Mining Minds’ Special Lighting to Honor Women’s Golf and Cross Country Teams
Last Updated on October 29, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Originally published October 29, 2018
By Christina Rodriguez
UTEP Communications
The “Mining Minds” pickaxe sculpture at UTEP’s University Avenue roundabout will be illuminated in orange and blue Thursday evening, Nov. 1, 2018 and Friday evening, Nov. 2 to celebrate The University of Texas at El Paso women’s golf team, which recently won its third consecutive tournament title, and the UTEP women’s cross country team for claiming its first conference championship.
The women’s golf team’s monumental win occurred Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Florida International University Pat Bradley Invitational in Sarasota, Florida, and marks the first time in school history that the Miners have won more than one tournament in a season.
"We had a great overall team effort and I couldn’t be prouder of our ladies," said Jere Pelletier, head coach of the UTEP women’s golf team. "Each player really stepped up when they needed to and played smart golf. The team is showing great course management skill and it’s paying off for them."
UTEP is the only Division I school with three tournament wins this fall. Last season (2017-18), only 11 Division I schools posted three or more tournament wins.
On Saturday, Oct. 27, the UTEP women’s cross country team made history by earning its first conference title at the 2018 Conference USA Cross Country Championships.
The women’s cross country team took four of the top-six spots on the leaderboard, helping the Miners register a total of 44 points to secure the win by four points. Previously, the women’s team earned second-place finishes at the conference championships in 1996, 2003 and 2009.
“I was very impressed by the spirit the ladies displayed during the race,” said Paul Ereng, head coach of the UTEP women’s cross country team. “Each of them wanted the team to win and made a tremendous effort especially toward the end of the race.”
Additionally, Ereng was named C-USA Coach of the Year.
“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 message in binary code — a series of “ones” and “zeroes” — at each end of the pick that says, “Believe in yourself and in your dreams. Believe in UTEP and its aspirations. Share the dream!”
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 .
The UTEP women’s golf team recently won its third consecutive tournament title. This marks the first time in school history that the Miners have won more than one tournament in a season. Photo: UTEP Athletics
On Oct. 27, 2018, the UTEP women’s cross country team made history by earning its first conference title at the 2018 Conference USA Cross Country Championships. Photo: UTEP Athletics