, who is running for El Paso City Council District 6, is a senior studying economics and management. Moreno hopes to be the voice for Gen Z in local government. Photo by Ximena Cordero/The Prospector
CANDIDATES from cover
education funding and has focused on public education during her time in office. Her campaign’s priorities include increasing funding for public schools, making housing more affordable, and expanding access to health care. Goodwin also supports prioritizing clean water and energy infrastructure and has called for conservation and water reuse policies. Her campaign says she would focus on education, health care, housing affordability, water and energy if elected lieutenant governor. Comptroller Democrat Sarah Eckhardt is a Texas state senator and former Travis County judge who is running for Texas comptroller. Eckhardt earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from New York University, a master’s degree in public affairs and a law degree from UT Austin. She was elected to the Texas Senate in 2020 after serving as Travis County judge, where she oversaw county finances and public services. Her campaign focuses on making government spending more transparent and holding state officials accountable for how taxpayer money is used. Eckhardt supports auditing Texas’ school voucher program and reviewing corporate tax breaks and no-bid contracts. She also campaigns on protecting public schools and increasing the
Talarico is a former middle school English and language arts teacher on the West Side of San Antonio. Talarico earned a bachelor’s degree in government from UT Austin and a master‘s degree in education policy from Harvard University. He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2018, where he has focused on issues including public education, childcare and health care. During his time in the Legislature, Talarico has supported increased school funding, affordable childcare and educational opportunities for young people involved in the juvenile justice system. Health care is also a major part of Talarico’s campaign for the U.S. Senate, with his campaign supporting lower prescription drug costs and expanded access to health care. His campaign also supports allowing Americans to buy into Medicare, protecting Affordable Care Act coverage, reducing medical debt and improving access to health care in rural communities. Talarico is campaigning on policies focused on education, health care affordability and expanding access to services for Texans. Attorney General Democrat Nathan Johnson is a Texas state senator, attorney and mediator who is running for Texas attorney general. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of
Arizona and a law degree from UT Austin. Johnson was elected to the Texas Senate in 2018. His legislative work has included issues involving public education, health care, environmental protection, housing, workforce development and criminal justice. As attorney general, Johnson says he would focus on protecting consumers, addressing political corruption and improving government transparency. He also supports working with local law enforcement to address crime while maintaining border security and opposing federal actions that he says go beyond constitutional authority. Johnson’s campaign describes his priorities as protecting individual rights, enforcing consumer protection laws and using the attorney general’s office to promote what he calls responsible and accountable government. Lt. Governor Democrat Vikki Goodwin grew up in Dallas and moved to Austin in 1985 to attend UT Austin where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She later earned a master’s degree in public affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs in 1991. Goodwin is currently serving her fourth term in the Texas Legislature, representing parts of Austin and the Lake Travis area and is running for lieutenant governor. She is a member of the House Appropriations Article III Subcommittee, which oversees
state’s financial contribution to services that are currently funded by local property taxes. If elected comptroller, Eckhardt says she would use the office to monitor state spending, provide Texans with more information about government finances and serve as an independent financial watchdog. Land Commissioner Democrat Benjamin Flores is a Bay City council member and former cybersecurity and compliance professional running for Texas land commissioner. Flores came to the United States in 1996 after studying geography in Mexico City and later spent about 30 years working in cybersecurity and compliance. In 2016, he moved with his family to Bay City, where they started a 10-acre family business raising heritage-breed pigs. He later ran for Bay City Council, citing his interest in government transparency and local laws affecting small businesses. As land commissioner, Flores says he would focus on managing state lands to generate revenue for public schools and opposing the use of school land funds for private school vouchers. His campaign also highlights expanding support for veterans, protecting Texas beaches and natural resources, improving storm recovery and pursuing additional federal disaster-relief funding. Flores’ campaign says his priorities for the General Land Office would center on public schools, veterans’
