The Newsroom is the official record of activity across the Rutter Organization. It includes select updates from our investment vehicles, operating companies, portfolio activity, and key people in and to our organization.  

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Steve Escajeda/El Paso Inc. - May 19, 2026 - Photo provided by Jorge Salgado

Longtime supporter of UTEP athletics and unofficial No. 1 fan Joe Gomez passed away of natural causes at his home May 16.

Gomez, 78, was a 1970 graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso.

He served as both dedicated supporter and unofficial historian of Texas Western and UTEP athletics, spending decades championing the Miners and preserving their legacy, specially of its legendary 1966 NCAA championship basketball team.

Though he passed on Saturday, his body wasn’t discovered until two days later.

“I had dinner with Joe last Friday night and everything was fine. We made plans to meet again for dinner Saturday night, but he never showed up, which was very out of character for him,” said Doug Rutter, Gomez’ best friend of over 20 years. “I called him all night Saturday and all day Sunday but received no response. I called in for a welfare check, and he was found in his home on Monday afternoon. He had been dead since Saturday, according to the medical examiner.”

Gomez was born in Puerto Rico but moved to El Paso in 1958.

Being the unofficial historian of the 1966 national championship team, much of his memorabilia is on display in the lobby of the UTEP Foster Stevens Basketball Center.

“Obviously, it’s a sad day and the end of an era at UTEP,” said Jon Teicher, longtime play-by-play voice of UTEP football and basketball. “Joe was connected to the university athletic department for a good long while, and his association with the coaches and the student athletes will surely be missed.”

Teicher said Gomez was one of the first people he met when he arrived in El Paso almost 50 years ago.

“His passion for the Miners, along with all his donations to the program, was proof of his love for UTEP,” he said. “With the changes in society and the changes in intercollegiate athletics, it’s going to be more challenging to find individuals who were as invested and passionate about UTEP and the Miners as Joe Gomez was.”

One of Gomez’ many donations to UTEP came last November when he gave his painting of legendary coach Don Haskins to the university.

The painting, created by artist Phil Behymer in 1997 and originally displayed at the Adair Margo Gallery, commemorates Don Haskins' induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It is displayed in the South entrance to the Don Haskins Center.

About the painting, Gomez once said, "Adair (Margo) gifted it to me, and I said that I would do the best job with it that I possibly could. Once the Special Events Center was renamed the Don Haskins Center, it needed to be there."

Though he was 78, Gomez was always “on call” when it came to his wealth of knowledge and information.

“Joe was always someone we had on speed dial when we were planning to recognize the accomplishments of the '66 team, including the 20th anniversary screening of 'Glory Road' earlier this year,” said Jim Senter, UTEP athletics director. "Watching the 1966 Miners win the national championship was one of the greatest moments of his life, and he spent the next 60 years telling their story. I don't think anybody loved the Miners longer or more passionately than Joe. He will always be remembered as one of the all-time great UTEP fans."

Don Haskins’ son Steve recalls how extremely appreciative “The Bear” was of Gomez.

“My dad was always very happy and thankful for all that Joe did for the program,” Haskins said. “Joe Gomez was just incredible for UTEP sports, especially the 1966 national championship team where he spent so much time getting them recognized whenever he could, putting all those reunions together and even getting them their championship rings. His passing is a great loss for the program and the city of El Paso.”

The NCAA doesn’t award championship rings for basketball, but that didn’t stop Gomez from making it happen.

“Joe took it upon himself to purchase championship rings for the players 20 years later and handed them out at halftime of a game in 1986,” said Steve Kaplowitz, host of SportsTalk on 600 ESPN El Paso radio.

“It’s a very sad day for El Paso sports. Joe was on a mission to give the 1966 Miners everything they deserved that they probably didn’t receive initially.

Gomez was also in charge of the Sun Carnival Basketball Tournament back in the 1980s and was instrumental in bringing in teams like Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, Villanova, Auburn, Michigan and many others.

