AS SAY ER OF STUDENT OPINION
THE UNI V ERSIT Y OF TE X A S AT EL PA S O
September 22, 2026 OPINION Page 1
My dad made me a Metallica fan
THEPROSPECTORDAILY.COM NEWS Page 3
Behind the scenes of the Artisan Market at Minerpalooza
ARTS & CULTURE Page 5
Karol G brings the “Tropicoqueta” attitude to the Sun City
36 years of
SPORTS Page 8
Former Cowboys Tim Tolbert and Jim Jeffcoat return to El Paso
MINERPALOOZA B AZIEL RAMOS Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) officially kicked off their 36th annual Minerpalooza event on Sept. 11, bringing the UTEP Miner spirit for students, faculty and people of all ages. For 36 years, Minerpalooza has brought the UTEP and El Paso communities to enjoy live music, activities for all ages and food across campus. UTEP President Heather Wilson says that Minerpalooza is a great way for the community of El Paso to go out and have some fun. “It’s a great way for our students to raise money for their clubs and organizations,” Wilson said. “But also, for the community to just come and enjoy the campus and have some fun. It’s a great opportunity to support clubs and organizations while having fun with your friends in a really safe place. It’s a great tradition.” UTEP’s Minerpalooza activities included games that were hosted by UTEP’s student organizations, Pete’s Playground an area for children to play and interact with other kids their age, the artisan market that hosted local vendors selling art and their own handmade products and the Wine and Beer Garden for adults if they wanted to grab a drink to relax. The night would not have been complete without UTEP’s dance team, marching band and football team, showcasing their Miner spirit.
The live music that Minerpalooza featured was Frontera Bugalu, Jezzika Sax, Dariel Amant and the winner of Texas Western Gold Rush’s Battle of the Bands, DJ Rûûb. UTEP Dance Team members Kayla Dela Garza and Evelyn Ibarra Neraz made a comeback with the team after winning nationals last semester. “I think it means a lot to us just because we’ve been working so hard throughout the whole summer and we just came off of a nationals win too last semester,” Dela Garza said. Ibarr Nmeraz finds that their work ethic pays off when they’re able to show UTEP students what they’ve been working on. “Coming here allows us to give everybody a chance to see what we’ve been working really hard on,” Ibarra Neraz said. “We spend the whole summer, even the whole year, all seasons [working], we don’t stop. We’re constant, so it’s nice to be able to show off what we got.” For students, Minerpalooza is not only to have fun with their friends, but to also meet new people and create long lasting memories as the new semester begins. UTEP freshman, Soren Mclaughlin, says that his first Minerpalooza helped him meet new people and find enjoyment, especially as a college student. “I’ve seen so many people I know, and I’ve met so many new people now, it’s just really nice.” see MINERPALOOZA on page 6
UTEP host ed on Sept. 1 it s 36th annual Min 1. The eve erpalooza nt an d m e m b ers of the lo invited students to enjoy fo od from loc cal communit y al busine s play game se s, sa organizatio t booths hosted by st n s an d w a udent tc performan ce s. Photo h live musical s by Nate The Prosp Flore s/ ec tor
PAGE 2 · SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 · THE PROSPECTOR
Opinion
Ximena Cordero, editor-in-chief
My dad raised a Metallica fan B XIMENA CORDERO Y EDITOR-IN-CHEIF • THE PROSPECTOR
At first glance, you probably wouldn’t expect me to be a Metallica fan. But in reality, I’ve been listening to the band since I was in diapers, all thanks to my dad, who I proudly proclaim to be their No. 1 fan. So, needless to say, when the news dropped that Metallica would be performing at the Sun Bowl next year, the first person I called was my dad. Shortly after we ended the call, confidently saying we would somehow secure tickets, I burst into tears as I ran and jumped around my room. Because this meant so much more than just another big concert coming to El Paso. It meant that a lifelong dream was suddenly within reach. For as long as I can remember, my dad has been a Metallica fan. The 2027 concert will be his fifth time seeing the band. Many of the times he saw them live were during his time in the U.S. Army. My dad doesn’t talk much about his time in the Army, much less his time in combat. From the little he has shared, I know there were dark moments. One piece of advice he has given me since I was young has
always been, “Never join the Army.” But what he does talk about is the traveling and the music. He tells me about listening to music in his barracks in Germany, discovering German EDM and seeing some of the most iconic musicians, including Metallica, across Europe. Music is one of the things he brought home from that chapter of his life and shared with my sister and me. So, since I was little, Metallica has been part of the soundtrack to my life. On every car ride, their music would blast through the speakers as we headbanged along. On Saturdays, it would shake the garage while my dad worked. Their songs were there through the highs, the lows and all the ordinary moments in between. One of those car rides is particularly memorable. I remember my dad turning down the volume and telling me to pay close attention to “Nothing Else Matters.” At that point, I had probably heard the song a thousand times, so I didn’t understand what was supposed to be different about it.
A heart shaped by the water: My love letter to the ocean
The Prospector’s contributor writer, Diego Hernandez, poses on a beach in Mazatlán, Mexico during his family’s summer trip. Photo courtesy of Diego Hernandez.
