Player Spotlight: Malcolm Moore 7

Lopez: “My heart was always here.” 8

The Final Word 14

MINERILLUSTRATED

VOL 1 ISSUE 17 JUNE 22, 2011

MINERILLUSTRATED

MINERILLUSTRATED

VOL I ISSUE 17 JUNE 22, 2011

Recruiting, recruiting, recruiting. It seems this is what’s on everyone’s mind lately. Can you blame them? With the football recruiting camps over and not a single commitment, we at MI can’t help but wonder what’s in store for UTEP football over the next few seasons. Personally, the pessimist in me wants to see this as a bad sign while the optimist in me believes that the recruits will come about soon enough. Josh touches upon this very topic in this week’s Final Word when he discusses Jack Fields’ decision to verbally commit to Boise State. Josh explains what he feels are the key factors negatively affecting UTEP football recruiting. While we look to see what recruits UTEP will nab for next season, this year’s recruits are already in full swing preparing for the fall. One such recruit is JUCO transfer Malcolm Moore, who has been busy on the court with the rest of the basketball team. Gus had the opportunity to talk with Moore and find out just what made him choose UTEP. Gus presents his take on this talented hoopster in this week’s player spotlight. Speaking of talented players; this week’s player profile centers on one of the few seniors in the football team’s receiving unit—Julio Lopez. UTEP66 presents a well-written insight on what Lopez is doing to help lead the Miners to victory this year. Along with these stories, we at MI are happy to present new additions to the Miner Illustrated magazine. In this week’s issue, you will note a Reader Response section, where a few comments by our readers will be printed each week. We encourage you to email us at show@minerillustrated.com and share your thoughts on this week’s issue. In addition, you will also find by the Numbers; a fun new section showcasing interesting numerical facts about UTEP sports while This Week recaps one athletic-related event that occurred over the past week. Finally, MI is hosting a Miner Pride T-Shirt Contest, which is your chance to show your Miner Pride and perhaps win a prize. We hope you enjoy this week’s magazine and all the new additions. And as always, we thank you for your continued support of MI and UTEP athletics. As for all of you holding your breath in anticipation of this year’s first commitment, despite my personal misgivings, I do believe that we’ll be hearing that news any day now.

Rebecca Frazier

a publication of Shamrock Media LLC

CHRIS AVILAPRESIDENT

REBECCA FRAZIEREDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JEFF TAYLORCHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

GUS CONTRERASANGEL LUNA

ALEX MORALESJOSH PUGA“UTEP66”

STAFF WRITERS

DANNY LEVARIODIRECTOR OF BUSINESS

OPERATIONS

SUZETTE THOMPSONMAGAZINE DESIGN

Letters to the editor, general feedback and advertising

inquiries:show@minerillustrated.com

Cover photo: Wide reciever and El Pasoan Julio Lopez is

ready to help lead the Miners this season.

Image: Rebecca Frazier

From The EDITOR

M I N E R I L L U S T R A T E D . C O M 4

readerRESPONSE

minerPRIDE T-SHIRTcontest

In honor of our three year anniversary, MI is hosting a Miner Pride T-Shirt Contest. What would you wear to a football or basketball game that shows off your Miner pride? We are asking our readers to submit their t-shirt ideas to show@minerillustrated.com by July 16, 2011. The winner of the contest will have their design printed as this year’s MI t-shirt and receive a family pack of t-shirts (5 total).

Contest Rules: • Individuals must be 18 years or older to participate.• Individuals must be US Citizens to participate.• Entries need to be submitted by 11:59 pm on July 16, 2011.• Entries must be scanned and emailed to show@minerillustrated.com. • Entries must be either in black and white or in three-color design using an orange shirt as the base color. • Entries must be positive in connotation (no bashing the Miner opponents).• The MI staff will select the top 3 entries and our readers will vote for their favorite design.• The winner will receive 5 free shirts (in the sizes of their choice). • Once a design is submitted, MI has the right to use the design as they see fit.

We’ve had a couple emails trickle in about some of the articles in our June 8 issue and what better place to put these comments and letters than a Reader Response section. Here is what our readers have to say.

