UTEP has launched a nostalgic clothing line celebrating the 60th anniversary of the historic 1966 Texas Western College basketball team. The line, developed in partnership with Adidas and Homefield, features vintage apparel that harkens back to the 1960s.
Vintage Apparel Inspired by the 1966 Team
This new collection includes vibrant designs showcasing Paydirt Pete, the university’s beloved mascot, and the burro originally chosen as Texas Western College’s mascot in 1966. The offerings include:
- Texas Western Basketball 1966 National Champs Tee
- Commemorative bomber jacket inspired by the team’s warmup gear
- T-shirts with retro designs of Paydirt Pete in various outfits
This apparel celebrates Texas Western’s groundbreaking achievement in 1966 when it became the first school to start five Black players in the NCAA championship game. Under the leadership of the legendary coach Don Haskins, Texas Western stunned the heavily favored Kentucky with a 72-65 victory.
Paydirt Pete and the UTEP Mascots
The name Paydirt Pete was the result of a 1974 naming contest that received over 500 entries. He was first brought to life as an animated character in the same year. In 2024, UTEP will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Paydirt Pete. Prior to him, UTEP’s mascot history included a burro named Clyde, which was replaced in 1966 due to dissatisfaction with its appearance.
How to Purchase
The new apparel line is currently available at the UTEP Bookstore, located at 2201 Sun Bowl Drive. The bookstore’s hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Items can also be ordered online from the Homefield website. Prices for the merchandise range from $38 for t-shirts to $160 for the bomber jacket.