B BRIANA ESTRADA Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
When registering for courses, there are many factors you have to consider: “Is this course part of my curriculum?”“Does it fit my schedule?” and “What is the professors rating on Rate My Professor?”Every semester millions of students around the world flock to the Rate My Professor website to check professors’ ratings before registering for a course. The platform allows students to leave reviews on their professors. Any grievances or praises students have for their professors help build up the overall rating for the professors and their courses. Through this system, students are also able to investigate professors and decide whether their courses would be the correct fit for them VOL. 112, September 22, 2026
EDITORS 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
Every summer of my life has been measured in salt, sand, and tides. For eleven months out of the year, my life feels like it’s on pause; a slow, agonizing countdown waiting for the moment I can finally run back to the coast. Back in El Paso, surrounded by the dry desert and miles of emptiness, it’s hard not to feel a quiet weight sinking in. The stark stillness of the landscape and the social isolation often pulled me into a deep sadness, leaving me feeling detached and looking for a way out. Because of that, the ocean became my entire reason for waiting. Before I could even walk, my family’s calendar was anchored to the coast, establishing an annual pilgrimage that dictated how I understood time. To me, the sea wasn’t just a physical location on a map; it was my sanctuary. It was the ultimate backdrop to my life, the grand stage where every core memory was made, and the one place where the scars of the school year could finally start to heal. For as long as I can remember, the sea was defined by its ability to overwhelm me and sweep away my reality. It was a place of high adrenaline and endless spectacles. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
Is Rate My Professor useful for students?
read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
Graphic by Mia Colmenero/The Prospector
B DIEGO HERNANDEZ Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
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
or not, but is it useful to make such a decision based on what students you don’t know have to say about professors? The platform’s rating system uses an “Awesome, Great, Good, Ok and Awful” scale, which makes the ratings straightforward and easy to understand. Students are also able to share the grade they received in the course, whether the course was a requirement, whether attendance and textbooks are mandatory, and if they would take the course again. Additionally, students can also highlight things that they believe other student might take into consideration when looking for a course or professors, such as how important participation is, how often test or quizzes happen, how accessible the course is outside of the classroom, etc.
At UTEP, many, if not most, students use Rate My Professor avidly. On the university’s page in the platform there are ratings for over 2,300 professors, some of whom aren’t active professors at UTEP anymore, with thousands of accumulated reviews from current and past miners. The ratings include professors from every study offered at the university, from core courses to graduate level courses. Many students turn to the platform to decide whether potential professors would be the right fit for them or not. Business student Marili Cervantes, says the reviews other student post about the professors helps her assess the quality of a course before registering for it. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
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PAGE 3 · SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 · THE PROSPECTOR
News
Ximena Cordero, editor-in-chief
Behind the scenes of the Artisan Market at Minerpalooza B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
Long before the headliners take the stage and the crowds flood campus for The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) largest annual celebration, local makers are already busy preparing their inventory. Entering its 36th year since starting in 1990, the university’s tradition has grown into much than a temporary shopping stop for regional entrepreneurs. The Minerpalooza Artisan Market brought together local vendors and thousands of university students, alumni and El Paso residents,
providing small businesses with a major financial boost and an opportunity to connect with the UTEP community. This year’s marketplace featured a diverse lineup of 21 regional creators. According to Claudia Bernal, manager of Student Affairs Marketing, the full roster included: • Mi Piedra Sagrada • Matties Art Café • Sabrina Creates • Eighteen Eighty One • DM Design Doodle Booth • Daydream Crochet • Daizy Baby • The Stitch House
The Fuentes sister’s artwork includes prints, but also T-shirts, cards, mugs, keychains, patches and much more featuring characters from Star Wars to other famous artists like Selena Quintanilla and Frida Kahlo. Photo by Dustin Perez/The Prospector
• High Desert Apothecary • BirdFishy Co. • QM Needlefelts and Linoprints • The Yarn Life • Cruz Craftz • Muchas Flores Studio • El Taller Fuentes • Art By Michelle Palacios • Diana Franco Fan Art • Deerfish Design • Lost In El Paso • Legitly Nifty • Funhaus For alumni-owned businesses returning to campus, the event carried a deep personal significance.
Artist Fatima Fuentes became the winner of a “UTEP Minerpalooza Branding Campaign” back in December 2023, giving the annual event a distinct identity through its limited color pallet and tropical feel. Photo by Dustin Perez/The Prospector
Metallica to rock El Paso’s Sun Bowl Stadium B XIMENA CORDERO Y EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • THE PROSPECTOR
Metallica will bring its M72 World Tour to El Paso’s Sun Bowl Stadium on May 18, 2027, as part of the band’s newly announced North American stadium dates. The El Paso concert is one of 12 newly announced stops on Metallica’s 2027 North American run, which will begin May 8, 2027. Limp Bizkit and Avatar will join Metallica as support acts during the 2027 North American dates. The M72 World Tour, promoted by Live Nation, launched in April 2023 and has included 99 shows across 26 countries. Nearly 5 million fans have attended the tour, according to Metallica. The 2027 run will follow
Metallica’s “Life Burns Faster” residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, scheduled to run from Oct. 1, 2026, through March 13, 2027. Tickets for the newly announced shows will be available through several presales before the general sale. Metallica fan club members will have access to presale tickets beginning Monday, Sept. 21, at 10 a.m. Local presales will run Thursday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. General ticket sales will begin Friday, Sept. 25, at 10 a.m. Citi card members will have access to a presale beginning Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. through the Citi Entertainment program. Verizon customers enrolled in the company’s Verizon Shine loyalty program will also have access to a select-show presale beginning Sept.