Agree with Final Word I have to agree to an extent with what Josh stated in the June 8th Final Word. I agree that the football and basketball teams are going to struggle this year. Both teams are so young and inexperienced; it’s definitely a “rebuilding” year as Josh stated. But I don’t agree with Josh’s request that the fans have patience. If the football and basketball teams don’t go out and hang with their opponents, there is the potential for the Miners to experience a lot of blow outs. If that were to happen, the fans are not going to stick around. No fan, no matter how dedicated, wants to watch the Miners get blown away game after game. I’m not saying UTEP has to win every game this season; I just think they need to hang in there and make the games worthwhile to watch. Otherwise, it will be a very long season for everyone.

Stephanie McHale

UTEP Needs to Take Sports Seriously First, I’d like to begin by saying thank you for the hard work and dedication you all have put in. There is no other website that covers UTEP’s athletic performances as well as you all do- both good and bad. Second, you’re in depth articles are of particular interest to many people. Controversy over whether the coach should stay or not is always present, and we sure love getting our in-depth information from Miner Illustrated. Finally, as a reponse to the ongoing chatter about Mike Price, I don’t think it is quite the right time to fire the football coach. In order for UTEP to be a competing tier one school, UTEP has to take athletics seriously and hand out more scholarships. When UTEP does get players of higher caliber, we will be able to make an accurate assessment of the coach’s performance. There is much more that needs to be addresed than just the

head coach. Until UTEP starts taking things like sports seriously, the university will remain a constant underdog and mostly unknown. Keep up the good work, and lets keep hearing in-depth and exclusive articles!

Miner Fan in Lubbock

As we get more responses in about any of the work within the magazine or online, we’ll post the best ones here. If we think your opinion or point of view just knocks us off our seats, then we’ll send you a little surprise as our way of saying thanks.

Make sure to send your thoughts to our email (show@minerillustrated.com) because you never know when you might get rewarded for speaking your mind!

M I N E R I L L U S T R A T E D . C O M 5

thisWEEKby the

NUMBERSThe average number of Miner fans in attendance at a UTEP men’s home basketball game this past season. In 22 home games the Miners played in the 2010-11 season, over 197,000 fans were in attendance. The Don Haskins has 11,767 seats in total; meaning on average, 76% of the arena was filled during the Miners’ home games. Though an impressive showing of Miner support, this past season’s attendance was down on average 38 people per home game as compared to the previous season’s attendance. On a good note, UTEP away games averaged an attendance of 5821, proving that the Miners can get support virtually anywhere they play.

The number of total points the UTEP men’s basketball team scored this past season. This incredible statistic amounted to an average Miner score of nearly 71 points per game. The Miners outscored their opponents by 245 points this past season; that’s seven points per game. Of the 2470 points UTEP amassed, 971 of them were scored by graduates Randy Culpepper and Julyan Stone. Culpepper and Stone compromised nearly 40% of the Miners’ points this past season. In the four years they played together, Culpepper and Stone garnered 3066 combined points; more than the entire UTEP team earned in any of the last four seasons.

The number of runs the Miners’ opponents scored against the UTEP softball team in the 2011 season. Unfortunate for the Miners, they were outscored by 135 points this past season. In 54 games played, the Miners’ opponents scored on average 6.5 runs while the Miners, who earned 218 total runs this past season, scored on average 4 runs per game. The 5th inning proved to be the costliest for the Miners this year; UTEP’s opponents scored 98 runs to the Miners’ 32 runs in the 5th inning. On the flip side, the 7th inning was the Miners best; they matched their opponents’ run-per-run, each earning a total of 14 runs in 7th innings this past season.

The number of first downs the UTEP football team earned in the 2010 season. Of the 265 first downs, 36% were rushing first downs, 52% were passing first downs and 12% resulted from penalties. In 13 games played last season, the Miners nabbed just over 20 first downs per game. This impressive stat is the most first downs the Miners have had in the past four seasons (261 in 2009, 247 in 2008, and 256 in 2007).