services and protecting the Texas coastline. Agriculture Commissioner Democrat Clayton Tucker is a rancher, organizer and former water and agriculture researcher who is running for Texas agriculture commissioner. Tucker grew up working on his family’s RX Ranch in Lampasas, where he raised cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. He studied international politics and trade at Southwestern University and later worked as a water and agriculture researcher for the National Science Foundation. Tucker also worked as a kindergarten teacher and has been involved in agricultural and political organizations, including serving as secretary of the Texas Farmers Union. His campaign’s Affordable Texas Agenda includes making food and farming more affordable, protecting family farms and addressing water concerns. Tucker also supports transitioning farmers toward organic and regenerative farming practices, reducing the use of certain chemicals in agriculture and expanding access to affordable food. His campaign also highlights rural health care, local food systems, fair trade and rural economic development as priorities for the Agriculture Commissioner’s office. Vanessa Orozco is a staff reporter at The Prospector and may be reached at vmorozco2@miners.utep.edu
THE PROSPECTOR · OCTOBER 6, 2026 · PAGE 5
Arts & Culture
Abby Pedroza, editor
Up and coming: Surfistas del Sistema bring their sound to the Sun City
B DIEGO HERNANDEZ Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
On Sept. 29, Surfistas del Sistema, a band from Buenos Aires, made El Paso one of their 2026 tour stops at Club 101. The night began with Kikimora, an El Paso based band known for blending funk, jazz and R&B. Their set immediately established the energy for the night, filling the room with soulful grooves and upbeat moments that had the crowd moving before the headliner even stepped on stage. As the band began to play, the audience did not know what to expect; people whispered and waited in anticipation for the band to begin their set. They filled the room with lyrics from their hit song, “Blank.” They won over the crowd in the blink of an eye. The crowd that was unfamiliar with Kikimora was “gagged.” With a similar sound to the headliner, Kikimora’s music fit right in, quickly charming the audience and creating an environment so good that it felt like the main act. The set ended up going on longer than planned, with the audience being so in love with the music that every time a song would end, they‘d keep cheering for an encore.
Then came Surfistas del Sistema. Before Kikimora’s set closed, Surfistas del Sistema joined them on stage to perform their collaboration song, “Pieces.” With the two blending their sets and essentially closing and opening together, it added a beautiful touch to the whole concert and showed how two completely different bands who sing in different languages can appear as one. After the song, Kikimora left the stage giving the floor to the main act. Surfistas del Sistema, the Argentine indie-pop and synthpop band led by singer, guitarist and songwriter Francisco Frione built a following throughout Latin America with a Latin alternative sound. From the moment Frione walked onto the stage, the environment began to shift. The crowd knew the songs, sang along and moved with the music, creating the kind of energy that makes a relatively unfamiliar band suddenly familiar. One of the sweetest moments of the night came when Frione invited several girls from the crowd onto the stage to dance with him. Watching them dance next to him, surrounded by the lights and
the rest of the band, felt almost too perfect to be real. The girls danced, smiled and looked like they were having the time of their lives, and the crowd couldn’t help but smile along with them. It was a small moment, but it captured what made the show so special. Surfistas del Sistema didn’t feel distant from the audience. Instead, there was a sense that everyone in the room was sharing the same night together. For many who attended the show, the performance by both bands became an introduction. There was something especially memorable about watching an Argentine band bring its sound to El Paso, a city already shaped by its own blend of cultures, languages and musical influences. Surfistas del Sistema music felt at home in that environment. By the time the show ended, the assignment had turned into something more personal. What began as an invitation for the The Prospector to cover a concert became an unexpected introduction to artists worth following. Sometimes, the best concerts are the ones you almost know nothing about.
For The Prospector, Surfistas del Sistema was one of those nights. Diego Hernandez is a contributor at The Prospector and may be reached at cdhernandez9@miners. utep.edu
Have you seen this symbol on campus storm drains? It means that drain connects to the river. Do NOT throw anything in it!
Some pollutants include: • Construction related residues (sanding dust, wood shavings, sediment, or mud) • Improper disposal of chemicals and waste materials • Sewage water and more
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Do not throw trash or liquids into storm drains. For more information: eh&s@utep.edu, 915-747-7124
Storm drains must be: • Numbered • Labeled • Clean • Vegetation-free
REMEMBER: ONLY RAIN SHOULD GO DOWN STORM DRAINS!
