Kristian Ferrell
The UTEP Miners men's basketball team, representing the University of Texas at El Paso, made history in 1966 by winning the NCAA Division I basketball tournament. The championship game, played on March 19, 1966, against the University of Kentucky, was a landmark moment in college basketball and the civil rights movement. UTEP, then known as Texas Western College, started five African-American players, a first for an NCAA championship game, and defeated an all-white Kentucky team 72-65. This victory, led by coach Don Haskins, not only brought UTEP its first national championship but also accelerated the advancement of black athletes in college sports, particularly in the South, and helped promote the desegregation of athletics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1966 |
| Date | March 19, 1966 |
| Opponent | University of Kentucky Wildcats |
| Score | 72-65 |
| Location | Cole Field House, College Park, Maryland |
| Coach | Don Haskins |
| Team Members | Bobby Joe Hill, David Lattin, Orsten Artis, Nevil Shed, Harry Flournoy, Willie Worsley, Willie Cager, Louis Baudoin, Jerry Armstrong, David Palacio, Dick Myers, Togo Railey |
| Significance | First time a team with five African-American starters won a national championship |
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What You'll Learn
UTEP Miners beat the University of Kentucky in 1966
On March 19, 1966, the UTEP Miners men's basketball team, then known as the Texas Western College Miners, made history by defeating the University of Kentucky Wildcats with a final score of 72-65. This game was a landmark moment in the history of college basketball and the civil rights movement, as it marked the first time that a team with five African-American starters won a national championship title.
The UTEP Miners, led by Hall of Fame head coach Don Haskins, had a remarkable season leading up to the championship game. They won their games by an average of 15.2 points, with their only loss being a close 74-72 road defeat to Seattle. In the NCAA tournament, the Miners had to fight hard to advance, coming back from a 10-point deficit to beat Cincinnati in overtime and then escaping with a one-point victory over Kansas in double overtime.
The championship game against the University of Kentucky, an all-white program at the time, was played at the University of Maryland's Cole Field House in College Park, Maryland. Coach Haskins made a bold and historic decision by starting five African-American players: Bobby Joe Hill, David Lattin, Orsten Artis, Nevil Shed, and Harry Flournoy. This move broke down racial barriers in college basketball and sent a powerful message about equality and meritocracy.
The Miners played an outstanding game, taking the lead midway through the first half and maintaining their advantage throughout. The Wildcats mounted a strong comeback early in the second half, closing the gap to within a single point. However, the Miners showed resilience and determination, ultimately clinching the victory with a final score of 72-65. This win not only brought the NCAA crown to UTEP but also accelerated the advancement of black athletes in the South. The Miners' triumph inspired the integration of previously all-white leagues, such as the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Southwestern Conference, and the Southeastern Conference, within the next two years.
The impact of the UTEP Miners' victory extended beyond the basketball court, challenging societal norms and paving the way for increased diversity and inclusion in sports and beyond. The team's achievement was later chronicled in the book "And the Walls Came Tumbling Down" by Frank Fitzpatrick and the Disney movie "Glory Road," reminding us of the power of sports to bring about social change and unite communities.
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The Miners' first title, with a 72-65 victory
The UTEP Miners men's basketball team plays for the University of Texas at El Paso in El Paso, Texas. The team is an NCAA Division I men's college basketball team. On March 19, 1966, the Miners won their first national championship with a 72-65 victory over the University of Kentucky Wildcats. This game was played at the University of Maryland's Cole Field House in College Park, Maryland.
The Miners were led by Hall of Fame head coach Don Haskins. The team started five African-American players, making it the first time in history that an all-black lineup had won the NCAA championship game. The Miners' victory is considered one of the most important in the history of college basketball as it marked the first time that a team with five African-American starters won a title game. This win also accelerated the advancement of black athletes in the South, as it highlighted the importance of diversity and talent over racial segregation in sports.
The Miners' road to the championship game was not easy. They faced tough competition along the way, including a close game against Cincinnati in the second round, which they won 78-76 in overtime. They also had to overcome strong teams like Kansas and Utah in the Midwest regional and national semifinals, respectively. In the championship game, the Miners took an early lead and maintained their advantage throughout, despite a strong challenge from the Wildcats, who managed to close the gap to a single point early in the second half.
The Miners' historic 1965-66 season, with a remarkable 23-1 record, showcased the talent and determination of a diverse group of players. Their success not only broke racial barriers in college athletics but also inspired future generations of athletes and helped promote the desegregation of athletics in conferences across the South. The Miners' first national championship title, with a 72-65 victory, remains a proud moment in the history of UTEP and a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion in sports.
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The Miners' coach, Don Haskins, made history
The Miners coach, Don Haskins, made history on the night of March 19, 1966, at the University of Maryland's Cole Field House in College Park, Maryland. Haskins started five African-American players in the NCAA championship game for the first time in history. The Miners took on the University of Kentucky Wildcats, an all-white team, and won with a score of 72-65. This victory marked a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement and accelerated the advancement of black athletes in the South.