UTEP’s Athletic Hall of Fame has been in existence for 10 years. In the first decade, UTEP has inducted 11 teams (1966 Men’s Basketball Team, 1969 Men’s Cross Country Team, 1975 Men’s Indoor Track and Field Team, 1976 Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Team, 1979 Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Team, 1979 Men’s Cross Country Team, 1980 Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Team, 1980 Women’s Indoor Track and Field Team, 1981 Men’s Cross Country Team, 1982 Men’s Indoor Track and Field Team, 1982 Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Team) and five coaches (Ted Banks, Don Haskins, Ross Moore, George McCarty, and Jack Curtice). UTEP has also inducted two administrators and 40 individual athletes. Just recently, the 10th Hall of Fame class was announced. This year’s inductees include former football coach Jack Curtice and former athletes Obadele Thompson (track and field), Soma Dutta (women’s rifle), Jim Forbes (basketball) and Thad Steele (football). These individuals will join 62 previously inducted coaches, teams and individuals for their outstanding athletic contribution to the Miner community. The induction dinner for these five individuals will take place on Friday, October 28.The inductees will then be presented during Saturday’s football game against Southern Mississippi.

The number of women’s golf conference titles after this year’s team victory in the C-USA championship in April. In route to their victory, team recorded a total score of 904 with three solid rounds of 302, 302 and 300. UTEP’s success not only earned the Miners their first conference title, it denied C-USA rival Tulane their third straight title. Prior to this year’s

championship, the best conference showing the women’s golf team had had was third place in 2007.

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Malcolm Moore is one of a few junior college transfers to come to UTEP for the up-coming season. Along with his teammate Mitch Marquis, Moore intends on doing what-ever it takes to help the Min-ers win this upcoming season. Chris Avila

M I N E R I L L U S T R A T E D . C O M

MBB PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: FRESHMAN MALCOLM MOORE

7

the tough decision of deciding between his hometown team and other offers, but ultimately the determining factor were coaches Tim Floyd and Phil Johnson. “I had a couple places I wanted to check out, and then later on I heard from Coach Johnson. I came down for a visit in November and fell in love with the place and the environment,” said Moore. “I liked how everybody loved basketball here, but Coach Floyd was a big factor in me coming here. He’s a good coach; I felt like I’d be taking something for granted if I didn’t come play for him and learn as much as I can.” The Miners will need some scoring options in the paint this season. For that, they will look to Moore to play physical inside and score some points. During an open gym session, I had the opportunity to see just what kind of moves Moore has down low, and to say the least, it’s quite impressive. Moore is able to hit hook shots and create space for himself in the process. These skills are why Coach Johnson holds Malcolm in high regards for the upcoming season. “Malcolm is going to offer us the ability to score in the low post,” said Johnson. “He can pass the ball very well, he’s a very unselfish player, and he is a very clever player. Malcolm gives you a real toughness in the post, and he’ll fight hard. “ Clearly, Malcolm fills a hole in this year’s team. The team could use the extra firepower and toughness. Moore finished last season with Tyler Junior College as their season leader in points per game averaging 17 points per game and 7 rebounds per game. The only weakness, perhaps, in Malcolm’s game is his free throw shooting; last season, Moore made

only 64 percent from the line. In Moore’s position as a forward, it’s likely he will be fouled quite a bit, but with Moore’s work ethic and determination, I’m sure that Moore’s free throw percentage will only increase with time. Unfortunately, Moore doesn’t have much time to prepare with the start of season fast approaching. Though time is against Moore, he does have one factor on his side. Moore transferred to UTEP with his JUCO teammate Mitch Marquis. The two have known each other since they were young and have been roommates for the past two years. “Me and Mitch have been playing together since we were about 14 years old so everything we’ve done basketball wise, we’ve done together,” Moore said. “We’ve been roommates for the last two years at junior college, and it would weird not being together after all those years together.” There has to be a sense of relief for Malcolm in knowing that his longtime friend and teammate will be here in El Paso for every step of his journey. With the two of them coming in as juniors, Malcolm knows that they are going instantly be the leaders on the team; he only hopes to be there for his young teammates when they need it. ‘Being a guy that’s older and having been in college already, I want to come in and help the younger guys,” said Moore. “We have some good young guys on the team. I want to come in and help keep them on the right track and being one of the older guys on the team. “ With the Miners bringing in players such as Malcolm Moore, UTEP is in good hands. There is no doubt that Moore will be one of the players to look out for in the upcoming season.