Operating El Taller Fuentes, UTEP graduates Genoveva and Fatima Fuentes described coming back to their alma mater as feeling “like going back home again.” Genoveva graduated in 2016, while Fatima graduated in December 2024, noting that “it’s like, no matter where you go, UTEP will be your home experience for us.” Fatima Fuentes said. Beyond immediate commercial sales, they viewed the market as an interactive platform. “Our business is not only selling, [but] we’re also trying to educate
22 at 10 a.m. A portion of proceeds from every ticket sold will benefit local charities through Metallica’s All Within My Hands foundation. The nonprofit, established in 2017, supports workforce education, hunger relief and other critical local services. According to the foundation, it has provided $19 million in grants to career and technical education programs through its Metallica Scholars Initiative, $8.8 million to combat food insecurity and $6.2 million toward disaster relief and other critical local services worldwide. Ximena Cordero is the editor-in-chief at The Prospector and may be reached at cordero@miners.utep.edu, on LinkedIn @ximenacordero and on Instagram @ximenacordero.reports.
other people who want to learn graphic design, who wants to learn how to create their own items.” Genoveva Fuentes said. That direct community interaction is equally vital for interactive creators like David Madrid of DM Design Doodle Booth. “Honestly really exciting to have Doodle Booth be part of something as big as Minerpalooza,” Madrid said. Madrid emphasized that the live event format is essential for business visibility. “Doodle Booth is something you really have to see in person. I can post pictures and videos online, but it’s completely different when someone walks by, watches me draw someone, and then sees their reaction when I show them the finished doodle. That’s usually when people stop and say, ‘Wait, I want one!’” Madrid said. While the financial upside and direct audience engagement offered incentives, participating in a campus event like Minerpalooza, also introduced operational hurdles. Small business owners had to carefully navigate tight setup windows and heavy inventory demands. For El Taller Fuentes, selecting what to bring was challenging. “Not all of our items are [appealing] to everyone, because everyone has a different view [of art],” Genoveva Fuentes said. Meanwhile, Madrid notes that his primary challenge is keeping audience engagement up. “Figuring out how to draw as many people as possible without losing what makes the experience fun and personal,” Madrid said. “I’m only one person, and every doodle is drawn live, so when a line starts forming, things can get pretty busy!” read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
THE PROSPECTOR · SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Page 4 NEWS
La Mina: Los Pies y Manos de Cristo B L E S LY C H A V E Z Y MULTIMEDIA EDITOR • THE PROSPECTOR
El sábado 29 de agosto de 2026, el ministerio cristiano “Hands & Feet of Christ”, en colaboración con Opportunity Center for the Homeless (Centro de Oportunidades para Personas sin Hogar), tuvo un evento en el que proporcionó comida, ropa, servicios de barbería y oración completamente gratis a personas de bajos recursos y situación de calle. La fundadora del ministerio, Lizeth Ramírez, creó este movimiento hace cinco años, cuando ella se encontraba en una situación precaria en la que por poco se convertía en vagabunda. Desde ese momento, Ramírez se ha dedicado a colaborar con diferentes negocios y otros voluntarios cristianos de El Paso y Ciudad Juárez para crear eventos comunitarios en los cuales el enfoque es brindar fe y esperanza a los más necesitados. “Mi inspiración fue porque yo estaba perdida en el alcoholismo y las drogas y yo tuve una visión donde tenía que escoger entre una vida bendecida o terminar en las calles”, Ramírez expresó. “Fue ahí donde decidí servir a Dios al ayudar a estas personas a obtener recursos y predicar la palabra de nuestro Señor, para que tengan esperanza de que Dios los puede salvar y así como yo pude dejar los vicios, que sepan que de la mano de Dios ellos pueden también”. Desde las 11a.m. hasta las 2p.m., cientos de personas visitaron Myrtle Avenue, en donde voluntarios sirvieron cientos de platos de comida hechos por ellos mismos
y docenas de ropa y artículos de higiene personal. Adicionalmente, un grupo de miembros cristianos predicaba y hacía oración grupal para quien lo pidiera. “La familia de mi prometida y yo estamos haciendo esto no para nuestra gloria ni para nuestra gratificación, sino para la gloria de nuestro Señor”, expresó el voluntario Isaac Romero. “Por medio de la oración les damos esperanza a los que la necesitan, y de alguna manera ayudamos a repartir alegría en las calles al recibir el Espíritu Santo en nuestros corazones y brindar fe en la comunidad”. Pese a las altas temperaturas, los miembros de “Hands & Feet of Christ” brindaron oración a docenas de personas, platicando con ellos y brindándoles apoyo moral. “Es la primera vez que vengo a este tipo de eventos, pero decidí venir porque a veces me siento mal, sin fuerzas, y la oración me da el ánimo para continuar con mi vida”, la señora “Olivia” expresó. “Estos muchachos están haciendo un bien en la comunidad, dándole esperanza a gente como yo que necesita ese empujoncito pa’ seguir pa’ lante”. Si están interesados en ayudar o colaborar con el ministerio, pueden contactar directamente a “Hands and Feet of Christ” por medio de redes sociales como Facebook, TikTok e Instagram o directamente a la fundadora por email a lizethra@nmsu.edu. Lesly Marlene Chavez is the multimedia editor and may be reached at at lmchavez33@miners.utep. edu and social media @pics.by.lesly
B VANESSA OROZCO Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
Miembros de la organización “Hands & Feet of Christ” oraron por las personas que asistieron al evento comunitario en colaboración con Opportunity for the Homeless. Photo by Lesly Chavez/The Prospector
En colaboración con la organización “Hands & Feet of Christ”, Fernie Zamora de Defined Lines Barber Studio proporcionó servicios de barbería gratis a personas de bajos recursos y en situación de calle. Photo by Lesly Chavez/The Prospector
Sun Bowl Association announces UTEP students prioritize mental health and painting sessions, alongside Old El Paso as new title sponsor visits from mental health experts, B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
The Sun Bowl association announced on Sept. 17 that Old El Paso will be the new title sponsor for the Sun Bowl game. The announcment comes after the Sun Bowl Association announced on Sept. 15, that its major sponsorship deal with the WK Kellogg Company (Co.) has come to an end. This concludes a seven-year run that featured Tony the Tiger and Frosted Flakes as part of El Paso’s holiday football tradition. Starting in 2019, the postseason bowl game was officially named the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, making history as the first time a
corporate mascot lent its name to a college football bowl game. Bernie Olivas, the executive director of the Sun Bowl Association, shared his appreciation through a social media statement for the partnership and the positive mark it left on the local El Paso community. “The last seven years with WK Kellogg Co. and the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl were tremendous,” Olivas said. “Their commitment to the El Paso community will never be forgotten.” Aside from the excitement on the football field, the partnership focused heavily on giving back through Kellogg’s Mission. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
