The El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame mourns the passing of Joe Gomez, one of the most devoted supporters of El Paso athletics who ever lived. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006 in the Supporter of Athletics category, Joe’s name became synonymous with the very best of what that honor represents.

A Lifelong Miner Fan

Joe graduated from Burges High School in 1965 and began attending Texas Western College, where he quickly became consumed by El Paso sports. The 1966 Miner basketball team — and their improbable run to the NCAA National Championship — captured his heart forever. Joe was there when Texas Western outscored #1 ranked Kentucky 72-65 to win the title, and he began assembling what would become a first-rate collection of 1966 Final Four photographs and memorabilia.

He became a lifelong friend of Bobby Joe Hill, and Joe and Nolan Richardson later delivered the eulogies at Bobby’s funeral.

The Sun Carnival Classic

After graduating from college and entering the business world, Joe was asked to join the Sun Carnival basketball committee. What was already a top-flight holiday tournament during its first decade, Joe took to an entirely new level. Working year-round as chairman, he built relationships with college coaches across the country, promising them great hospitality and the chance to play against a Don Haskins-coached team. His hard work transformed the Sun Carnival Classic into one of the premier holiday tournaments in the nation, drawing programs like Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Michigan, Florida, South Carolina, California, SMU, and Purdue.

Honoring the 1966 Miners

In the mid-1980s, Joe joined Bobby Joe Hill in organizing a 20-year reunion for the 1966 NCAA Championship team. El Paso welcomed the Miners with open arms, and Joe, along with Henry and John Silverman, presented each member of the Texas Western traveling party with a beautiful championship ring. He later worked on the 25th anniversary reunion — coordinating with the UTEP athletic department to give each member a commemorative watch — and again on the 30th reunion.

When UTEP President Dr. Diana Natalicio conceived a traveling exhibit honoring the historic championship team, she named Joe Gomez as the Local Curator. He provided research and memorabilia for documentaries including HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumble, Glory in Black and White produced by CBS, and As the Wheels Turned produced by UTEP. When Jerry Bruckheimer made the Walt Disney film Glory Road, costume designer Alex Friedberg called on Joe to help duplicate the uniforms, letterman’s jackets, and even the cheerleader uniforms.

A Presidential Honor

Joe Gomez was invited by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush to attend a State Dinner at the White House, celebrating Coach Don Haskins and the 1966 National Championship team. It was a fitting recognition for a man who had spent his life ensuring that El Paso never forgot what that team meant.

The El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame extends its deepest condolences to Joe’s family and all those whose lives he touched. His passion, his generosity, and his tireless dedication to El Paso sports will not be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Joe Gomez. Thank you for everything you gave to El Paso athletics.