GUS CONTRERAS

Head coach Tim Floyd has had some voids to fill in his new-look basketball team, and so his coaching staff went around the country evaluating various players. What the Miners don’t have is experience. Senior Gabe McCulley is the only senior on the team, and quite frankly that isn’t enough. So what did coach Phil Johnson and Floyd do to remedy this problem? They found some JUCO players with experience that are eager to play for the Miners. One of these new signees is junior Malcolm Moore from Tyler Junior College. Moore is a six-foot seven-inch post forward that likes to mix it up down in the paint. With the loss of Jeremy Williams, Moore is just what the Miners need to complement the existing team. “I play a post, but I’ll do whatever the coaches want me to do; I just want to win,” said Moore when asked what role he hoped to fill in for the team. “I want to be involved in this so if it means going in there and rebounding or going in and scoring, it doesn’t really matter; I just want to be a part of it. “ UTEP will need that unselfishness in the squad if they expect to do well and move forward in what is being considered as a rebuilding year for the Miners. Moore was a highly recruited player in his final season with Tyler; sought after by the likes of Iowa, Baylor, and Marquette. Moore had some impressive stats while at Tyler. During his freshman year, Moore averaged 15.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. These impressive stats continued into Moore’s sophomore year when he caught the end of several Division I schools. Moore, who hails from Iowa, had

M I N E R I L L U S T R A T E D . C O M

Hometown Player Leads on the Field and in the Classroom8

UTEP66

Today we are profiling one of El Paso’s own, senior wide receiver Julio Lopez, who is a two-time member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll (3.0 GPA or better). The 5-foot 11-inch, 175 pound Lopez had a stellar high school career at El Paso’s Montwood, including All-District, All-City and Honorable Mention All-State recognition. Other accolades include two time Academic All-District selection, selection for participation in the El Paso County All-Star Game and the winner of the Price Giv’ Em Five Award. As a member of the National Honor Society, Lopez graduated in the top ten per cent of his high school class. MI caught up with Julio and had the opportunity to have a great one-on-one session. Let me preface this article by saying, the highly articulate Lopez is a great interview and provided some excellent insight on how hard the Miners are working this off season to be the best they can be. A gifted two sport athlete in high school, Lopez wanted to play baseball at the collegiate level and originally started his career at St. Mary’s. After one season he “loss the love for baseball” and transferred to New Mexico State to play both sports. “My heart was always here. My friends and family are here. My finance was a cheerleader here,” said Lopez. “I grew up here and missed El Paso. I knew where I belonged.” After his redshirt year at New Mexico State, Lopez transferred to UTEP to be with family and friends and play with his hometown team—UTEP. Lopez, a gifted student, has a degree in history, with a minor in secondary education. In terms of life after football, Lopez indicated that he wasn’t entirely sure what he would be doing. “Originally I planned to go into business or go into law, because I have

been told I have a gift of talking,” Lopez said. But his desire to meet and work with young people on a personal basis now has Lopez looking at teaching (history) and coaching at the high school level with a goal of ultimately moving on to the collegiate level. With his character, academic credentials and love of the game, I have no doubt Lopez will be successful. When Lopez decides to go into the college coaching ranks, the Miners may not have to look further than their own backyard. And though the future isn’t too far off for Lopez, currently he is concentrating on making his final year with the Miners a success. This year the Miner’s face a more daunting schedule. When asked about the schedule, Lopez acknowledged it was tougher. “Stony Brook is what we are looking at. We have to take each game as they come,” said Lopez. “We can’t worry about the UCF’s, Southern Miss and Tulsa’s ... we have to focus on our next game.” Every indication is that the Miners are working hard this off season to be ready for Camp Socorro and Stony Brook. What is abundantly clear, based on Russell Carr’s and Lopez’s interviews, is that the Miner senior leadership, as well as the team as a whole, is working extremely hard this summer. There is no doubt, with the loss of nine offensive starters, it is a daunting task. But regardless, of the obstacles, you have to applaud the effort and attitude. As with the rest of the team, the receivers have had to adjust to the loss of quarterback Trevor Vittatoe. Lopez, like his fellow receivers, has had to adjust to the differences between the four “new” quarterbacks vying for the starting slot. This off season Lopez and his fellow receivers have been working out regularly with all four quarterbacks. In the past, the team has had 7-on-7 drills twice a week.