(Left to Right) El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, Business Unit Director for Old El Paso Ben Bienert and Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association Bernie Olivas pose for a photo showcasing the new title sponsor of the Sun Bowl, Old El Paso. Photo by Dustin Perez/The Prospector
UTEP to host employer events and career clinics
For years, talking about mental health on college campuses has often felt like a forbidden subject. But at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), a student-led organization is changing that culture by creating a welcoming space built on community, creativity, and open education. Bring Awareness to Mental Health (BAMH), a group originally started at El Paso Community College (EPCC) in September 2019, has grown into a campus resource focused on breaking down social stigma and connecting students with help before crises happen. “We want to destigmatize the conversation around mental health, especially for young people who are just starting their life,” BAMH President Isabella Luna said. Reflecting on the organization’s roots, Luna notes that their founders originally wanted to ensure the message stays the same. “That people knew that there was nothing wrong with having a mental illness, with feeling symptoms of any mental illness,” Luna said. To keep students engaged, the group has moved beyond traditional meetings. Today’s gatherings feature hands-on activities like vision board collages
such as an upcoming guest speaker from Texas Tech. “We’re not only doing this for the rest of the students on campus, [but] we also want our actual members to have a good experience with us,” Luna said. Many members bring valuable perspectives from their own studies. Secretary of BAMH Ana Villalobos, a junior studying rehabilitation science, notes that the organization teaches students how to recognize when a peer might be struggling quietly. “Mental health is not always visible,” Villalobos said, encouraging students to come to meetings. “In order to get a more, like, a deep perspective of what mental health really is, and what the signs are, even if the disability is not visible.” Tackling these conversations in the borderland also means facing deep-rooted cultural habits. Leaders point out that traditional pressures, such as expecting young men to hide their emotions or dealing with traditional concepts of machismo, can stop people from asking for help out of fear of judgment and being labeled.
read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) President Heather Wilson held a town hall meeting Sept. 9 at the Undergraduate Learning Center to discuss new initiatives aimed at connecting students with employers and preparing them for careers after graduation. The initiatives include employer engagement events featuring federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and local businesses looking to recruit UTEP students. Expected employers include the FBI, Lockheed Martin, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Microsoft, Dell, Google, El Paso Children’s Hospital and other local companies. “We are also going to be proactively reaching out to the companies in the region who need great employees,” Wilson said. Employer engagement events will take place Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Union Breezeway. Career coaching clinics will take place Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at various locations across campus. “We want to help prepare students for beyond college and better our community engagement overall,” Wilson said. “If a company wants to come and recruit on this campus, we’re going to get them on campus. We already have over 150 companies who are coming.” Students will also have access to professional attire for interviews and professional headshots. Professional attire will be available through the Food Pantry office in Union East after its remodel is completed. In the meantime, students can contact Food Pantry Director, Tamara Hernandez at tlbarton@utep.edu. Students also will be able to take professional headshots in Suite 310 of the University Library. Employer engagement events: • Sept. 24: Open to all employers • Oct. 1: Business and professional services • Oct. 6: Health and applied sciences • Oct. 15: Open to all employers • Oct. 22: Graduate and professional schools Career coaching clinics: • Sept. 23: University Library, Room 111 - Open clinic • Sept. 30: University Library, Room 111 - Business, financial and professional services • Oct. 5: IDRB 2.204 - Health and applied sciences • Oct. 14: Engineering/Tech Café - Open clinic • Oct. 21: University Library, Room 111 - Graduate schools Vanessa Orozco is a staff reporter at The Prospector and may be reached at vmorozco2@miners.utep.edu
THE PROSPECTOR · SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 · PAGE 5
Arts & Culture
Abby Pedroza, editor
Karol G brings the “Tropicoqueta” attitude to the Sun City B L E S LY C H A V E Z Y MULTIMEDIA EDITOR • THE PROSPECTOR
The Colombian singer and songwriter Carolina Giraldo Navarro, best known as “Karol G” performed at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Sun Bowl Stadium as part of her long-awaited tour, “Viajando Por El Mundo.” El Paso was the only city in the tour lineup with two back-to-back concerts on Sept. 5 and 6. The tickets for the Sept. 6 date went on sale April 29 and sold out within minutes. Due to the high demand, Karol G’s team announced an additional date in El Paso. For the last 10 years, Karol G has broken historic records by becoming the first female artist to win a Grammy award for “Best Urban Music” and the first Latina to headline “Coachella” earlier this year. “Tropicoqueta” brought an immersive experience focused on celebrating the tropical Latininfused rhythms of her fifth studio album combined with the emotional, stripped-down shift from her latest album, “No me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto,” which was released on Aug. 7 after the beginning of her tour on July 24 in Chicago. Over 90,000 attendees filled the Sun Bowl in head to toe blue and orange outfits and wore glitter, flowers and rhinestones to add the special touch that completed the “Tropicoqueta” vibe. For both days, the guest artist and concert opener was Becky G, who brought a sensual, highpowered club energy with tropical influences from her latest album “Baraja Bendita,” and hits such as “Mayores,” and “Sin Pijama.” Becky G later joined Karol on stage to perform their awardwinning collaboration “MAMIII.” After an electrifying opening, Karol G popped up from the stage, opening her concert with her song “Latina Foreva,” which brought an overwhelming high-energy crowd. As
the concert progressed, Karol G’s focus was on songs from her album “Tropicoqueta,” but still performed classics from her other albums. During the concerts, Karol G often interacted with the crowd by giving shoutouts to those in the nosebleed seats and encouraging the crowd and staff to dance and sing along with her, moments that quickly became viral on social media. Apart from reggaeton, Karol G focused on bringing other Latino cultures and rhythms to the stage, by bringing out “Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles,” an all-female mariachi band that performed with her during her set at Coachella. Wearing sombreros, flowers, embordered and bedazzled charro suits, the Reynas and Karol performed songs such as “200 Copas” and “Ese Hombre es Malo.” Karol also performed her hit song “MI EX TENIA RAZON” after reading a poster from a fan in the floor seat audience asking her to do so.
