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Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

  • Graduation issue is out now!
  • Enjoy the summer Miners!
  • Graduation issue is out now!
  • Enjoy the summer Miners!
  • Graduation issue is out now!
  • Enjoy the summer Miners!
  • Graduation issue is out now!
  • Enjoy the summer Miners!
Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela is a senior majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in political science and chicano studies. Rivas is the editor-in-chief at The Prospector and has worked as a sports editor, writing contributor and as a bilingual writer at Minero Magazine. Outside of Student Media, Rivas has interned for McClatchy as a copy editor, El Paso Matters and a news reporter and most recently at KERA in Dallas-Fort Worth as Radio and News Reporter.

All content by Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela
UTEP will welcome its newest coach Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Larry K. Durham Center Hall of Champions. Photo credit by Austin Peay Athletics

UTEP football hires young coach in Scotty Walden

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor December 4, 2023

Following the firing of former head football coach Dana Dimel Sunday Nov. 26, UTEP football has found its new head coach. After a week-long effort to find a new coach, UTEP has hired Austin Peay Governors head coach Scotty Walden. Walden, along...

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[Video] Homecoming queen of the court

Itzel Giron, Editor-In-Chief November 9, 2023

As homecoming week ended Sunday, Nov. 5, there is one person who, although was not labelled as “Homecoming Queen”, surely wears the title.  UTEP Women’s Basketball Had Coach Keitha Adams, returned “home” to hopefully take the Miners to another...

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The UTEP Marching Miners are lead on the field by this year’s Drum Majors Ramsey Perez (left), Cassandra Gil (center) and Alexa Andrade Fuentes (right).

Behind the beat of the Marching Miners’ success

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor October 12, 2023

Although people come to the Sun Bowl on game days to watch the UTEP football team, it can be difficult to imagine the football experience without the spectacle put on by the Marching Miners.   The UTEP Marching Miners have become a staple, performing...

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Freshman beach volleyball player, Sophia Sheppard (pictured in the blue UTEP shirt) poses for a photo with her family before moving into Miner Village.

UTEP housing welcomes a variety of students

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor August 31, 2023

This past weekend, UTEP Housing and Residence welcomed students from across the world into its three housing complexes. This includes Miner Village, Miner Canyon and Miner Heights.   One of those students was Sophia Sheppard, an incoming freshman...

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My adventures with Superman review

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Contributor/Reporter July 14, 2023

As power continues to shift at Warner Bros. and DC, Adult Swim is in the midst of releasing a brand-new animated take on a classic character. “My Adventures with Superman” was released earlier this month to critical acclaim. In this video, Emmanuel...

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Senter gives Adams a novelty UTEP Miners basketball jersey in commemoration of Adams’ return.

UTEP welcomes back head coach Keitha Adams

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor April 18, 2023

Shortly after the departure of former women’s basketball Coach Kevin Baker, UTEP found its leader in former Head Coach Keitha Adams. Adams served as coach for the women’s basketball team from 2001 to 2017. UTEP Athletics commemorated Adams’ return...

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What to expect when living on campus

What to expect when living on campus

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor April 8, 2023

College offers students many new experiences. One of those experiences includes living on your own. Some students choose to live in a rented apartment in the city while others may not be quite ready to make that commitment. Living on campus is a great...

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The UTEP Dance team placed first at the National Dance Association (NDA) D1-A Spirit Rally National Championship Friday, April 7. Photo courtesy of UTEP Dance Team.

UTEP Dance ranks supreme

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor April 7, 2023

The UTEP Dance team placed first at the National Dance Alliance (NDA) D1-A Spirit Rally National Championship Friday, April 7, 2023.  The team, who performs across various campus and athletic events, headed to Daytona, Florida. The team competed...

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The San Diego State Aztecs and the University of Connecticut Huskies are set to face off tonight at 6:20 p.m. in Houston, Texas. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

UConn takes home its fifth NCAA Championship

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor April 4, 2023

In a lopsided affair, the game favorite University of Connecticut Huskies (UConn) (31-8, Mountain West 15-3) defeated the San Diego State Aztecs (32-7, Big East 13-7) 76-59 in the 2023 NCAA National Championship Monday, April 3 at NRG Stadium in Houston,...

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UTEP’s home opener will see a matchup between the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals Saturday, Sept. 2 at the Sun Bowl. Prospector Archive

Football team in hopes for a better season

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor March 29, 2023

After a season that came to a heartbreaking end, the UTEP Miners are looking forward to a brand-new season with a fresh roster and new conference opponents.  Hoping to start the season strong, Head Coach Dana Dimel has hyped up the team’s spring efforts...