“The Sun Carnival Basketball Tournament was the best in the country, and it was all because of Joe Gomez,” Kaplowitz said.

Those who knew Gomez don’t only acknowledge his support of the university; they marvel at how he treated others while doing it.

“He was honestly one of the kindest people I’ve met and certainly one of the most giving,” said Duke Keith, play-by-play voice for the El Paso Locomotive FC, the El Paso Rhinos and various UTEP and NMSU sports. “Other than maybe the coach and players themselves, there is no greater representative of the 1966 NCAA champion Texas Western Miners than Joe Gomez.”

When it’s all said and done, Gomez was simply the biggest UTEP fan there’s ever been. And who would know better than his best friend.

“We were both involved in sports memorabilia and that’s how we met, and we just hit it off from the first minute we met,” Rutter reminisced. “Joe was the biggest UTEP supporter that there ever was, and a lot of our friendship revolved around UTEP games and events. I’m very sad about my friend’s passing, I wish he would have had more time.”

El Paso, Texas — May 14, 2026 — The Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund proudly named Daniel Mora, a graduating senior at Eastwood High School, as its inaugural scholarship recipient.

The award begins a ten-year commitment by members of Eastwood’s 1976 Texas State Championship team to support future student-athletes who exemplify leadership, academic achievement, discipline, and integrity. Mora was selected for his accomplishments on and off the court and his commitment to representing Eastwood with pride.

The $5,000 scholarship was presented by Coach Peter Morales and 1976 teammates Doug Rutter, Jim Bowden, and Gilbert Shepherd, celebrating both Mora’s achievements and the lasting legacy of the Troopers.

Established to honor the values of the 1976 championship team, the Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund will annually recognize an Eastwood senior who reflects the tradition of teamwork, character, and service that continues to define the Spirit of ’76.

May 12, 2026 — El Paso, Texas — The City of El Paso officially proclaimed May 12 as 1976 Eastwood State UIL Champions Day, recognizing the Troopers' historic state championship and their lasting impact on the Eastwood community.

Issued by Mayor Renard Johnson and the El Paso City Council, the proclamation honors a team whose discipline, unity, and excellence continue to inspire generations of students and alumni.

The designation ensures that each May 12, the 1976 champions will be celebrated for their enduring legacy and their contribution to Eastwood and El Paso history.

El Paso, Texas — May 12, 2026 — The City of El Paso honored Eastwood High School’s 1976 State Championship basketball team by lighting the Star on the Mountain, recognizing the Troopers’ historic achievement nearly 50 years later.

The ceremony celebrated a team whose legacy of discipline, teamwork, and excellence continues to inspire Eastwood and the El Paso community. City officials, alumni, and supporters gathered to commemorate the championship and its lasting impact on the city’s sports history.

As the Star illuminated the night sky, it served as a symbol of El Paso’s pride and appreciation for the Troopers’ enduring contribution to the community.

Media Contact:
City of El Paso Communications Office
915-212-0000

April 25, 2026 — El Paso, Texas

Jerry Krampen, Darold Molix, and Doug Rutter gathered to discuss the vision behind the Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fundand its commitment to future Eastwood Troopers.

Their conversation focused on carrying forward the values that defined the 1976 State Championship team—discipline, unity, accountability, and character.

Krampen reflected on the team's enduring bond, Molix emphasized investing in students who lead with integrity, and Rutter spoke about building a lasting legacy that supports future champions on and off the court. 

Together, they reaffirmed that the Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund is more than a tribute to the past—it's a commitment to the next generation of Eastwood leaders.

By Hillary Floren

Published April 4, 2025

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The road to recovery from drug addiction is challenging, and not always easy to navigate. Doug and Terri Rutter know that all too well. Their 30-year-old son Rylie died last year from an accidental fentanyl poisoning, after years of trying to get sober.

The Rutters created the Rylie V. Rutter Foundation. It's goal is to provide treatment scholarships, sober living, job training and other services to help those striving for recovery.