Continuing with the Mexican culture, from her newest album, “No me Arrepinto de Sentir Tanto,” she performed her Tex-Mex Cumbia fusion song “Alguien que te Amaba” and switched to bachata, making an ode to the Dominican genre singing her successful collaborative track Greeicy, “Amiga Mia.” Finally, we were transported to the favelas, with Karol G preforming Spanish Portuguese funk hits such as “TA OK” and “Bandida Entrenada,” which had complex rave-like choreography and exhilarating water stage effects, fog, pyrotechnics and lasers. One of the main moments during both concerts was when she chose random people from the audience to join her on stage and dance to her recent hit “BBy WoW” alongside her. Long-time fan Enrique Unzueta from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua was among those who were selected.
“For a few minutes, it felt like I was living a dream. Seeing that many people and knowing I was sharing that moment with an artist I admire is something I’ll never forget,” Unzueta said. “I felt that Carolina is a very vgenuine, warm person with incredible energy. I think one of the most beautiful things about her is that, even in front of thousands of people, she manages to make those moments feel very personal. And as a fan, this ‘Viajando Por el Mundo’ show leaves me feeling like I witnessed something much bigger than just a concert.” The real surprise happened on Sept. 6 where apart from her already announced guest artist Becky G, Karol surprised everybody by bringing on stage El Paso born-and raised Greg Gonzalez, best known as the founder and lead vocalist of the band “Cigarettes After Sex.” Together they performed “Despues de ti,” a melancholic, heartbreak ballad that left more than one fan teary-eyed and with their heart in their hands. To wrap up this blissful weekend, Karol G thanked all of the people who attended and made a remark on how much her audience has grown in just a few years and how grateful she feels about sharing this moment with so many people she cares for, before wrapping up with her song “Provenza.”
“Hace unos años que vine acá, pasamos de ser 5,000, a ser más de 80,000 en dos noches. No doy nunca nada por sentado, Antes de subir al escenario alguien me dijo algo muy hermoso: esta noche, no existen fronteras en este lugar, aquí estamos vibrando todos uno solo.” Karol G said. “Que noche tan increíble me regalaste El Paso, nos tenemos que volver a ver alguna vez.” She continued by encouraging the audience to live their lives to the fullest and to spread love. “Mientras tanto, recuerde que la vida es solo una, vívala, no le dé pena hacer lo suyo, vaya por lo suyo por la vida sonría, sea feliz, sea amable de los buenos días, sea generoso con alguna persona, abrase a la persona con la que usted vino hoy, abrácela muy duro porque usted no sabe cuándo va a ser la última vez que lo va a ver,” Karol G said. “¡Y esta última canción, nos la vamos a celebrar como si fuera el último día de nuestras vidas!” “Viajando Por El Mundo” tour at El Paso was an unforgettable weekend that made every person celebrate Latin culture and embrace unity across this groundbreaking concert series with a playful, loving vibe, making everybody dance their soul out “con una actitud tropicoqueta.” Lesly Marlene Chavez is the multimedia editor and may be reached at at lmchavez33@miners.utep. edu and social media @pics.by.lesly
Karol G “Viajando por El Mundo” concerts were focused on elebrating the tropical Latin-infused rhythms of her fifth studio album “Tropicoqueta.” Photos by Lesly Chavez and Dustin Perez/The Prospector
THE PROSPECTOR · SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Page 6 ARTS & CULTURE
from MINERPALOOZA on cover
“It’s a great way to just get out and do stuff. I think that goes with any school, but especially with college.” UTEP senior, Luis Antonio Delmercado, found his first and last Minerpalooza this year to be exciting, finding the right time to make it to the event. “Every previous Minerpalooza, I was always scheduled on the shift that day, and this is the first time that I was free that day,” Delmercado said. “I was very excited to come, it’s very lively.” Delmercado believed that students can take the opportunity to find new experiences and
shared advice for future and current Miners. “Honestly, talk to the people around you, network and make new friends. That’s what it’s about. Coming to university is like making those connections that could last a lifetime,” Delmercado said. Minerpalooza is an event that will always be happy to show it’s Miner spirit to students, creates exciting and new memories for the current Miners and for future Miners as well. Aziel Ramos is a contributor and may be reached at aramos45@miners.utep.edu
Connecting community Miner’s hideaways and nature at Rio Bosque across campus B K AY L A R O D R I G U E Z Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
In Southeast El Paso, there is a rare example of a natural wetland ecosystem that once existed abundantly along the Rio Grande. Large birds, ducks and sometimes even a beaver can be seen from the park trails. Located parallel to the Rio Grande next to the US-Mexico border, the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park is a long-term ecological restoration project with a mission to return the 372-acre park to its original state. The park, managed by the University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) Center for Environmental Resource Management (CERM), provides a space for animal and plant species whose habitat had been disturbed when the Rio Grande was channelized in the 1930s. Through a collaborative effort, beginning in the 1970s, the City of El Paso, UTEP’s CERM, utility and ecological organizations, the landscape has steadily been reestablished as a flourishing ecosystem, with some areas of the park improving faster than others. Today, the park regularly offers tours, events and community workdays to educate visitors and provide them with an opportunity to connect with nature. From Sept. 12 to Sept. 20, the park celebrated Latino Conservation Week, a week long initiative encouraging Latino