Julio Lopez is a proud El Pasoan who whanted noth-ing more than to play for UTEP. As the 2011 season ap-proaches, he is ready to take on any challnege in order to win. Rebecca Frazier

M I N E R I L L U S T R A T E D . C O M 9

Hometown Player Leads on the Field and in the ClassroomThis year, the players are spending thirty minutes of their Friday summer workout session getting a third day of the week in the seven on seven drills and route running. Without Trevor throwing this year, Lopez commented, “It’s definitely different.” According to Lopez, “Trevor has an arm just like Bret Favre ... no more blood blisters after practice. They [this year’s quarterbacks]all bring something different to the table. They each have different abilities and qualities. Once we get the timing down, it doesn’t have that much impact on us. Receiving and catching comes naturally.” As one of only three seniors on the receiving corps, Lopez has had to deal with the added pressure of being a team leader. “Me, Russ and Donovan are embracing the role and are sending a message to the younger players about hard work, on and off the field,” Lopez said. “Last year they initiated a senior leadership committee and this year we’ve carried the committee over. All the seniors are working with the younger players at every opportunity to help them with the routes, playbooks and other nuances.” However, just as Carr had stressed, Lopez emphasized that the seniors are teaching the underclassmen all they can about being the best on the field. Lopez has shared the following mantra with the underclassmen regarding

Continued page 10

M I N E R I L L U S T R A T E D . C O M 1 0

Lopez (continued)

off field activities, “What you do off the field, impacts how you perform on the field.” Overall, the leadership team is taking an expanded role this year. Lopez reiterated the team wants to be a “blue collar” team known for their hard work. They want to bring a ‘blue collar” mentality to the team and just out work the opposition in each game. Lopez further alluded to the tendency in the past where the Miners would take leads and not be able to finish the games. This year they want this to change ... they want to close games and not let any games get away. Lopez stressed, “We have to finish what we started!” The staff welcomed a large group of talented redshirt freshmen, who are working to vie for playing time this fall. Lopez was asked if there was anyone among the underclassmen who the fans should watch for down the road. Eloquently, he addressed the young group’s abilities by saying, “They’re young, but it’s a really talented group. They all bring different things to the table. Jordan had a great spring. He has a good work ethic, good attitude, good student and does good things on an off the field. McGhee is a good returner and can make things happen after the catch. Devin Patterson is a very talented player. It’s really who gets the opportunities, works hard and who makes the most out of each opportunity coming out of camp.”

“There’s something about the Sun Bowl, when you have 50,000 fans; the noise echoes throughout the stadium and really intimidates the opposition.”

With Chris Adams, Evan Davis, Pierce Hunter, James Thomas graduating, Corey Tisby not returning and Marlon McClure’s status perhaps uncertain, there will be steep competition for starting positions and playing time this fall. Looking to jump into the mix for an expanded role this fall, Lopez is working on building his lower body strength and improving his speed. Coach Holiday

worked with him on coming out of his cuts, reading the different pass coverages and knowing the game in and out. Last year, Lopez had three catches for 25 yards and one touchdown. One of Lopez’s biggest assets is his hands and concentration, which may be the best on the team. “Definitively, every player wants to be the go-to guy,” said Lopez. “My goal is to be the guy they look for on 3rd and six.” Given the Miners will

likely play a ball control type passing offense, this will give Lopez a good opportunity to be a possession type receiver and put up some big numbers this year. Lopez was confident he will have a good opportunity to see expanded playing time, and hopefully become the Miners clutch third down receiver this fall.In discussing rivalries, he was asked who he felt was the Miner’s biggest

C-USA rival, without the slightest hesitation Lopez said, “Houston.” He quickly added, “There’s just something about Houston. I have friends that go to Houston and when we beat them down here when they were 12th ranked team in the country, it was a big deal on Face Book and things before the game and some trash talk after the game.” Continuing Lopez added, “When we go there, you can feel the tension, know they don’t like you and sense the

animosity in the crowd. But, you know any team that comes in or we go to is a rivalry game.” Lopez was asked what he wanted the fans to know about him to which he responded, “How much I love this school and community.” He paused and added, “and knowing what UTEP’s success means to the community. When I was 9 or 10 and Rocky Perez led the Miners to the WAC title there were sellout crowds, excitement and people tearing down the goal posts. I could definitely feel something different about the city. I want to bring that feeling back to El Paso.” Lopez also wants the fans to “Believe in us! We’re a hungry group of players as a team. We need your support. Fans think we’ve lost the big name players, (Trevor Vittatoe), Kris (Adams) and Buck (Donald Buckram), we’re a hungry team. I agree with Russ, bring your aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, friends, brothers and sisters. We need a sellout every game. You can’t help but have your play elevated with a huge crowd. There’s something about the Sun Bowl, when you have 50,000 fans; the noise echoes throughout the stadium and really intimidates the opposition. Playing before a sellout great would be great.” It was clear Lopez is imploring the fans to come out to the Sun Bowl. I hope they do because I believe this group, led by seniors like Lopez, is committed to playing as hard as they can, and in the end, that’s all we can really ask of them.