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The Don Haskins Stadium filled with empty seats at a women’s game during the 2022-23 season.

Women in sports continue to be overlooked

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor March 25, 2023

In June 1972, the U.S. Congress passed the massive gender equality law Title IX, which states that, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination...

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Infielder Pate Cathey attempts to throw the ball towards first base during a game against WKU.

Softball drops two to Western Kentucky

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor March 22, 2023

After closing out its three-game series with a win over the University of Texas at San Antonio (6-22, C-USA 2-4), the Miners softball team (10-16, C-USA 2-4) opened at-home conference play versus Western Kentucky University (WKU) (17-9, C-USA 2-1) Friday,...

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Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics.

UTEP basketball legend passes at age 81

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor March 22, 2023

Willie Cager, a team member of the 1966 NCAA Championship team, died at the age of 81.   The news broke in the late afternoon Sunday Mar. 19 after an announcement from Cager’s family.  “My dad always stayed positive in his life,” said...

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Texas State Troopers were found under the Paso del Norte Bridge awaiting orders to mobilize.

Confusion and anger engulf El Paso border bridge

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor March 13, 2023

The story at our border added a new chapter Sunday, Mar. 12, as migrants stormed the Paso del Norte International Crossing to cross into the U.S. after months of waiting in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.  Hundreds of migrants overwhelmed the Mexican National...

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With many sports such as NBA and NFL games being exclusively streamed on select platforms such as Amazon, Apple, and ESPN+, watching games has become more difficult and expensive for viewers. Photo courtesy of D.Reichardt/Openverse

Are sport leagues waging war on fans?

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor March 8, 2023

There was a day, not too long ago, when fans could enjoy major sporting events like the Superbowl, the World Series and the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals without issues. Those sporting events are now readily available as they are broadcast...

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On Friday, Feb. 10, New Mexico State University basketball announced the cease of basketball operations for the remainder of the 2022-23 season due to hazing allegations against the team. Photo courtesy of Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

NMSU basketball program is a warning sign

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor March 8, 2023

It was announced Friday, Feb. 10,  the New Mexico State University (NMSU) basketball team would cease basketball operations for the remainder of the 2022-2023 season. The school’s chancellor Dan Arvizu, who has headed the university since 2018, wrote...

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Building my path to citizenship

Building my path to citizenship

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor March 3, 2023

Earlier this year, I earned the great honor bestowed upon me by our democracy: citizenship. After a long and expensive journey, I finally became a naturalized citizen of the United States.  My journey began back in 2006 when my stepfather convinced...

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Diego Cocca was selected by the Mexican Soccer Federation to manage the Mexican National Soccer Team. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

Mexico hires its new Manager

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor March 3, 2023

It was announced earlier this month that Argentinian, Diego Cocca, was selected by the Mexican Soccer Federation to manage the Mexican National Soccer Team. This is following the departure of Gerardo “El Tata” Martino after a disappointing World Cup...

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UTEP hosted their 15th annual cheer championship on Sunday, Feb. 19.

UTEP Spirit hosts local cheer championship

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor February 21, 2023

UTEP Cheerleading hosted dozens of cheer squads from all over El Paso to compete in the fifteenth annual UTEP Cheerleading Championship Sunday Feb. 19 at the Don Haskins Center. The event was managed by Director of Spirit Operations Head Cheerleading...

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UTEP Miners hosted the Buffalo University Bulls, New Mexico University Lobos, Santa Clara University Broncos and Texas Tech University Red Raiders Thursday Feb. 16 through 19. This tournament was dedicated to former UTEP President Diana Natalicio, Ph.D.

Women’s softball strikes out

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor February 21, 2023

The UTEP Miners hosted the Buffalo University Bulls, New Mexico University Lobos, Santa Clara University Broncos and Texas Tech University Red Raiders for the first ever Dr. Diana Natalicio Memorial Tournament Thursday Feb. 16 through Sunday Feb. 19.  The...

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott might be in the hotseat soon despite being one of the highest paid players in his position due to his inconsistent play. Photo courtesy of All-Pro Reels

Riding the 2023 NFL quarterback carousel

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor February 17, 2023

The 2022-2023 NFL season was one full of ups and downs for fans across the league. The record-breaking season culminated in a historic Super Bowl where two Black quarterbacks faced off for the first time since the NFL’s inception.   Not all quarterbacks...