On Saturday Sept. 29, 2026, Kikimora (bottom) was an opening act for Argentine indiepop band, Surfistas del Sistema (left to right) at Club 101. Photos by Erick Olguin/The Prospector
Page 6 ARTS & CULTURE
THE PROSPECTOR · OCTOBER 6, 2026
The Node Social Club hosts “Pitch Your Pal” night B ASHLEY ALVARADO Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
The Node, an El Paso non-profit social organization that hosts local events for the El Paso community, put locals on the dating market by hosting a “Pitch Your Pal” night on Sept. 26. It is an event where friends gathered at the Alquimia Social House to give presentations as to why others should date their friends. Presentations included information about the person such as pros and cons, what they’re looking for in someone and other personal interests. Sarah Martinez and Angelina Prado, co-founders of The Node Social Club, have the sole purpose of helping others easily make friends while also benefiting businesses by bringing in customers. Inspired by bigger cities such as Dallas and Chicago, the two women brought “Pitch Your Pal” to the borderland with the intention of building real connections, building more genuine friendships and giving people a sense of belonging. “The goal of our social club is to
eliminate as many barriers of entry as possible; we try to keep it free, lighthearted, and fun. We loved this idea because of the organic and natural meeting that people have the chance to do,” Martinez said. “Events like this give you that extra push to talk to people when you come with your friends and seeing that someone else is putting themselves out there gives you that courage to do the same,” Prado said. With the fall weather and the romantic holidays coming up, Prado and Martinez decided now would be the perfect time to bring the idea to El Paso. Participants attending the “Pitch Your Pal” event said how much they prefer in person dating rather than online. “In person it’s more of an adrenaline rush, it’s more fulfilling. Going to an event like this [where] people are more personable, you get to see who they surround themselves with; I think that’s the biggest teller of who someone is, and a lot of that information you don’t get on social media,” participant, Ailey Green said. Green “pitched” her friend Isabella Ortiz, who shared that
attending the “Pitch Your Pal” night has expanded her mind on the dating scene. “My dating standards definitely have opened up because I’m seeing a lot more personalities,” Ortiz said. “People act so differently from when they’re being presented by their friend versus [on] Instagram. I think it’s so much better to meet in person.” Ortiz and Green are both University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) nursing students that attended the event to “be more involved in the community and to have a life outside of school” which is encouraged by their UTEP professors. “Our UTEP professors always tell us to do mindless and fun activities because if you think too much, you’re going to ruin yourself in the long run,” Green said. The Node Social Club will have more upcoming events, with multiple opportunities to make new friends and meet new people. Anyone looking to attend their events can stay up to date with the club on their Instagram @thenode.ep Ashley Alvarado is a contributor writer and may be reached at aalvarado51@miners.utep.edu
AIM allows students to access or request services online and from the comfort of their home 24/7. Use your UTEP login to request accommodations, check your status or apply to be a notetaker. AIM is for faculty as well!
cassportal.utep.edu
GENIO is an app offered by CASS that helps students record and transcribe class lectures, take notes and more to guarantee students a successful learning experience. Students interested in using GENIO must be registered with and approved by CASS for this accommodation. Union Building East, Room 106 cass@utep.edu 915-747-5148
THE PROSPECTOR · OCTOBER 6, 2026
ARTS & CULTURE Page 7
¡Celebración! Opera UTEP’s sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Concert B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
