Regarding college football, the UTEP Miners might not have the best win record. But what they lack in number is alive in spirit. The Miners have a 415–643–28 and a bowl record of 5–10.
Yet, despite the rough patches, the Miners continue to bring their best fame. And at the heart of that pride and trials is the one pickaxe-wielding character who’s been through too many glow-ups.
What Is the UTEP Miners Mascot?
The UTEP Miners Mascot is Paydirt Pete. But before Pete, who is Paydirt Pete, and why does he matter? Explore the wild transformations of UTEP’s mascot through decades of fun and fierce pride. Here was Clyde.
Clyde was a pot-bellied burro, the OG face of UTEP’s mascot game. He was lovable but did not impress everyone. UTEP President Dr. Joseph Ray famously called him a “sorry-looking, pot-bellied creature.” And just like that, poor Clyde was gone.
Happy National Mascot Day to the best one out there @PaydirtPete
pic.twitter.com/AectMia41Y— Sidelines UTEP ⛏ (@SSN_UTEP) June 17, 2024
But soon enough, Clyde was replaced by another burro named Henry. The burro era had its charm. Students would dress up like rugged prospectors and parade the donkey around during games, giving UTEP an authentic Wild West vibe. However, the university was not satisfied with this either; they wanted something with more edge and personality.
In 1974, a contest was held to give the mascot a proper name and look. Michael Blue picked the name “Paydirt Pete.” Meanwhile, civil engineering student Eddie Mullens tasked Marshall Meece with creating drawings for football program covers. This is when the man with a pick was born. But Pete has, of course, evolved with time.
In the 1980s, he had a bit of a Disney phase. The initial version was called “Sweet Pete.” Then, it turned into a ripped version that started puffing cigars. This version was called “Paydirt Pete—II with Cigar.”
By 1999, Pete sported a handlebar mustache and ditched the miner’s helmet for a cowboy hat. He was called “Paydirt Pete – IV”. Then in the early 2000s, things got scruffy. There was “Deranged Pete,” who was around from 2000 to 2004. But by 2005, Pete cleaned up. Pete, as we know him now, was born.
Why Was the UTEP Miners Mascot Paydirt Pete?
Now, here’s where things get golden. The name “Paydirt Pete” is rooted in mining lingo. “Paydirt” refers to the jackpot or finding valuable ore underground. Since UTEP was founded in 1914 as the State School of Mines and Metallurgy, it made perfect sense to tie the mascot to its history.
KEEP READING: History of the Wyoming Cowboys Mascot
When UTEP ran the 1974 contest to name their Miner mascot, over 500 people entered. But Paydirt Pete struck gold. Over the decades, Paydirt Pete has become more than just a guy with a pickaxe. He’s a full-blown ambassador. He is often seen hyping the crowd and bringing UTEP’s history to life. Paydirt Pete is here to dig deep and keep Miner pride alive.
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