The Mini Dig: Moving On, Edition

A couple of big stories from around UTEP athletics came out today, and its important that each of those get the proper and deserved coverage. The first, is the release of the 2012 volleyball schedule, and the other, is the announcement that UTEP golfer Ross Rotwein has been given the C-USA Spirit of Service Award. Here's a little more about each of those topics.

UTEP Volleyball Announces 2012 Schedule

Today, UTEP volleyball coach Ken Murphy released the schedule for the 2012 season. The Miners will open up the season on Friday August 24th, against Fresno St. in the El Paso Sports Commission Invitational. That tournament will also feature games against Idaho State and Arizona State.

The Miners will also participate in a two day tournament in San Antonio that will be feature matches against Belmont and UTSA, and a three day tournament in Fayetteville, AR that features contests against Louisiana Monroe, Houston Baptist, and Arkansas.

In between those two tournaments, UTEP will take on Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Arkansas-Little Rock on the road. Following the Arkansas swing, the Miners will head to New Orleans, LA to face off against Tulane in the Conference USA Opener.

Other key dates include a home matchup with Southern Miss on September 23rd, and a road game at rival New Mexico State on September 26th. Also, this year's C-USA tournament will take place in Tulsa, OK from November 16th to the 18th. Good luck to the Miners on their upcoming season.

UTEP Ross Rotwein Given Spirit of Service Award

Also today, UTEP sophomore golfer Ross Rotwein, an El Paso native (Coronado HS), was honored by being given the C-USA Spirit of Service Award. That award, which is given to 12 athletes 3 times a year, " is designed to recognize the community service efforts of the league's student-athletes, based upon significant community service, good academic standing and participation in their elected sport". Rotwein has been a part of multiple community projects, including "Keep El Paso Beautiful", the Braden Aboud Walk, and also volunteers with The First Tee of El Paso. Congratulations to Rotwein in receiving this award.

ESPN's Sooner Nation UTEP Game Preview

I leave this to last, because it's only available to those that have ESPN Insider accounts. If you've got one go check it out, if you don't, well here's a couple quotes from that piece:

Per ESPN

UTEP Coach Mike Price on the UTEP schedule:

"It's the opportunity of a lifetime. It's the most competitive schedule we've had since I've been here. It's where we want to be. Our players are really jacked up about it, and our fans should be excited."