communities to get involved in natural resources and parks near them, by hosting introduction to the bosque and birding tours, a loteria event and a hands-on cleanup project where visitors could mitigate invasive species with park officials. Park manager Sergio Samaniego and his team plan events that encourage the public to enjoy the beauty and quiet of natural wetland that is unique in a desert environment. “Hopefully they also fall in love with the outdoors, because it’s really relaxing,” Samaniego said. You see stuff that you typically don’t see around in the city because we’re so out in nature.” The Rio Bosque’s nutrient rich environment attracts hundreds of species of birds a year and the parks trails buzz with insects, lizards and flowing canals. The diverse landscape is a change of scenery that cannot be found anywhere else in El Paso, making it a popular space for hikers and photographers to visit. “Especially at the Rio Bosque, a lot of people that visit the park don’t know that they have this resource for them in their backyards,” Samaniego said. “Once they discover it they become very attached to the project and they become repeat visitors.” Jabenel Muniz comes to the Rio Bosque park to run. They believe the open trails, fresh air
and picturesque views create an experience that is different than other trails in the city. “Come over here to run. It’s really big, and I don’t think you can get lost,” Muniz said. “You can go in circles or even, like, more straight so that’s cool. You can just keep running.” Muniz and other guests of the Rio Bosque visit the park to view because of its unique animals and landscape. Latino Conservation Week in the wetlands is an avenue for individuals to become aware of the preserved environments that are hidden in their neighborhood. The Rio Bosque Wetlands Park is open to the public every day of the week from dusk till dawn. The park visitor center provides trail and program information, and organizations like the Friends of the Rio Bosque work in tandem with UTEP’s CERM to advocate for the continual preservation of the Rio Bosque and to engage and educate the public about the wetlands. More information on how to get involved can be found on the Friends of the Rio Bosques Instagram or on the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park website. Kayla Rodriguez is a staff reporter at The Prospector and may be reached at krrodriguez4@miners.utep. edu
The watercell the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park sits on provides nutrients needed to grow sunflowers like these. Many different species of plants and animals can be found at the park. Photo by Kayla Rodriguez/The Prospector
B BRIANA ESTRADA Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has the biggest campus in the city spanning across more than 400 acres; the university welcomes over 20,000 students every semester. With the size of campus and student body, students are constantly looking for space where they can just sit down and relax between classes. These hideaways around campus become sacred to student whether its for aesthesis, relaxing, or even gathering with friends. What makes a spot on campus the perfect hideaway differs from student to student depending on their need, some students prefer a nice and quiet space, while others prefer an area with more movement. For freshman Daniela Mendoza, the latter rings true to what makes her perfect spot on campus. “I would say the library is my favorite spot. I think it’s very cute. It’s very aesthetically pleasing,” Mendoza said. “Theres always a lot of people in here, so there’s always a lot going on. It’s not stagnant.” For many other students, the fast pace of many common areas is something they don’t really look for but learn to adapt in order to enjoy these spaces. Students
such as junior Caleb Mendoza, whose favorite hideaway is the library as well, seem to agree with this sentiment. “I come here [The Library] after my classes and sometimes have to go to the fourth or fifth floor to find sitting.” Mendoza said. Other Miners prefer areas in nature as a change of scenery from all of their classrooms. Sophomore Jakayla Parks is one of the many studenst who would rather stick to the fresh air over the air-conditioned buildings around campus. Parks’ preferred hideaway is the iconic Leech Grove Park. “I like it here [Leech Grove] where all of the benches are [surrounded by] the greenery” Parks said. Ultimately, the UTEP campus offers countless areas for students to relax and decompress in. Whether you are looking for a quiet place with beautiful greenery and chirping birds, or a fast-paced place that encourages you to get your homework done, there is something for every single miner who walks through this campus. So go ahead and explore the corners of this campus, your next hideaway could be waiting for you. Briana Estrada is a contributor at The Prospector and may be reached at bestrada14@miners.utep.edu
PAGE 7 · SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 · THE PROSPECTOR
Fall Shots
Photo by Diego Figueroa/The Prospector
Photo by Allysa Vela-Quezada/The Prospector
Photo by Lesly Chavez/The Prospector
Photo by Nate Flores/The Prospector
Photo by Perla D Parra Aguilar/The Prospector
Nate Flores, editor
Photo by Dustin Perez/The Prospector
Photo by Carol Mora/The Prospector
Photo by Alexander Jauregui/The Prospector
Photo by Christian Friedrichsen/The Prospector
Photo by Cameron Mason/The Prospector
THE PROSPECTOR · SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 · PAGE 8
Sports
Kristian Hernandez, editor
UTEP runs away with 51 points on Texas Southern and came out swinging against No. 18 Michigan
UTEP dominates with a 51-10 victory over Texas Southern in their home opener. The Miners controlled the game on both sides of the ball. UTEP’s strong performance energized the home crowd as the Miners secured the win. Photo by Diego Figueroa/The Prospector B KRISTIAN HERNANDEZ Y SPORTS EDITOR • THE PROSPECTOR
In their second game ever against one another, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) (1-1, 0-0 Mountain West Conference) Miners put up the most points ever with Head Coach Scotty Walden in place. After the Texas Southern University Tigers (TSU) (1-2, 0-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) came out with a hard-running offense, setting the edge with a dual-threat senior quarterback like Cam’Ron McCoy. The Miners halted the Tiger’s offensive drive and struck first with an 83-yard touchdown (TD) on their first offensive play. UTEP sophomore quarterback EJ Colson Jr. connected with redshirt senior Miner back Kam Thomas on the TD in just 11 seconds. “We should’ve been better, that first quarter and half,” Colson said. “We came out hot, but we got to sustain that... We want to do better,
