Sebastian Perez-Navarro

PXP Broadcaster | Writer & Publication Multimedia Editor| Speech & Debate | ESPN Broadcaster | UTEP Comm

SPORTS

Sebastian's Scope of Coverage

Sebastian has covered local and national sports for El Paso's ESPN radio station and the University of Texas's (UTEP) The Prospector. He has also written about UTEP sports for publications outside of El Paso, such as the Texas Sports Network, headquartered in Austin.

The Prospector • 13th September 2025

UTEP dared to grab Texas by the horns

In what’s labeled “a money game,” in college football, UTEP gave power four institution UT-Austin and their nationally recognized quarterback, Arch Manning, a run for their money.

The Prospector • 3rd September 2025

UTEP Volleyball blocks out pressure heading into the 2025 season

A year after reaching the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history, UTEP volleyball gears up to run it back. Head Coach Ben Wallis and setter Alexis Massey comment on the team’s mentality and new additions heading into the 2025 season.

The Prospector • 8th July 2025

El Paso’s ‘Crazy Train’ forced to a screeching halt by San Antonio

The El Paso Locomotive hosted in-state rival San Antonio FC at home on the United States of America’s 249th birthday to a record-breaking crowd of over 8,000 fans. But as fireworks took over the night sky, the Locos walked into their locker rooms reflecting on a heartbreaking loss.

The Prospector • 24th June 2025

Sam Presti’s bet pays off: Thunder beat Pacers and win first ever championship since moving from Seattle

After a six year rebuild, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been declared NBA Champions, officially embracing a new basketball era that started in 2019.

The Prospector • 23rd June 2025

Oklahoma City reigns Thunder on Indiana’s championship hopes in NBA Finals Game Four and Five

After going down 2-1 in the NBA finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed back into the series, controlling their own destiny as they salivated for their first championship since rebranding to the Thunder. As for the Pacers, they can only hope that injuries don’t dismantle their playoff hopes, again.

The Prospector • 15th May 2025

UTEP softball clinches series win in explosive comeback

After starting 2-10 in CUSA, a six-game win streak now had the Miners opening the series versus the Owls in search of their ninth conference win.

The Prospector • 21st April 2025

Wave the white flag! UTEP softball blasts past UNM

After their first game was postponed, UTEP finally hosted UNM at the Helen of Troy Softball Complex. UNM stomped into the 915 with a desire to rebound after failing to sweep conference foe Colorado State two days prior.

Texas Sports Network • 20th February 2025

What is UTEP Men’s Basketball Identity? We’re About to Find Out.

With only five games left to go after Thursday, Feb 19th, we’re about to learn what team UTEP Men’s basketball can be when the chance to dance is on the line.

The Prospector • 10th February 2025

Miners topped by Hilltoppers in first matchup since CUSA championship final

Jan. 26’s matchup marked the first time that the Miners faced the Hilltoppers since their heartbreaking defeat in the final of the CUSA championship tournament, leaving UTEP one game away from what could’ve been their first appearance in March Madness since 2010.

The Prospector • 10th February 2025

Chiefs dynasty denied, Eagles swoop hopes of a Mahomes three-peat

The Chief's desire to achieve the first Super Bowl three-peat was harrowingly denied by a flock of Eagles seeking revenge, and glory.

Texas Sports Network • 2nd February 2025

UTEP’s Key Hoopers: Three Players to Keep an Eye On.

Let’s make basketball IQ a little easier to attain in this article. You might’ve heard that UTEP men’s basketball has been on a little bit of a run– at least, they were.

The Prospector • 22nd January 2025

Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez pays a visit to UTEP: The perfect fit

Commissioner of the Mountain West Conference Gloria Nevarez recently paid a visit to the home of one of the conference’s newest additions, UTEP. Nevarez took an extensive campus tour and was met with the university’s top donors and major media outlets on Jan. 10 at the Larry K. Durham Center.

Texas Sports Network • 22nd January 2025

Headline: Miners can hoop! Takeaways from UTEP Men’s Basketball Road trip.

Standing outside the main entrance of UTEP’s Don Haskins Center is a seven-foot tall, 1,200 lbs bronze statue of “the bear” himself. Depicted with a fiery facial expression, and a folded piece of paper on his right hand, Haskins is immortalized in bronze doing what he loved the most, coaching Miner basketball.

Texas Sports Network • 12th January 2025

UTEP Men’s Basketball historic start and first sell out in nine years trumped by rival NMSU.

