Joe Gomez, UTEP superfan and historian, dies at 78

Joe Gomez, a UTEP superfan and historian for the 1966 national championship team, passed away in his home on May 16 at the age of 78. A a 1970 graduate of the UTEP, Gomez became the unofficial historian of the team and most recently in 2025 donated a painting of coach Don Haskins to UTEP which is displayed in the South entrance to the Don Haskins Center. He was inducted into the El Paso Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.

More: Longtime UTEP supporter Joe Gomez donates famed Don Haskins portrait "For 65+ years, Joe Gomez ‘70 gave his heart, soul & time to support the Miners," UTEP said in a social media post . "He was a ‘66 team historian & HOF Committee member. He helped refurbish our athletics facilities & donated many pieces of memorabilia.

He is a beloved Miner and man and will be missed tremendously. " Gomez was born in Puerto Rico, but moved to El Paso in 1958. "Joe was a great person, he loved the 1966 team, he was proud of what they accomplished," said Steve Yellen, a radio analysis for UTEP men's basketball.

"He was a great ambassador for the team, the school and El Paso. " Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes. com; @Bretbloomquist on X.