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[Video] Rifle falls to TCU in spring opener

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor January 31, 2023

The University of Texas at El Paso women’s rifle hosted No. 1 Texas Christian University (TCU) early Saturday morning Jan. 28 at the University of Texas at El Paso Rifle Range located in the Military Science Building.  To end the fall stretch, UTEP...

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Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics

Track and field continue strong start at MLK meet

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor January 25, 2023

The UTEP Men’s and Women’s track and field team had a stellar showing at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Collegiate Invitational in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, several athletes managed to outperform not just other competitors but also their personal...

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Former United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Robert K. Hur, has been appointed to investigate missing documents from then missing Vice President Joe Biden’s office. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

The truth behind ‘File-gate’

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor January 24, 2023

It was revealed Thursday Jan. 12 that United States Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Former United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur as special counsel to investigate a discrepancy at the National Archives regarding...

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Calvin Solomon plays offense against UTSA player.

Men’s basketball mounts a historic comeback

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor January 13, 2023

After losing four straight games, the UTEP men’s basketball team (9-7, C-USA 2-3) finally managed a comeback win over Conference USA (C-USA) opponent the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) (7-10, C-USA 1-5). The Miners came back from a 14-point...

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After the election of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brazil, many supporters of incumbent Jair Bolsonaro stormed Brazil’s congress and presidential offices after his rhetoric that mirrored former U.S President Trump’s Jan. 8. Photo by Carolina Antunes

Brazil’s democracy in jeopardy?

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor January 8, 2023

As the United States passes the two-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection, another democracy is suffering at the hands of political extremist. Two months ago, Brazil held an election for the presidency where far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro lost...

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Pope Benedict XVI was the first pope to step down in six centuries and has passed away at the age of 95 on Dec. 31.

The death of a pontiff

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor December 31, 2022

The Roman Catholic Church ends the year with the loss of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who passed away Dec. 31 at the age of 95. In 2013, Benedict became the first pope to resign in over 600 years. Benedict only held the position for eight years, citing...

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Guard Soleil Montrose prepares to shoot a jump-shot while being closely defended.

Women’s basketball blazes past UAB

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor December 30, 2022

The UTEP Miners (9-2, C-USA 2-0) roll past the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) (8-3, C-USA 0-2) late Thursday, Dec. 30 for its second Conference USA (C-USA) win of the season. Thanks to a strong start, UTEP scored 76 points to UAB’s 58 points...

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The 2022 FIFA World Cup caused massive controversy after Qatar was named host in 2010. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

Messi leads Argentina in World Cup victory

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor December 19, 2022

The 2022 FIFA World Cup finally ended after Argentina defeated juggernaut France in a penalty shootout. This would only be the third time in World Cup history that a match was decided in a penalty shootout. The lead up to the multibillion-dollar tournament...

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Jazion Jackson drives up towards the basket to create an opportunity to score.

Women’s basketball face I-10 rival in nailbiter

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor December 2, 2022

The UTEP women’s basketball team (6-1) took its turn against New Mexico State University (NMSU) (2-4) during the Battle of I-10, Nov. 30 at the Don Haskins Center. The NMSU Aggies are entering this matchup 2-3 after losing to Yale (4-4) 73-65 Friday,...

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Alianza Darley shines in academics as she received C-USA Commissioner’s academic medal.

Senior Spotlight: Alianza Darley

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor December 2, 2022

Volleyball senior thrives at UTEP As the volleyball season comes to an end, senior outside hitter and middle blocker Alianza Darley contemplates what her next step will be. The Robertson High School graduate is eligible to play for the upcoming 2023...

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Miners lose bowl eligibility after game against UTSA, 34-31, Nov. 26 at the Alamodome. Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics.

Football season ends in dramatic fashion

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor November 27, 2022

Fans, players and students all awaited the matchup between the UTEP Miners (5-7, 3-5 Conference USA) and the No. 25 University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners (10-2, 8-0 Conference USA). For the Miners, a win would have pushed the team over into bowl...

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Miner lose game agains NMSU Aggies on Battle of I-10 Classic, Nov. 23 at Memorial Gym. Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics.

Volleyball falls in a heartbreaking loss to NMSU

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Sports Editor November 26, 2022

UTEP’s volleyball team ended its season with the Battle of I-10 against rival New Mexico State University (NMSU). The Miners are coming off a devastating elimination from the Conference USA Tournament Saturday, Nov. 19 in Bowling Green, Kentucky to...

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