UTEP basketball celebrates ’66 Miners’ 50th anniversary

The fans came in droves, some ready to enjoy a great basketball game

Some fans like Daniel Chavirra couldn’t even get tickets in advance.

“I didn’t get my tickets online and it’s last moment I’m getting tickets right now,” Chavirra said.

Inside the arena, the seats were packed. 1966 Texas Western fans crammed into the Don to get a chance to see members of the 1966 team, which not only won the NCAA championship but was the first team with an all-black starting lineup.

“Reminding ourselves of this victory is always a validation of UTEP Miners and what we can do,” said Dr. Diana Natalicio, UTEP president.

The game was highlighted by a visit from the president of the NCAA, Dr. Mark Emmert

“They had a profound impact on this nation. They changes the face of college sports,” Emmert told the media.

There was also messages from past coaches and yes, even from the president of the United States.

“By becoming the first team to win an NCAA title with five black starters, The Miners weren’t just champs on the court, they helped change the rules of the game off it,” President Obama said.

For many fans like Teresa, the game was nostalgic.

“My parents were big fanatics and I remember the team winning it so they got in the car and went downtown and honked their horns and they were rejoicing,” Teresa said.

Felix Valenzuela attended UTEP in 1966. He was drafted and while in Vietnam he got word the team won and almost didn’t believe it until he received a newspaper clipping.

“This is so memorable to me. I wish I had been here for the glory and all the excitement but I was in the middle of war,” Valenzuela said.

Others told ABC-7 they were there because the team, which was led by coach Don Haskins, broke racial barriers at the time.

“I heard what happened in 1966 when they had the first black five players so I wanted to come and represent and learn more and just give back to the community,” Sarah Saughs said.