UTEP Men’s basketball basked in the new year by setting records. After home wins against C-USA preseason favorite LA Tech, and Sam Houston, the Miners sat with a 12-3 overall record, their best in 14 years, and an undefeated mark of 2-0 in conference play, the Miner’s first since the 2013-14 season. Up next, was UTEP’s equivalent to the UT Austin-Texas A&M rivalry, a matchup with NMSU. The battles between the Miners and Aggies– funny how schools in the UT sys...

The Prospector • 10th January 2025

NFL Super NFC Wild Card Weekend Game previews, analysis, and predictions

This is the first story of a two-part series covering the 2025 NFL Wild Card weekend. Read AFC predictions here.
NFL Wild Card weekend only comes once a year, so before the semester starts, let’s bask in all its glory, and preview each of this weekend’s matchups.

The Prospector • 10th January 2025

NFL Super AFC Wild Card Weekend Game previews, analysis, and predictions

This is the second story of a two-part series covering the 2025 NFL Wild Card Weekend. Read NFC predictions here.
NFL Wild Card weekend only comes once a year, so before the semester starts, let’s bask in all its glory, and preview each of the weekend’s matchups.

The Prospector • 3rd December 2024

Texas reclaims the I-10, UTEP beats NMSU in Las Cruces

UTEP went to Las Cruces on a mission to avenge last year's loss to New Mexico State University and create hope for a fanbase desperate to believe. Despite a 24-7 deficit, the Miner’s mission was a success.

The Prospector • 3rd December 2024

Dana Dimel, former UTEP football head coach, passes away at 62

Dana Dimel, former UTEP football head coach, passes away at 62.

The Prospector • 26th November 2024

UTEP football suffers colossal defeat to No. 7 team Tennessee Volunteers, 56-0

UTEP leaped happily into their second bye week after a thrilling homecoming triple overtime win against new Conference-USA foe Kennesaw State.
But Nov. 23 the time came to face the now No. 7 team in the nation Tennessee, who were looking to make a statement to the entire nation.

The Prospector • 19th November 2024

Jake Paul Vs Mike Tyson: A disheartening fight, and a streaming nightmare

After months of hype, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson took the main event stage to an audience who experienced persistent buffering issues, and a lackluster boxing main event.

600 ESPN El Paso • 19th November 2024

Washington Commanders, The Real Deal? A die-hard’s opinion.

Washington was well on their way to prove themselves as a true contender, but they were scooped up and dropped on their helmets by division rival Philadelphia Eagles, losing 26-18 on Thursday in front of the whole nation.

Minero Magazine • 13th November 2024

Be patient of the Walden era

Scotty Walden’s start has been the dream Miner fans have wanted. Yet, for dreams to come to fruition, it takes understanding, patience, and hope.

The Prospector • 7th November 2024

UTEP beats Tarleton to start season

The Miners have started their basketball season, and despite a closely contested game, UTEP pulled out the victory in the end to start 1-0.

The Prospector • 6th November 2024

Dodgers Dismantle Yankees: 2024 World Series

The World Series has come to end after featuring the MLBs two biggest franchises. Despite it only being five games long, this year's Fall Classic featured moments which will live forever in baseball history.

The Prospector • 24th October 2024

UTEP Miners football team falls to LA Tech in Ruston, drops to 1-4 in conference play

The Miners went on the road to take on LA Tech in the midst of conference play. UTEP looked to keep that momentum alive after their first win with the added motivation to try and beat LA Tech at home for the first time in 20 years.

The Prospector • 22nd October 2024

UNLV’s Sluka: Living Proof of NIL Obsession in College Sports

The state of college football has historically altered. Matthew Sluka has become the most viral college athlete after announcing he’d be redshirting due to an unfulfilled NIL deal. Did he get ripped off? Or is Sluka in the wrong?

The Prospector • 17th October 2024

Head Coach Scotty Walden, UTEP football finds first win of season over FIU Panthers: “I feel like a winner”

With bowl eligibility on the line, UTEP returns to the Sun Bowl for the third time this season, with aspirations to win their first game of the season.

The Prospector • 16th October 2024

What do UTEP students have to say about the upcoming MLB postseason?

Sliding into October, for many means getting straight into the Halloween season. But when looking at this month’s lineup there’s only one way to thoroughly enjoy the start of the fall playoff baseball season.

The Prospector • 13th October 2024

UTEP’s on field struggles continue on the road against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

After falling to the Sam Houston Bearkats last Thursday, UTEP continues its weekday primetime slate for the second week in a row.