Filling the Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall with resonant vocalism and rich cultural pride, Opera University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) hosted its sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, “¡Celebración!”, on Sept. 24. The free public event, directed and produced by Cherry Duke with Esequiel Meza Jr. serving as pianist and vocal coach, showcased an expansive global repertoire honoring Hispanic composers and traditions. Funded with support from the department of Chicano Studies, the evening brought together students from UTEP’s opera workshop classes, collaborative instrumentalists, faculty members and esteemed guest artists. For the university and the borderland community, the annual concert serves as a vital platform for cultural reflection, highlighting the diverse array of genres performed that night, Duke explained. “I think everybody knows mariachi and ranchera... but we’re offering classical music primarily. We love to mix it up and tonight we are mixing it with jazz, mariachi and 21st century contemporary classical stuff that’s going to have a very different sound,” Duke said. Because the concert falls early in the fall semester, Duke structured the audition process by asking students to prepare a solo before classes began in August. During the first week of classes, they audition for a solo spot, leading to a talented roster this year. “This year everyone was so excellent that everyone who auditioned is singing a solo in
tonight’s performance,” Duke said. To showcase these diverse musical identities, the program was carefully divided into regional segments. The night opened with a preludio performance of “El herradero,” by Pedro Galindo Galarza, featuring vocals by CJ Santos and Mariachi Excelencia, along with an ensemble of flutists, violinists, trumpeters, guitarrón players and guitarists. Transitioning to Europe, the España segment featured classical art songs and operatic excerpts. Junior voice education major Samantha Molina opened with Jacinto Valledor’s “Canción de tímida,” followed by sophomore voice education major Sarah Molina performing Enrique Granados’ “El tra la la y el punteado.” Freshman voice performance major Arella Labrado interpreted Manuel de Falla’s “Nana” while Junior music performance major Lili Moulton performed “No sé qué siento aquí,” by Manuel Fernández Caballero. Reflecting on the experience of performing under pressure, Labrado noted that getting up on stage is “very nerve-racking.” “I’ve learned to use my nerves as kind of, like, support to get me more excited than scared, by stepping on [the] stage, and that helps me mentally [over come my nerves],” Labrado said. Junior voice performance major Ayana Fairley brought dramatic flair with “Pasó la noche” by Joaquín Gaztambide, and guest artist Associate Professor of Voice Brian Downen delivered a powerful rendition of “No puede ser” from Pablo Sorozábal. The Spanish section concluded with an instrumental collaboration
of Joaquín Rodrigo’s “Españoleta y Fanfare de la Caballería de Nápoles,” featuring Professor of applied piano, Dena Kay Jones on piano and Assistant Professor of flute, Mafer Guglielmina on flute. The musical journey then moved across the Atlantic to Cuba, opening with Assistant Professor Lauren Barchi performing Tania León’s “Notes towards a poem that can never be written.” Senior music education major Ariah Labrado followed with Ernesto Lecuona’s “Escucha al ruiseñor,” while Lauren Martinez provided a piano performance of Lecuona’s “En tres por cuatro,” from Danzas cubanas and “Malagueña,” from Suite Espagnole. Representing Argentina, tenor José Carmona delivered an interpretation of Carlos Gardel’s classic “El día que me quieras.” The concert’s final regional focus honored Mexico. Reflecting on his initial reaction to being selected for the showcase, sophomore music education major Gabriel Cigarroa shared his thoughts. “Once I found out that I was going to sing at the celebration, I mean, it was going to be a great opportunity to, yes, show off my voice and seeing about, you know, the Hispanic heritage and everything else,” Ciggaroa said. Sophomore music education major Maya Villa opened the segment with the traditional “Noche Serena” arranged by Edward Kilenyi Sr., followed by Cigarroa performing “A la orilla de un palmar,” arranged by Manuel M. Ponce. Diana L. Esparza performed Ponce’s “Insomnia” and Selena F. Díaz sang María Grever’s “Cuando vuelva a tu lado.”