at the end of the day. I love the way we fought back, love the way we just kept going, we executed at the end of the day.” The official attendance number was 24,580, which was the first time the Miners have hit above 20,000 in home games since the 2025 home opener against University of Tennessee at Martin with 31,122 fans in attendance. “I want to first off, just thank our fans, thank our home crowd,” Walden said. “I mean, I can’t tell you what it means to [us], when you support our kids and you stay and cheer for them, it just makes a difference. Our guys were so excited to walk in the Sun Bowl.” Walden credits the win to their style of preparation during practice. “We went live tackle, We practiced ticked off, primarily because I didn’t let them listen to any music,” Walden said. “They were pretty mad at me all week, but that’s fine. Whatever it takes to get
a win.” The Miners were firing on all cylinders with Colson garnering 265 passing yards and the hometown kid, redshirt junior running back Tavorus Jones rushing for 107 yards. “We just had to trust the play calling. I mean, it was going to fall our way, no matter what,” Jones said. “That first touchdown, it was definitely surreal, my heart got beating real fast. It’s the first game back home... It meant a lot to me.” Jones, after graduating from Burgess High School in 2022, he committed to the Power Five, now Power Four University of Missouri. After four season with the Tigers, Jones entered the transfer portal as a three-star running back and is back home players for the team that represents the 915. UTEP made their way to Michigan Stadium on Sept. 19 and faced of against the No. 18 University of Michigan
Wolverines (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten Conference). After a close win with the Western Michigan Broncos at the Wolverines’ home opener, Michigan was able to close off the Oklahoma Sooners with a 17-10 victory. While the Miners failed to score any points against the Sooners, they were the ones to strike first in front of 110,668 spectators. Michigan answered back with their own touchdown but UTEP was able take the lead once more with another passing touchdown from Colson to redshirt junior running back Lamar Sperling making it his first touchdown of the 2026 season. The Wolverines took for the rest of the game after the first half with 31 unanswered points making the score 45-14 at the end of the third quarter. UTEP was able to get in a three-point field-goal in the fourth but the Wolverines ended the game with a victorious 52-17.
Detroit native and sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood ended the game with two passing touchdowns and 223 passing yards. Colson also scored two passing touchdowns and threw his first interception of the season. Michigan is set to take on the No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes at The Big House for both of the teams’ first conference games. One thing is guaranteed first this game, only one team will leave the field undefeated on Sept. 26. The Miners will play their next home game against Pac-12 conference opponent Oregon State on Sept. 26. The Beavers won their first game of the season against the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Big Sky Conference Montana Grizzlies with a dominant 52-17 win. Kristian Hernandez is the Sports Editor for The Prospector and may be reached at kahernandez16@ miners.utep.edu and social media tags @northeastvideography.
THE PROSPECTOR · SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
SPORTS Page 9
In honor of the Cowboys first game of the 2026 season, Serve El Paso invited former players Tim Tolbert and Jim Jeffcoat for a meet and greet to help commemorate the game on Sept. 13. Local Cowboys fans lined up to meet Tolbert and Jeffcoat as they signed autographs and took photos with fans. Photos by Nate Flores/The Prospector
Former Cowboys Tim Tolbert and Jim Jeffcoat return to El Paso B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
For years, the unspoken bond between El Paso and the Dallas Cowboys has been forged in loyalty, geography and a whole lot of grit. On Sep. 13, that connection came alive when franchise legends Tony Tolbert and Jim Jeffcoat arrived in El Paso for a special fan event at Serve El Paso to celebrate the Cowboys’ regular-season opener. For local supporters, hosting players who anchored some of the franchise’s greatest championship defenses was more than just a meet and greet; it was a physical reminder of an era that has spanned decades. For Tolbert, stepping back into the Sun City carries a deep personal weight. Long before winning three Super Bowl rings in Dallas, Tolbert built up his foundational years right here in El Paso, playing as an outside linebacker for the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners from 1986-88, before getting drafted to Jerry Jones’ team. “It’s been a blessing,” Tolbert said after returningand seeing the turnout from local fans. “I still have a lot of roots here. This is one of the places that I’ve formed my formative years... so I’m
completely blessed.” The visit also stirred up old memories for those who shared those college experiences together. Blanca Oviedo, a former UTEP classmate who attended biology classes with Tolbert, reconnected with her old friend at the event. “We still would email, but it’s great. I just want[ed] to see him,” Oviedo said, noting that Tolbert’s return to El Paso after years away in Kansas, feels like a full-circle moment for the community that remembers his collegiate days. For teammate Jim Jeffcoat, witnessing the passion of the borderland fan base is a testament to the legacy of those 1990s championship squads. “The support of Cowboys fans and the former players, it’s really good to see that,” Jeffcoat said. “It’s good to be here, and Tony [Tolbert] being from El Paso, playing at UTEP and everything… that makes me feel good about it [being in El Paso].” Reflecting on what it meant to capture back-to-back Super Bowl titles during that era, Jeffcoat recalled. “Anytime you get [an] opportunity to win a Super Bowl, it’s really good. I mean, it’s exciting, and getting the opportunity winning back-to-back