600 ESPN El Paso • 11th October 2024

Inside the Cage: CM Punk and Drew McIntyre's Rivalry Conclusion

By Sebastian Perez-Navarro “If you push me far enough, I can become the devil himself… and now the devil’s here.” The words of Punk best epitomize the final installation of a rivalry that shouldn’t even exist. From torn triceps, a bracelet, and hometown embarrassment, what has possibly been the feud of the year in the WWE has ended in one of the most feared structures in sports… Hell In A Cell. But what made it so great?

The Prospector • 1st October 2024

UTEP joins the Mountain West, is it the right decision?

It happened.
After nearly two decades, UTEP exited C-USA and joined the perennial Mountain West Conference.

The Prospector • 24th September 2024

Colorado Switchbacks Versus El Paso Locomotive thriller makes fans go ‘Loco’

After two weeks on the road, the El Paso Locomotive came back home to Southwest University Park, but their homecoming would be no easy challenge.

The Prospector • 24th September 2024

UTEP football falls to Jay Norvell-led Colorado State, QB1 now in question

If things couldn’t get any more enticing for UTEP football, the Miners head into their bye week after a cliff-hanger outing to Mountain West contender, the Colorado State Rams.

The Prospector • 22nd September 2024

C-USA Realigns for the second time in three years

Three years ago, the league that has been home to Miner Athletics for 19 years, Conference USA, was at the center of a heart-shattering breakup with nine perennial teams.

The Prospector • 20th September 2024

Olympians & Paralympians in the 915

The world’s most recognizable five rings represent countries, cultures, and people from all over the globe that come from all places, including the 915.

The Prospector • 18th September 2024

High School Football Kicks Off! Meaning that YOU should go out to a game

High School football has made its long-awaited return to the borderlands. A tradition in which many high schools and matured El Pasoans take pride in… yet college and graduate students tend to stay away. Now’s the time to beat the fear of embarrassment.

The Prospector • 16th September 2024

Miners fall to Liberty: But improvement shown

After taking the road to face inner conference rivals the Liberty Flames, the Miners were able to improve upon the lessons learned last week vs Southern Utah. Despite the loss, UTEP has a framework to build from.

The Prospector • 13th September 2024

NIL continues to grow at UTEP

For most of college sports history, amateur athletes could not profit off of their status. That was until 2021 when the Supreme Court ruled that the NCAA was in violation of Antitrust laws because they wouldn’t let athletes receive financial benefits from their own on-field performance.

The Prospector • 13th September 2024

Iconic ‘Mine Shaft’ entrance makes its return after 12 years

After 12 long years, the Mineshaft makes its long-awaited return to the sun bowl. The iconic entrance embraces UTEPs old and new chapters as the Miners hope to write history into their story, now with some extra help from the Miner faithful.

The Prospector • 10th September 2024

UTEP’s home opener ends in the hands of thunder: Southern Utah Thunderbirds win overtime thriller.

UTEPs home opener ends in heartbreak. While there are many improvements to make on the bulletin board, the road to increasing spirit has hit a stride. Now, Miner fans have their attention, and hopefully their dedication to coach Walden and the Miners for the rest of the year.

600 ESPN El Paso • 10th September 2024

UTEP Football: To Be Hopeful? Or to Be Rageful?

Way too early in the morning on Sunday September 8th I went on Minertalk and expressed “Good schools don’t lose to FCS teams.” And I firmly stand behind that.

The Prospector • 3rd September 2024

UTEP football opens Scotty Walden-era with 40-7 loss to Nebraska Cornhuskers

UTEP football kicked off its 2024 football season by going after a Big Ten Conference school, the Nebraska Cornhuskers. While the stats may be disappointing, the Miners saw a new chapter of UTEP football history that Head Coach Scotty Walden hopes to make remarkable.

600 ESPN El Paso • 12th July 2024

Reflecting on John Cena's Journey and Impact on Wrestling

Sports fans are “tough,” or, at least we say we are.

Many of us tend to forget that sports are unpredictable. So despite what the hard nosed, thick skinned patrons say, it’s okay to every once in a while shed a tear when an icon makes their final entrance

600 ESPN El Paso • 10th June 2024

From Olympian to WWE Villain: The Dramatic Journey of Chad Gable

Since 776 B.C The Olympics have ruled the sporting world, becoming one of— if not the most prestigious sporting event in the world. Because of that, it’s important we respect all athletes who dare to compete. Well, at least hold the majority, but if their name is Chad Gable, then by all means feel free to tell them to “shushhh” if they boast.

600 ESPN El Paso • 22nd May 2024

Cody Rhodes vs. Logan Paul: All Rhodes Lead To A Podcaster?

