Mining Minds: Special Lighting Honors Golf Champions

Last Updated on April 28, 2017 at 12:00 AM

Originally published April 28, 2017

By UC Staff

UTEP Communications

The “Mining Minds” pickaxe sculpture at UTEP’s University Avenue roundabout will be illuminated in blue and orange Friday evening, April 28, 2017, to celebrate The University of Texas at El Paso men’s golf team, which claimed the 2017 Conference USA championship title on Tuesday, April 25. It is the first conference title for UTEP men’s golf since 1985 and only the second in program history.

The “Mining Minds” pickaxe sculpture at UTEP’s University Avenue roundabout will be illuminated in blue and orange Friday evening, April 28, 2017, to celebrate The University of Texas at El Paso men’s golf team, which claimed the 2017 Conference USA championship title on Tuesday, April 25. It is the first conference title for UTEP men’s golf since 1985 and only the second in program history.

The Miners claimed the title after a 4-1 victory over Charlotte in match-play format.

The team also earned a bid to the NCAA Regionals for the first time as a team since 2004. The NCAA Regionals are slated to begin on May 15.

“I couldn’t be any prouder than I am right now,” said head coach Scott Lieberwirth. "I think, fittingly, it was Frederik Dreier’s match that clinched it for us. Him being a senior, him being the reigning Conference USA Player of the Year – it couldn’t have been a better ending for us to have Freddie finish it.”

 “Mining Minds” is an iconic piece of public art installed in 2010 to enhance the UTEP campus. At night, orange lights illuminate the steel structure while light from LEDs emanate from the perforated “ones” and “zeroes” at each end of the pick.

On special occasions, including historic dates, major annual milestones and to celebrate special accomplishments, the pick is illuminated in blue and orange. Learn more about the statue and its artist at miningminds.utep.edu.