Super Bowl[s]. It’s a great feeling.” Jeffcoat said. For Tolbert, joining that storied locker room felt like catching lightning in a bottle. “I came along [at] the right time,” Tolbert said. “I was a rookie, and some of the pieces were there, and I happened to be a part of the start of it. But there was a lot of talent that was drafted and we all came together faster than most people expected, and it was a huge, huge blessing to be a part of that run.” For El Pasoans, supporting the Cowboys is embedded into the cultural fabric of the community, bridging generations of families. Lifelong fan Jesus Torres brought his son to the event, eager to share a piece of the franchise’s history with the next generation. Growing up on the 1990s championship teams alongside his own father, Torres said meeting two legends was a memory he will never forget. “It means [the] world to me because I was able to share it [this moment] with my son, who recently just started loving football as much as I do,” Torres said. That deep generational connection was shared by fans like Ketra Anderson. Having been born into a household where supporting the Cowboys was a way of life passed
down by her father, Anderson was so overwhelmed with emotion that she immediately called him during the event so he could talk to the players directly. Recognizing the effort the icons made to connect with the borderland, Anderson praised the former Cowboys. “They’re amazing. They’re wonderful... a lot of sacrifice they probably had to make to get here [El Paso],” Anderson said. The deep-rooted connection between El Paso and the Dallas Cowboys extends far beyond modern fan events and local watch parties. Most notably, the borderland famously hosted the franchise during a series of high-profile preseason scrimmages in the late 1990s. In August 1996, driven by an initiative spearheaded by local American Red Cross volunteers to raise funds for charity, the Sun Bowl achieved its first-ever sellout with a crowd of 51,118 fans that packed the stadium, and the mountain by the Sun Bowl, to watch the Super Bowl champion Cowboys face the Houston Oilers in a preseason matchup. The overwhelming success of that event, which sold 40,000 tickets in just four days, proved the immense
appetite for the team in West Texas and led to a subsequent Cowboys return scrimmages in El Paso over the following years. Decades after those milestones, summer exhibitions and the championship runs anchored by stars like Tony Tolbert and Jim Jeffcoat, the bond between El Paso and America’s Team remains unbroken. Events like the regularseason kickoff at Serve El Paso demonstrate that geography does little to diminish loyalty, bridging generations of borderland fans who continue to pass down their passion for the franchise. Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at agonzalez255@ miners.utep.edu and on social media @adriangonzalezjr.reports
THE PROSPECTOR · SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 · PAGE 10
Multimedia
Lesly Chavez, editor
B ALEXANDER JAUREGUI Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
Just Me and My Guitar In one of the final songs of the night, the lights dim as the band plays a slower melody accompanied by vocals of head singer Hayley Lynch.
Turn Up the Funk Bathed in green light, head singer Hayley Lynch sings while playing guitar, locked into the tune with rest of the band at their performance at LoveBuzz on Sept.12.
B DIEGO FIGUEROA Y STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER • THE PROSPECTOR
In this episode, we welcome a new host to The Prospector Podcast and sit down with the Spring 2026 Editor-in-Chief of Minero Magazine, Sofia Sierra, for a conversation about stu-
dent media, journalism and the process of publishing a magazine. Get to know our newest host, hear behind-the-scenes perspectives from Minero, and discover what’s next for The Prospector: Beyond the Pickaxe. Subscribe to The Prospector Youtube Channel.
Follow us on Instagram @utep_prospector Diego Figueroa is a staff phtographer at The Prospector and may be reached at dfigueroa5@miners. utep.edu
B L E S LY C H A V E Z Y MULTIMEDIA EDITOR • THE PROSPECTOR
The Colombian singer and songwriter Carolina Giraldo Navarro, best known as “Karol G” performed at the University of Texas at El Paso Sun Bowl Stadium during Labor Day weekend on Sept. 5th and 6th, performing for 90,000 attendees as part of her long-awaited tour, “Viajando Por El Mundo”, filling the stadium in head to toe blue and orange outfits with glitter, flowers and rhinestones that completed the “Tropicoqueta” vibe.
Electric Energy Performing live on stage, left bass player Jericho Cagle locks into playing his instrument at local music venue Love Buzz strumming his guitar to one of their songs. Where Soul meets Rhythm Performing in the center of the stage Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Hayley Lynch gestures with her left hand as she holds the microphone with her right. Turning Thoughts into Tunes Keyboardist Leonardo Bennato’s hands run across multiple keyboards adjusting sound levels and controlling various effects all while creating melodies to compliment the other band members. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
25 years later, El Paso, community members and law enforcement come together here at the Sun Bowl to honor those lives that were lost on Sept. 11, 2001, part of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centers by simulating the 110 flights of steps that FDNY and NYPD climbed.
B AZIEL RAMOS Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
Photo by Nate Flores, Reported by Aziel Ramos/ The Prospector
For 36 years, Minerpalooza has brought the UTEP and El Paso communities to enjoy live music, activities for all ages and food across campus. The live music that Minerpalooza featured was Frontera Bugalu, Jezzika Sax, Dariel Amant and the winner of Texas Western Gold Rush’s Battle of the Bands, DJ Rûûb.
Chicano culture is a blend of Mexican heritage with an American upbringing. The culture is showcased every year at the now renamed Lincoln Park - El Paso’s Chicano Park. Photos by Lesly Chavez/ The Prospector