"Younger men and women will get frustrated and they’ll give up so if you can try to address some of those frustrations ahead of time you’ll have a great success rate also," says Doug Rutter. "If somebody can stay sober for 90 days, the likelihood of them staying sober is increased dramatically."

The foundation will work hand in hand with Recovery Alliance, an addiction treatment center in El Paso, helping those who may not have the financial means to fight their battle.

"Everything is very expensive.  On our website, $30 can buy private therapy, for example," says Terri Rutter.

"We have listed in there what it costs to help someone with a month of treatment.  Maybe they have a job but they can’t get there - bus passes, job uniform, just to take away whatever barrier they have that they feel like they can’t do it because they’re so frustrated."

And they have a warning for others - don't buy drugs on the street. "The community needs to be educated that you go out and buy Xanax say on the street, it’s laced with fentanyl... and just a speck can kill you," Doug Rutter warns.

The Rutters want Rylie to be remembered for his smile. His legacy will live on through the lives that the Rylie V. Rutter Foundation touches.

If you'd like to make a donation to the foundation, click here: http://rylievrutterfoundation.org

For help with addiction, click here: http://recoveryalliance.net

March 4, 2025

By Isabella Martinez

EL PASO, TX (KVIA) — Tax season is underway, and local experts say there are key changes El Paso filers need to know before submitting their returns this year.

ABC-7 spoke to Douglas Rutter, the CEO of The Rutter Organization, Inc. who explained that one of the biggest changes for 2024 (tax returns filed this year) is an increase in the standard deduction. This is a popular way for taxpayers to reduce their taxable income.

For 2024, the standard deduction is:  

• $29,200 for married couples filing jointly (increase of $1,500)
• $21,900 for head of household filers (increase of $1,100)
• $14,600 for single filers (increase of $750)

Most taxpayers take the standard deduction because it simplifies filing and often provides a bigger tax break. However, some tax payers choose to itemize their deductions instead, meaning they list out expenses such as mortgage interest, medical bills and charitable donations, if those add up to more than the standard deduction.  

“Most of the time, you're not even going to be close to not taking the standard deduction,” said Rutter. “Because you're not going to have the expenses to itemize.” 

Rutter says one of the most common errors filers make is forgetting to include Form 1095, which reports health insurance coverage. Remember, failing to submit the correct documents could result in the IRS delaying a refund or rejecting a return.  

Another common mistake is missing out on tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which is often seen in El Paso, according to Rutter. The EITC is designed to help low-income workers. This year, the maximum EITC for taxpayers with three or more children has increased to $7,830. 

To ensure a smooth filing process, Rutter encourages people to double-check their information and seek help if needed.
 

“Get help. I mean, there's all kinds of help out there—all the way from free help to people like myself that do it for a living,” emphasized Rutter. 

For those expecting a refund, the IRS estimates it will take four to six weeks to process after filing.  

Taxpayers have until April 15 to submit their returns, but experts recommend filing as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress and potential delays.  

For more information on tax filing or to check your refund status, visit IRS.gov.

September 2024

Established in September 2024, the Rylie V. Rutter Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created in loving memory of Rylie V. Rutter. The foundation is dedicated to honoring Rylie’s legacy by advancing initiatives in education, mental health awareness, and family support.

Through impactful programs and meaningful partnerships, the foundation works to expand educational opportunities, promote understanding of mental health, and provide essential resources to families in need. Each effort reflects Rylie’s values and spirit, ensuring his memory continues to inspire positive change within the community.

The Rylie V. Rutter Foundation invites individuals, organizations, and community members to join in its mission. Together, we can honor Rylie’s legacy and build a brighter future by supporting education, strengthening mental health awareness, and uplifting families.