Halloween in a hole-in-the-wall Hollywood B MADELINE SOMMER Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
Guests in this back-alley steakhouse don’t just watch a murder mystery. They’re encouraged to interrupt it. Inside the El Paso restaurant, Gary Monteleone, founder of Monteleone’s Haunted Restaurant, has developed the building into a dinner theater production that welcomes actors of all experience levels, including students from El Paso Community College and the University of Texas at El Paso. The current production, “Popcorn with a Side of Murder” doesn’t feel like Broadway, and that’s exactly the point. Guests are immersed in a 1960s-themed drive-in movie theater, where they must decode the murder of the maintenance man, played by Monteleone. “I enjoy bringing in actors that haven’t acted before,” Monteleone said. “We like to open it up for
anyone to participate.” The actors said they benefit from this welcoming environment, which lets them step outside their comfort zone and do something they might not otherwise have the chance to do. “Being here allows me an opportunity to invite creativity into my life,” actor Nadia Garcia said. The performances vary widely, with the steakhouse putting on 50 to 52 different murder mystery shows every year, ranging from basketball courts to drive-in staff mishaps. Audience members also get a role. Throughout the show, actors make a point of interacting with the audience, encouraging them to “shake things up and stir the pot,” as they specify in their preshow announcements. The staff ensures guests feel comfortable participating and disrupting, even handing out party
poppers before the show begins and inviting them to set the poppers off whenever they feel the time is right. During the night, a loud pop and a burst of confetti occasionally break the tension. The interruptions force the cast to improvise, making the stories shift from show to show. Tickets for their upcoming shows are $70 and include a three-course steak dinner, dessert and the show. Doors open at 6 p.m. at Monteleone’s Back Alley Steakhouse, 512 N. San Marcial St. Reservations are available at monteleoneshauntedrestaurant. square.site. Madeline Sommer is a contributor writer and may be reached at mcsommer@miners.utep.edu
Photo courtesy of Johnathan Cereceres/Opera UTEP
The program closed with a crowd-pleasing rendition of Tomás Méndez’s “Cucurrucucú paloma,” featuring saxophone accompaniment by Abel Mireles and vocals by Candice Reyes, leading straight into a lively, audience-wide sing-along of Jesús Monge’s “México lindo y querido.” To conclude the evening, Duke directed an inspiring message to the student body regarding the celebration of their identity and encouraging them. “To do that and to have great pride in who they are, and their language and their art in whatever way that is meaningful to them,”
Duke said. “I just encourage them to own that because this, this beautiful borderland bilingual, multicultural city that we’re in gives people who live here a superpower that not, any other places in the world probably could claim.” Admission to the concert was free, drawing an enthusiastic audience of students, faculty and residents who filled the venue to support local student artists and celebrate cultural heritage. Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at agonzalez255@ miners.utep.edu
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THE PROSPECTOR · OCTOBER 6, 2026
Student designers help build the brand for West Texas Writing Project B K AY L A R O D R I G U E Z Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
When Dr. Brad Jacobson, an assistant professor in the English department at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), set out to re-establish a West Texas site for the National Writing Project, he knew he needed professional branding materials to bring his vision to life. At a conference in Denver, Jacobson was inspired by other established sites of the project to collaborate with student designers on the project. Unsure if the resources were available, Jacobson reached out to Anne M. Giangiulio, an associate professor in the art department at UTEP and shared his idea to utilize student talent for the project. “I just wrote an email from the conference, and I was like, ‘Hey, I got this idea. Do you
think you have some students who might be interested?’” Jacobson said. “And Anne was like, ‘Actually, I have a class that could probably do this.’” Gianguilio presented the project to introductory level graphic design students for their last assignment of the spring semester, continuing a tradition of doing projects like this with her classes every semester. Students will create professional materials for a nonprofit organization while learning how to deal with a client with guidance from an instructor. “I think, [a] need that graphic design students have, and that they usually miss out on in project-given assignments, is that interaction, that interfacing with speaking to non-artists,” Giangulio said. “So that they can collaborate and learn how to communicate in words so that the project fulfills what the client truly needs.” Before the students started creating ideas for the West Texas Writing Project (WTWP) logo, Jacobson presented his ideas for what WTWP would look like. The
students met with Jacobson and worked on ideas until after the semester ended before finalizing the logo. Working with the students gave Jacobson a new perspective on the design process. He says it was interesting to learn why he didn’t respond to certain design principles or the reason behind some artistic choices. “I learned a lot about design in those meetings. But then the students in the class were able to ask me questions about, you know, what we were looking for, why we were looking at certain [things], looking for certain things and not others so I thought that was really helpful too,” Jacobson said. Giangiulio believes communitybased assignments are beneficial for both the student and organizations because it displays UTEP talent and fulfills a need in the community. “It’s a great partnership, and both parties are really getting exactly what they need out of the situation,” Giangulio said. “Not only is it a school project, they’re actually building their real resume.” WTWP chose Miranda Hernandez’s mountain star logo design and a cactus design by Annabelle Aguirre to represent the organization. Stickers, shirts and other various branding materials were created using the two students’ artwork.