On the May 10th edition of Friday Night Smackdown, the blue brands general manager Nick Aldis called current WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes down to the ring. This is a man whom Aldis shares history with, as Rhodes beat the now GM in the Main Event of the “All In” Pay-Per-View, also known as the event that put indie wrestling and “The American Nightmare” on the map.

600 ESPN El Paso • 8th May 2024

France's WWE Renaissance: Triumph on the International Stage

The WWE goes back to the international stage after their show of the year. However, has the pivot towards an international audience been successful?

Texas Sports Network • 2nd February 2024

Last Second Heartbreakers: Where UTEP Men’s basketball stands.

Remember the nail-biting wins we discussed last time in our weekly UTEP Texas Sports Network update? If you do, great! Do know though that the boat’s been rocked, because this time, the Miners weren’t so lucky to add to the win column after playing in the clutch.

NEWS & THE ARTS

Sebastian's Range

Sebastian has covered hard news stories such as border disputes, tariffs, local and national elections, as well as local and national economic issues. He also has experience with Arts and Culture work, writing about plays, film festivals, and concerts.

The Prospector • 12th August 2025

Behind the scenes is where multimedia shines brightest

Go behind the scenes of The Prospector multimedia section and learn about the personalities and attitudes that shape it.

The Prospector • 24th July 2025

How are we getting ‘to infinity and beyond?’: The rise of private space exploration

Space may not be as ‘out of this world’ as previously perceived. After sending four astronauts into orbit, Axiom Space is conducting research to build a space station of their own that they plan to commercialize. Opening the door for further knowledge about space, and even leisure travel.

The Prospector • 17th June 2025

El Paso gives Coldplay an ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’

British alternative rock band, Coldplay played two sold-out nights at UTEP's Sun Bowl Stadium on June 13 and 14.

The Prospector • 23rd May 2025

Walking off the stage into a world of tariffs

As graduating students prepare to walk off the stage, the world they will enter is one filled with fluctuating tariff policies and economic volatility.

The Prospector • 9th April 2025

State senator comes home mid-way through 89th legislature

Senator Cesar J. Blanco, fresh off a flight from the Texas state capitol headed straight to his alma-mater, UTEP, to discuss the state’s most pressing issues.

The Prospector • 7th April 2025

‘Pick’ the mic up! Tuition includes a podcast

Every voice at UTEP matters. One of the ways The Prospector assures that they’re heard is through podcasting.

The Prospector • 2nd April 2025

Searching for the perfect goldmine

Tell me if you’ve heard these before: “How did you pick your major?”, “How many scholarships do you have?” or “Do you really want to go to UTEP?” If you have, or if you eventually do, know that it’s okay to not have the answer.

The Prospector • 17th March 2025

DOGE’s effects on present and future government workers

From over 200,000 federal employees being laid off, to research grants being halted, those with aspirations to work for the government have to deal with DOGE’s changes.

Minero Magazine • 17th February 2025

Political Polarization: The rhetorical wall built by the US

Politics is defined as the study of government and the state, but America’s most recent election begs to differ. Voters dealt with the arguments of both candidates, which bobbled between newly elected president Donald J. Trump’s campaign coining his second term as “retribution,” or the democrats’ repetition of “protecting democracy.”

The Prospector • 22nd January 2025

Trump cements his place in American history: President once again

For the second time in seven years, Donald J. Trump took the oath of office and became president of the United States. This time, he enters office not as a political stranger, but instead, as a living example of American history.

The Prospector • 3rd December 2024

El Paso was ready for a show about death, Beetlejuice: The Musical

Beetlejuice is an absurd form of visual entertainment, with actors that further the story's ridiculously high creativity. But nothing was lost in translation when shifting Tim Burton’s story to the musical stage.

The Prospector • 20th November 2024

Three County Bonds Passed, What Do They Mean?

Voters didn’t just cast a ballot for their future leaders, they also decided on five county bond proposals which provided an opportunity to enhance the 915’s quality of life.

The Prospector • 15th November 2024

Mayoral Election Runoff: Kennedy versus Johnson

After the November elections, the El Paso mayoral election is going to a runoff. Property taxes are the biggest issue on the ballot, and voters are pitted to choose to either grow or balance the economy to say goodbye to the lingering issue.

The Prospector • 9th November 2024

What’s Up Doc? UTEP’s new Post Doctoral Researchers Form Association

Make way, the doctors are here. After having their wants blocked off, these Postdoctoral Researchers took matters into their own hands.