Lounge and Patio

It’s not your average Cincinnati District watering hole.

Outdoor patio with anupscale atmosphere.

M I N E R I L L U S T R A T E D . C O M 1 2

JOSH PUGA

After hearing about Americas High School running back Jack Fields’ verbal commitment to Boise State this past Thursday, it made me wonder if the Miners will be able to sign a highly recruited local star to the hometown team sometime in the near future. El Paso isn’t exactly a hotbed when it comes to producing talented football recruits, especially players with the caliber similar to the aforementioned Fields. Still, the area high school football teams are improving, and there have been a few standouts over the past couple years. Just last year, El Dorado tight end M.J. McFarland and Coronado tight end Adam Roberts were receiving a lot of attention from major schools, including UTEP. Unfortunately both chose to leave El Paso for the University of Texas and San Diego State University, respectively. So what will it take for local stars to pick the Miners over other schools? In the grand scheme of things, I believe it comes down to two major factors: location and winning. People might be wondering why location is a huge factor if most local kids know the city and what it has to offer. I am sure these kids know El Paso and realize the benefits of playing in front of family and friends in the Sun Bowl. Why not stay home with ample playing time and be treated like a king? Sounds logical to me. But here is the kicker; try putting yourself in the prospect’s shoes. You have lived in El Paso for a long time, and you receive a scholarship to play Division I football in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Diego or some other great city. New places, new people, new experiences, mom or dad not hounding

you to get up for that 8 am class; the overall freedom that comes with living away from home. What would you do? Not an easy decision, to say the least. I am not knocking the Sun City by any means, but I know so many family and friends that wanted to get out of El Paso, even if just for their four years of college. In some ways, it works against the Miners when trying to recruit local players because, although they respect UTEP, they are looking for a change. That brings me to the most important factor: winning. McFarland and Fields are prime examples as to the reason UTEP can’t compete with some other Division

I schools. McFarland’s decision is a no-brainer; when the University of Texas makes an offer to a Texas prospect, it is almost certainly a done deal. Playing for the Longhorns is practically every Texas high school football player’s dream. Fields’ decision, on the other hand, has to be attributed to Boise State’s recent rise to elite status in college football. It is a harsh reality for Miner fans, but these local players know the score and see what has been going on with the UTEP football program. The Miners haven’t had a winning season in five years, including last season’s bowl team. Chew on this for a minute; since the Miners’ loss to Boise State in the 2000 Humanitarian Bowl, UTEP has an overall record of 44-77 with three bowl appearances (all losses). During that

same time, Boise State has gone 114-16 with nine bowl appearances (5-4 record) including two BCS Fiesta Bowl wins. Granted, I know Boise played in a weak WAC conference and they had favorable schedules with pushover opponents, but wins are wins. So can you blame these kids for choosing to play for winning programs over the hometown Miners? No way, and although I was disappointed Fields’ chose the Broncos over the Miners, I wish him nothing but the best. He made the decision that he felt was the best for him and his future. Fields might have agonized about leaving UTEP and El Paso out to dry, but at the

end of the day, I don’t blame him for wanting to play for a winning program. I know winning isn’t everything when it comes to recruiting homegrown talent, but it is a factor that ranks near the top of the list. So are the UTEP football coaches doing enough? Yes and No. Yes, Coach Mike Price and his staff are recruiting

the local stars as hard as they can. UTEP is always among the first schools to show interest and make offers to the best El Paso has to offer. So why no? Like I stated earlier, winning is important for recruiting, and unfortunately, the Miners don’t have the wins to entice these recruits to stay home. You can have the hardest working recruiters on your staff, but if you are not winning, players are going to look elsewhere. So I guess the message is simple…win and they will stay.

THE FINAL WORD:Recruit’s Commitment A Painful Miner Loss

“Can you blame these kids for choosing to play for winning programs over the hometown Miners?”