Stickers featuring various designs created for the West Texas Writing Project highlight the concepts developed by students in UTEP’s graphic design program. The project allowed students to apply their classroom skills to a real-world collaboration with the West Texas Writing Project, a network of educators focused on writing instruction and literacy development. Photos by Allysa Vela-Quezada/The Prospector
“We had a panel of three teachers and four undergraduate students, pre-service teachers, who gave feedback on the designs. We sat in a room together and projected them on a screen and talked about what we liked and didn‘t like and offered feedback,” Jacobson said. “It was really hard because there were some really great designs, but we really hope to use this for a long time because we like it.” The art department can be a resource for organizations on campus who are looking for creative work while giving students
a chance to showcase their talent and collaborations between departments like this one are an example of the UTEP community working together. Kayla Rodriguez is a staff reporter and may be reached at krrodriguez4@miners.utep.edu
Visit One Of Our El Paso Area Restaurants
THE PROSPECTOR · OCTOBER 6, 2026 · PAGE 9
Sports
Kristian Hernandez, editor
One last ride: Carver and Cash Cheeks
After sitting out the 2025 season due to an injury, redshirt sophomore Cash Cheeks came back to play this season and has earned two receiving touchdowns in the Miners’ home opener for the 2026 season. Senior wide reciever Carver Cheeks has received three touchdowns for the season so far. Photos by Lesly Chavez/The Prospector B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
Football fields are often measured in yards, hashes and first downs, but for The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) playmakers Carver and Cash Cheeks, the gridiron is best measured by a lifetime of shared history. When the brothers teamed up in the orange and blue, they immediately injected an explosive spark into the Miners’ offense. Before bringing their talents to the Sun City, older brother Cash Cheeks anchored tight end spots with 18 receptions for 171 yards at Northern Colorado, while Carver Cheeks put together a historic 2025 campaign earning All-Big Sky first-team honors after hauling
in 71 receptions for 929 yards and six scores. When the transfer portal opened, both brothers could have easily parted ways, scattering to different programs across the country for individual opportunities. Instead, knowing it was their final collegiate year together, they chose to continue their journey side-byside in the Sun City. “Really just because this is our last year and there’s no guarantee [we’ll play together again],” Carver Cheeks said of teaming up with his brother again. “And really, I like the offense that we’re running, spreading it out and throw the ball deep. So, it helped me out as well as coming to help him.” That profound bond translates
directly onto the field, where opposing defenses are forced to pick their poison. “We have a lot of chemistry with each other and stuff like that. So we’re both on one side of the field, you got to pick one of us to cover,” Carver Cheeks said. “And we know our strengths and weaknesses.” Cash echoed that sentiment, noting that their mutual accountability pushes them to maintain relentless effort. “We’re still spending time with each other, holding each other accountable, making sure we watch film and just doing the things off the field,” Cash Cheeks said. “When we’re on the field, we just continue to push each other. We know our limits... and we’re
not gonna let each other give half energy.” That mentality hasn’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. Head Coach Scotty Walden has seen at first hand how the brothers feed off each other’s energy, noting that their fearless play elevates the entire roster. “They have, obviously, great chemistry and love for one another. Like, they truly care about one another,” Walden said. “When Carver sees Cash playing like that, and vice versa, they go harder for one another. So, it’s a really cool dynamic that those two guys have... and they do a great job leading our team.” As UTEP looks ahead to the remainder of the season
and the conference play, the Cheeks brothers are focused on maximizing every snap of their final collegiate ride. “I‘m most excited for the Air Force game,” Cash Cheeks said, pointing to a homecoming matchup near their Colorado Springs roots. “Friday night game, 7 p.m. kickoff under the lights in Colorado Springs. I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity than that.” For Carver Cheeks, the goal is simple: “Really just getting in the end zone, becoming that dynamic duo that we could be, and really just taking the team to the next level.” Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at agonzalez255@ miners.utep.edu
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THE PROSPECTOR · OCTOBER 6, 2026
Two more losses for the Miners puts their bowl game eligibility on the line B KRISTIAN HERNANDEZ Y SPORTS EDITOR • THE PROSPECTOR