The Prospector • 8th November 2024

Local Elections, Mayoral Runoff, Democrats run the table

Election night decided the future for four political positions representing El Paso. Those positions were mayor, county sheriff, district attorney, and the city’s congressional house seat.

The Prospector • 7th November 2024

How mascots can improve campus morale

Especially when thinking about Paydirt Pete and the legacy in which he’s crafted at UTEP, as the Pete that we know today has been the first thing that comes to mind when people think about what it means to be a Miner.

The Prospector • 6th November 2024

2024 Presidential Election, Donald Trump becomes 47th President of the U.S.

The 60th presidential election finally commenced as polls opened early Tuesday morning. Election night began with Trump, who was gaining an early lead—one that he never let go of throughout the night.

The Prospector • 5th November 2024

UTEP theater’s ‘Plumas Negras’ ready to soar

It’s almost time to hit the lights, camera, and say action! But before UTEP Theatre debuts a story in which differs from the typical expectation one may hold from a school play… they must practice.

The Prospector • 4th November 2024

Know Before You Vote

The day to elect the 47th president of the United States and decide the future of our nation has finally arrived. Here is everything you need to know to make the most out of your vote.

The Prospector • 4th November 2024

Tom Lea Immortalizes UTEP history, told by Billy Stevens

UTEP’s history goes far beyond its name. Here’s why one “random” game against Utah, forever changed the story of the Miners.

The Prospector • 7th October 2024

Sitting at the edge of your seat: El Paso Film Festival Returns

For the seventh year in a row, West Texas’s Preeminent destination for Indie film has come and gone. The Film Festival’s fallout is one which hopes to inspire the inner director of those young and old.

The Prospector • 6th October 2024

The vice presidential debate gives voters insights into their respective campaigns

In an unprecedented circumstance, the vice-presidential candidates' debate could possibly be the last word said on the debate stage before America heads to the polls.

The Prospector • 27th September 2024

UTEP students react to the death of Franklin Mountain legend Bob the Goat

The recent passing of the beloved Bob the Goat has united the 915 in honoring his life. Bob’s legacy is one that impacted all citizens, including those at UTEP.

The Prospector • 25th September 2024

Forbes Top 500 List furthers the truth for UTEP

After the release of the Forbes Top 500 list, the rest of the US learns what those who stepped into UTEP already know, its promise to excellence.

The Prospector • 20th September 2024

The bright lights and blinding recruiters from reality: Women deserve to be in Showbiz

Showbiz seems to speed through the ramp of limited inclusion. But UTEP keeps advocating through plays and national performances on why everyone deserves a fair shot to be a star.

The Prospector • 15th September 2024

To leave or not to leave: Where do UTEP alumni go after graduation?

With graduation on the horizon for those receiving their diplomas this fall, many have plans to leave the 915 entirely, following the trend of UTEP alumni. But how life shapes these graduates is one in which many return to the place that makes them happy.

The Prospector • 12th September 2024

Trump V Harris: The First Presidential Debate

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have finally faced off in their race to the oval office. Here’s what you need to know about last night's events.

The Prospector • 11th September 2024

The unpleasant recognition of 79901 zip code: El Segundo Barrio’s past and present struggles

El Segundo Barrio is one of El Paso’s oldest neighborhoods, and it’s also one of the most impoverished areas in the country. Race, culture and education all play a factor in the why and it’s our roots that can possibly lead to a change.

The Prospector • 31st August 2024

Picks Up? I thought you meant Cans up!: UTEP partners with Bud Light for specialty cans

A partnership like no other is coming to the borderlands. Just in time for football season, fans will see the bright orange colors and UTEP logo on Bud Light cans. This partnership looks to add to the already high levels of hype for this new era of UTEP football by giving fans another way to interact with the university.

The Prospector • 26th August 2024

Calling all Miners: UTEP kicks off back to school events with ‘Late Night at the Rec’

Ever since most school districts in El Paso adopted a year-round schedule, university students felt like they had an extra special summer, one where they don’t have to worry about packed pools or arcades. But at last, those extra weeks in August...

Sebastian Perez-Navarro

Sebastian Perez-Navarro is a sophomore majoring in communication studies. He hosts UTEP’s student-led Prospector Podcast, is a Play-By-Play broadcaster who has transmitted for ESPN+/Minervision in Softball and has called Football and Basketball games for 600 ESPN El Paso. Sebastian is a proud member of the UTEP Speech and Debate Team. There, he competes in extemporaneous, impromptu, platform, and argumentative settings. He is currently serving as Vice President for the University’s National Association of Hispanic Journalists Chapter.