Behind the Mascot: A Former Paydirt Pete’s Journey and Legacy 
December 2024
By Alexandra Sanchez,'17 

What does it take to be Paydirt Pete? We've all seen him cheering on our UTEP athletes at games, at Minerpalooza, and at many other events around the city. Being Paydirt Pete is about embodying school spirit, creating unforgettable memories, and touching lives. For one former Pete, Javier Aguilar ’17, ’21, the journey began by chance but became a defining chapter of his life. 

Aguilar shares, “I actually auditioned to be part of the cheer team, but my coordination wasn’t great.” He was then asked to help with a quick photo shoot as Paydirt Pete due to his height and build. “They liked the pictures and kept asking me back,” he says. Before he knew it, he had officially stepped into the boots of UTEP’s beloved mascot. 

From 2016 to 2021, he dedicated himself to the role, balancing a full-time class schedule while pursuing both his undergraduate and master’s degrees. At one point, he was the only Paydirt Pete, which was a demanding experience that required attending football, basketball, and soccer games, along with numerous community events. “It was exhausting, but I loved it,” he recalls. 

A Legacy in the Making 

Aguilar's impact extended beyond appearances. Many of the poses and images used in promotional materials still reflect his unique style. “When I see the boots or the poses, I recognize myself. It feels like I left my fingerprint,” he says proudly. 

One of his proudest memories was in 2017 when he competed in the Cheer and Mascot Camp at UT Austin, where his performance earned UTEP its first-ever trophy in such a competition. “It was surreal when they told me I was good enough to join a professional team,” he says. 

Memorable Moments 

While the competitions and games were exciting, it was his community appearances that left the most heartwarming memories. He emotionally recalls a hospital visit where he met a young cancer patient who hadn’t smiled in weeks. “When the child saw me and smiled, the mother was so grateful she hugged me and cried,” he shares. “That moment reminded me why I do this. It’s about making people happy, even in tough times.” 

Paydirt Pete’s Character & Personality 

Despite Pete’s tough, mean face, Javier made it a point to bring cheerfulness and energy to every performance. “Even though his face looks mad, I made him happy—dancing, jumping, and being playful,” he explains. His dedication to consistency ensured that every Paydirt Pete followed his style, creating a cohesive personality for the character. 

The Challenges and Rewards 

Being Paydirt Pete came with many fun experiences but also some challenges. The suit was hot, and the schedule was very demanding. Yet, for Javier, the joy of connecting with fans and representing UTEP made it all worthwhile. “My time as Pete taught me about resilience, creativity, and the power of bringing joy to others,” he reflects. “It’s a chapter of my life I’ll always cherish.” 

For UTEP alumni and El Pasoans, Paydirt Pete is more than a mascot. He’s a symbol of Miner pride. Thanks to dedicated individuals like Javier, his legacy continues to inspire and bring joy to our community. 

Alexandra Sanchez ’17, an El Paso native, currently works as a Digital Marketing Specialist. She is a proud graduate of The University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelor's in Business Administration in Marketing. She further pursued her Master of Science in Digital Audience Strategy from Arizona State University.