[6] Almost immediately, students on both campuses began objecting to the new name as a caricature and racial stereotype of Mexican, Latino, Chicano, and Hispanic culture.

UTPA, then Pan American College, won the 1963 NAIA national men's basketball championship under Coach Sam Williams.

Under Lemons, the program had very successful seasons but, lamentably, failed to get invited to any NCAA tournaments.

Upon Lemons' departure to the University of Texas at Austin, Bill White was named the head basketball coach.

While at Pan American, Coach White led the Broncs to their first post-season tournament play at the Division I level.

UTPA baseball squad placed 4th in the 1971 College World Series under Coach Al Ogletree.

The Broncs left the Sun Belt Conference at the end of the 1997–98 season and returned to independent status.

[9] In 2008 it was announced that the Broncs would be charter members of the previously football-only Great West Conference when it began all-sports play in 2008.