On Sept. 26, the University of Texas of El Paso (UTEP) Miners (1-3, 0-0 Mountain West Conference) failed to stop the No. 1 passing offense in the nation, Oregon State University (Oregon State) Beavers (2-2, 0-0 Pac-12 Conference). Oregon State freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree received two touchdowns for the night, having a total of six for the season so far. The Beavers held down the Miners to 222 total yards of offense while Oregon State accumulated a 451 yards total. In JaMarcus Shepard’s first year as head coach for Oregon State, his offensive impact has become one of the best in the nation. Their starting sophomore quarterback Braden Atkinson, has also ranked seventh in the nation in passing yards with 1,421 as of week five in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Legree is second in receiving yards with 585 and tied for fourth in receiving touchdowns with six. Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach Mitch Dahlen has made the Beavers No. 1 in the Pac-12 Conference regarding passing yards. “We talked plenty about the offense to this point. Tonight, I
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The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) game against the Oregon State Beavers marks the first home game loss taken by the Miners, 33-7 on Sept. 26. Dustin Perez/The Prospector
want to talk about our defense,” Shepard said. “Our defense played lights out all throughout the game and finished the game the right way. That is how you finish.” Defensive coordinator, Mike MacIntyre and co-defensive coordinator Cort Dennison are also in their first season with Oregon State. MacIntyre’s coaching repertoire dates back all the way to 1992 with Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) schools, Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools with some time spent coaching defensive backs in the NFL in the 2000s. This win for the Beavers marks their first away game victory since Sept. 7, 2024. Under UTEP Head Coach Scotty Walden’s third season, the Miners are .500 at home. “It’s unfortunate, I thought we had a great week of practice. So that was kind of surprising,” Walden said. “Oregon State punched us in the mouth, [they] played really physical upfront. I thought their [defensive] line played really really physical, and we weren’t [going] to get in a rhythm offensively.” The Beaver’s defense garnered eight sacks with UTEP redshirt sophomore EJ Colson Jr. taking the hits and scrambling out of
THE PROSPECTOR · OCTOBER 6, 2026
the pocket. “It’s always tough but my [offensive] line did their best, we were banged up there,” Colson said. “At the end of the day, I got to do a better job getting the ball out of my hands quicker.” Colson finished the game with 119 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception (INT). Although Atkinson threw one INT as well, he threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns. “I mean you look at the end of the game, and you have a 300-yard passer, you have a 100-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver,” Dahlen said. “So [this is] the standard of this offense, I’m always going to want more and they know that.” The Beavers are now 3-2 after a 56-26 victory against Colorado State. Oregon moved up seven spots in ESPN’s power football index to be ranked 60th with Boise State being the only other Pac-12 team ahead ranking at 28th. On Oct. 3, the Miners went on to play their first conference game against the University of New Mexico (UNM) where the Lobos held UTEP to only one touchdown. Fifth year UNM quarterback Jack Layne is sitting out the 2026 season after an off-season injury to his right elbow, which is his throwing arm. Layne filed a waiver for his return for the 2027 season. Lobos Head Coach Jason Eck decided to play multiple QBs for this season. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Tao Fa’avae started
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UTEP scored its only touchdown by senior wide receiver Carver Cheeks in a 6-yard touchdown catch during the third quarter. Dustin Perez/The Prospector
against UTEP. Fa’avae threw for 249 yards and posted 15-19 on his completions. The Miners, on the other hand, struggled to get anything going on offense. Without redshirt sophomore quarterback Raymond
Moore III’s rushing TD, UTEP rushed for 74 yards. A 61-7 loss for the Miners put them down to 1-4, placing them in second to last in the Mountain West Conference standings. “It’s embarrassing. Embarrassed
for our fans. Embarrassed for our team. New Mexico is a good team and when you help them out, this is the outcome,” @Adrianbroaddus shared a statement from Scotty Walden on X. “I told our team we are going to take full ownership of
this loss. There’s no excuses.” UTEP suffered five turnovers with three coming for INTs and two others being fumbles. “We had a great week of practice, great week of preparation. We aren’t seeing that translation from practice to the game. We have to figure out why,” @Adrianbroaddus shared a statement from Scotty Walden on X. While UNM is still looking for the chance to play in the College Football Playoff (CFP) series, they need to have a near perfect record and a lot to go their way which is not in their control. A win on the road against the University of Hawai’i means the Lobos are just a bit closer. The Miners can only afford to lose one more game if they want a chance to play a bowl game, which they have not done since 2021. UTEP will be back at the Sun Bowl to play against their Mountain West opponent, the University of Nevada, the Wolfpack. The 1-3 Wolfpack are currently on a three-game losing streak after a double-overtime loss to the Air Force Academy. A win for either UTEP or Nevada could help either team break even and move closer for a chance at a bowl game. Kristian Hernandez is the sports editor for The Prospector and may be reached at kahernandez16@ miners.utep.edu and social media tags @northeastvideography.
