Mining Minds Sculpture Lit for Track Champions

Last Updated on June 14, 2017 at 12:00 AM

Originally published June 14, 2017

By UC Staff

UTEP Communications

The “Mining Minds” pickaxe sculpture at University Avenue roundabout will be illuminated in blue and orange Friday evening, June 16, 2017 to celebrate UTEP's most recent NCAA champions.

UTEP freshman Emmanuel Korir captured the NCAA title in the 800m at the historic Hayward Stadium in Eugene, Oregon on June 9. It marks his second NCAA track and field title (800m indoor and outdoor). Tobi Amusan won her first NCAA title in the 100m hurdles at Hayward Stadium on June 10. Korir and Amusan add to UTEP’s total of NCAA Champions to 107. Korir becomes just the second Miner to ever win the 800m NCAA title, while Amusan is the first to ever achieve the NCAA crown in the 100m hurdles.

The last time UTEP track and field had multiple individual NCAA Champions was back in 1978 (Peter Lemashon, 800m, Michael Musyoki, 10,000m, Jennifer Smit, Shot Put and Ria Stahlman, Discus).

“Mining Minds” is an iconic piece of public art installed in 2010 to enhance the UTEP campus. At night, orange lights illuminate the steel structure while light from LEDs emanate from the perforated “ones” and “zeroes” at each end of the pick.

On special occasions, including historic dates, major annual milestones and to celebrate special accomplishments, the pick is illuminated in blue and orange. Learn more about the statue and its artist at miningminds.utep.edu.