Haskins, known as "The Bear," led the Texas Western Miners to a remarkable 23-1 record during the 1965-66 regular season. His decision to field an all-black lineup in the championship game was not about making a political statement but rather a strategic choice, as he always maintained that skin color was never a factor in his player selections. Haskins' focus was solely on putting the best players on the court, and his decision paid off, propelling the Miners to a historic victory.
The Miners' triumph in 1966 had far-reaching implications and is considered a pivotal moment in the integration of college athletics. It sent a powerful message across the United States, particularly in the South, where racial segregation in college sports teams was still prevalent, despite laws and rulings against it. The Miners' win challenged the status quo and demonstrated the talent and capability of black athletes, who had previously been overlooked or excluded from many teams.
The impact of Haskins' decision extended beyond the basketball court, influencing social change and challenging racial prejudices. The victory is credited with accelerating the advancement of black athletes and promoting the desegregation of athletics in the Southeastern Conference, which admitted its first African-American basketball player in 1967. The Miners' success also inspired the book "And the Walls Came Tumbling Down" by Frank Fitzpatrick and the 2006 Disney movie "Glory Road," which chronicled the team's groundbreaking journey.
Don Haskins' bold move to start five African-American players in the 1966 NCAA championship game forever etched his name in the annals of sports history. His decision not only led to a historic victory for the Miners but also contributed to the broader fight for racial equality, helping to break down barriers and pave the way for future generations of athletes.
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The Miners' win accelerated the advancement of black athletes
On March 19, 1966, the UTEP Miners men's basketball team, then known as the Texas Western College Miners, made history by becoming the first team with five African-American starters to win an NCAA National Championship. The Miners defeated the University of Kentucky Wildcats 72-65 in College Park, Maryland, in what is considered one of the most important games in the history of college basketball. The victory, during the Civil Rights Movement, is credited with accelerating the advancement of Black athletes and ending years of segregation in college sports.
The Miners' win sent a powerful message about racial equality in sports and inspired other college teams to follow suit. Within the next two years, all-white leagues like the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Southwestern Conference, and the Southeastern Conference began integrating Black athletes. The victory also highlighted the talent and skill of Black players, challenging the notion that all-white teams were superior.
The Miners' success was not just a triumph for racial equality but also a testament to the team's hard work and talent. Led by Coach Don Haskins, the Miners finished the 1965-66 regular season with an impressive 23-1 record. Haskins, known for his gruff and straight-talking demeanor, downplayed the significance of his decision to start five African-American players, stating that he simply wanted to put his best players on the court. However, his actions spoke louder than words, and his commitment to fielding the best team, regardless of race, made a significant impact on the sports world.
The 1966 Miners team included notable players such as Bobby Joe Hill, David Lattin, Harry Flournoy, and Willie Worsley, who went on to have successful careers in basketball and coaching. The team's victory not only brought pride to the University of Texas at El Paso but also served as a catalyst for change, challenging racial barriers and paving the way for future generations of Black athletes.
The Miners' win continues to be celebrated as a landmark moment in sports history. The team has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and their story has been chronicled in books and films, ensuring that their legacy of breaking down racial barriers in athletics will inspire future generations.
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The Miners' win promoted the desegregation of athletics
The UTEP Miners men's basketball team plays for the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in El Paso, Texas. On March 19, 1966, UTEP, then known as Texas Western College, made history by becoming the first team with five African-American starters to win an NCAA Division I men's basketball championship. The Miners beat the University of Kentucky, which fielded an all-white team, by a score of 72-65. This victory, under the leadership of Coach Don Haskins, is considered a pivotal moment in the desegregation of athletics, particularly in the South and within collegiate sports.
Prior to the Miners' triumph, racial segregation was still prevalent in college sports, especially in the South, despite the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawing segregation in the public school system. The University of Texas at El Paso, located in a culturally diverse region along the U.S.-Mexico border, had already taken steps towards integration by admitting its first African-American students in 1955. However, the 1966 championship victory by the Miners served as a catalyst for change, accelerating the advancement of Black athletes in the region.
The Miners' win sent a powerful message to college teams across the South, prompting them to actively recruit Black athletes and integrate their rosters. Within the next two years, previously all-white leagues like the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Southwestern Conference, and the Southeastern Conference began to embrace desegregation. The Miners' success challenged the notion that athletic success was exclusive to any particular race and inspired a more inclusive approach to team selection.
The impact of the Miners' victory extended beyond the basketball court. It became a symbol of progress in the Civil Rights Movement, challenging societal norms and attitudes towards race. The game's outcome demonstrated that talent and skill transcend racial boundaries and that athletic excellence can be achieved through diversity and inclusion. The Miners' diverse roster, which included seven African-Americans, four whites, and one Hispanic player, embodied the ideals of equality and unity that were gaining momentum during the Civil Rights era.
The 1966 championship game was more than just a sporting event; it was a catalyst for social change. The Miners' victory not only brought pride to their university but also contributed to the advancement of civil rights and the promotion of diversity in athletics. The team's achievement was later chronicled in the book "And the Walls Came Tumbling Down" by Frank Fitzpatrick and the 2006 Disney movie "Glory Road," ensuring that their legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
UTEP, then known as Texas Western College, won the national championship in basketball in 1966.
UTEP beat the University of Kentucky 72-65.
The game was the first time a team with five African-American starters won a title game.
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