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Story byThe El Paso TimesEl Paso TimesSat, November 22, 2025 at 2:01 PM UTC·2 min readUTEP has unveiled a new, vintage clothing line inspired by the 60th anniversary of the famed 1966 Texas Western College basketball team.
The university partnered with Adidas and collegiate apparel company Homefield to create 1960s looks, which include throwback images of Paydirt Pete and a nod to "donkey with dynamite," the burro chosen as the mascot for Texas Western College in early 1966.
The retro collection is sure to stir up nostalgia, from a bright orange Texas Western Basketball 1966 National Champs Tee, to a chic, commemorative bomber jacket, inspired by Texas Western's warmup jackets.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOther t-shirts in the collection capture the evolution of Paydirt Pete, including a retro rendition of the beloved mascot carrying his prospecting gear and dressed like a cowboy.
The apparel is in celebration of Texas Western's 1966 history-making run, when it became the first school to start five Black players in the NCAA championship game. Coached by the legendary Don Haskins, the Miners stunned heavily favored Kentucky, 72-65, to capture the title.
The 72-65 victory over Kentucky in College Park, Maryland is considered one of the most important in the history of college basketball, as it marked the first time that a team with five African-American starters won a title game.First UTEP mascot was a burro
The first UTEP mascot was a student dressed as a prospector leading a burro, named Clyde. In the early part of 1966, Texas Western College (now UTEP) acquired a new celebrity on campus named Henry, according to the El Paso Museum of History.The first UTEP mascot was a student dressed as a prospector leading a burro, named Clyde. Some years after Clyde began making appearances at football games, then-President Dr. Joseph Ray became disenchanted with the animal's appearance, according to previous reporting by the El Paso Times.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn a letter to the dean of students, Dr. Ray demanded that something be done about that "sorry-looking, pot-bellied creature, not fit to represent the Miners." Clyde was out in 1966 and replaced by Henry, another burro.
Paydirt Pete celebrated 50-year anniversary in 2024
Paydirt Pete hypes up the fans before UTEP men's basketball faces Sam Houston on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.The name Paydirt Pete originated from a 1974 contest to name the mascot. Paydirt Pete was selected from over 500 entries. The first animated Paydirt Pete was given a face in 1974. It was recreated in 1980. This was a lovable little ol' Miner, which probably led to his being dubbed "Sweet Pete."
How to shop the collection
Products from the collection are available now at the UTEP Bookstore, located at 2201 Sun Bowl Drive. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here for UTEP Bookstore online orders.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementYou can also purchase the collection on the Homefield website. Prices range from $38 for the t-shirts to $160 for the bomber jacket.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at [email protected], @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
More: UTEP men's basketball makes miraculous overtime escape against D-III St. Thomas
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: UTEP celebrates Texas Western College with vintage collection
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