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THE PROSPECTOR · OCTOBER 6, 2026
UNLV splits series with UTEP at conference opener B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) (11-5, 3-1 Mountain West) volleyball answered the call with authority. Just two nights after dropping the series opener 25-22, 25-20, 27-25 to The University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) (5-10, 1-3 Mountain West), where the Rebels outhit the Miners .257 to .129, outdug them by 17, and capitalized on 21 UTEP errors, the Miners completely flipped the script. Powered by a match-high 12 kills from junior right side/middle blocker Luvina Oguntimehin and a stifling defensive effort, UTEP returned the favor with a 25-17, 25-21, 25-23 sweep on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Gym. Reflecting on Thursday’s frustrating loss, head coach Ben Wallis admitted that his team was “outcompeted and outplayed from the very first point of the very first set.” Wallis noted that the opening defeat came down to a lack of competitive temperament, pointing out that UNLV “cared about keeping the ball off the ground” and outdug the Miners by 17. To correct course, the Miners leaned heavily on film study and accountability. Junior middle blocker Hannah Crowe emphasized that the team chose to move forward rather than dwell on the negatives. “After Thursday’s game, we came in and debriefed. It’s important to reflect and talk about what we learned, but we didn‘t dwell on
COLOR PAGE The Rebels out dug the Miners 62-45 throughout Thursday’s match helping UNLV sweep UTEP 3-0. In the second match on Saturday, the Miners were able to keep the Rebels at only 47 digs giving them the sweep 3-0. Photo by Kristian Hernandez/The Prospector
all the bad things,” Crowe said. “Rather, we thought about what we had to work on and what we could have used instead, which I think we came out into today and were able to learn from what we messed up on Thursday and execute today.” That preparation translated onto the court. UTEP hit .243 in the opening set while limiting UNLV to a negative attacking clip, setting the tone for the afternoon. After fending off
a challenge in a 25-21 second-set win, the Miners faced their stiffest test in the third as UNLV began pushing back harder. “I think for our team, we know what we’re doing, and we know how to compete,” Crowe said. “I think that they just started competing harder and they started pushing us around more, but overall, we just had to stick together, stick to what we knew how to do, and I think we just
continued executing through the whole game and were able to pull out the point.” UNLV clawed its way to a late 20-18 advantage before UTEP mounted a rally. A service ace from freshman setter Caryme Molina sparked the surge and the Miners eventually closed out the sweep when Crowe and graduate student outside hitter Ema Uskokovic combined for a block on match point. Oguntimehin paced the offense while hitting .450 and tallying a match-high 14.5 points. Senior setter Kalia Kohler directed the attack with 23 assists and anchored the back line with 18 digs for a double-double. While junior Shea Bruntmyer chipped in 14 assists and two aces. Wallis noted that the box score looked remarkably similar to the defeat on Oct. 1, with UNLV
still holding an edge in digs, the competitive fire and execution had completely shifted. “We were hungrier, we were ready to compete,” Wallis said. “Unfortunately, this young, inexperienced team took a lesson on Thursday night that [and learned] anybody can beat you in this conference if you want to try to walk through a match. The response was exceptional.” UTEP will take time to enjoy the bounce-back victory before turning its attention toward film study and a two-match conference road series next week against Nevada. Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at agonzalez255@ miners.utep.edu
UTEP will be on the road to take on the 3-11 Nevada Wolf pack on Oct. 8 and 10. Photo by Kristian Hernandez/The Prospector