By Hillary Floren 

April 19, 2022 9:55 AM

EL PASO, Texas -- It's a collection that will have sports and music fans drooling.  It includes BB King's autographed guitar, a signed Kobe Bryant Jersey, Don Haskins' boots, autographed shoes that Michael Jordan gifted Coach Haskins, and Sammy Davis Jr's hat.  There are photos with celebrities, baseball cards, and countless electric guitars, many of them signed by the famous musicians who played them.  These treasures and more call a local man's business office home.

Doug Rutter works by day managing Tax Matters and a real estate management company.  It's obvious how he spends much of the rest of his time.  He likes seeing the look on people's faces when they walk into his business, which is adorned from floor to ceiling - literally - with memorabilia.

"They are shocked and amazed," Rutter says.  When asked the value of his collection - he says he has no idea what it's worth.  Each item comes with a story, many with a  deeply personal connection.

"You'll see a lot of El Paso stuff in here," says Rutter.  He likes to recognize the good things and people that come from El Paso, pointing to Aaron Jones as a great representative of the 915.

Of course Rutter has a Jones jersey, as well as mementos from Greg Foster, Tim Hardaway, a piece of the hardwood floor and posters from the '66 championship game.  He has a signed basketball from Don Haskins' 500th win, and of course, numerous El Paso Diablos jerseys and bats. 

Rutter's penchant for collectibles started with an autograph his father brought home for him when he was 10 years "My dad worked at a shoe store, I was about 10 years old, and he brought me home an autograph of a guy named Charlie West...

Flash forward a few decades, to when Charlie West was inducted into the UTEP hall of fame.  Rutter still had that autograph, and West was touched. “Four weeks or so later I got a box in the mail with his Super Bowl 4 jersey, his helmet, and a picture of him from the game saying they're better in my care than his.  Pretty cool," Rutter added.

One of his favorite items is an electric guitar, signed by the Lakers.  He traded it to Penny Marshall for a baseball.  He traded another item for a horse.  And the list of stories goes on...just don't ask Rutter to play a song on one of the many guitars displayed on his wall.

"I don't play," Rutter admits.  "But neither did Leo Fender - who, Fender Guitars?" 

I asked him what he wants to get his hands on next, and Rutter said his needs and desires are slim.  He did share with us his next project - a podcast.  

By Hillary Floren 

April 19, 2022 9:55 AM

The promo trailer for The Collective serves as a living artifact, capturing the vision and energy that gave rise to this innovative hub. Narrated by Doug Rutter, the film documents the foundational idea that grew into a dynamic space for creativity and collaboration, offering audiences a glimpse into the passion and determination that shaped its beginnings.

Original footage from April 19, 2022, provided by KVIA, anchors the narrative in authenticity. Scenes of early brainstorming sessions, community gatherings, and the transformation of the physical space are preserved like exhibits, each frame telling a story of growth, resilience, and shared purpose.

Viewed through a museum lens, the trailer is more than promotional media—it is a cultural record. It invites reflection on how communities unite around vision and innovation, while inspiring future collaborators, investors, and participants to join in the journey.

In this way, The Collective trailer stands as both documentation and invitation: a curated piece of history that celebrates the origins of a community-driven movement and points toward the possibilities of what lies ahead.

March 26, 2020

The KVIA profile on Doug Rutter and The Rutter Organization highlights the profound impact of local leadership during times of crisis.

Aired on March 26, 2020, the coverage showcased how the organization rapidly mobilized to address urgent community needs amid the pandemic.

By focusing on the immediate challenges faced by families, the feature underscored the realities of the moment while spotlighting proactive initiatives such as food distribution and financial assistance.

These efforts reflected a deep commitment to community welfare and demonstrated the organization’s ability to adapt quickly and effectively.

Collaboration played a central role in the response. Partnering with local agencies and volunteers, The Rutter Organization illustrated the strength of unity and collective action, reinforcing the importance of communities working together to support one another.

Beyond documenting these initiatives, the coverage served as an inspiration—encouraging others to engage, contribute, and extend compassion during difficult times.

Doug Rutter’s leadership exemplified how one individual’s dedication can spark broader movements of resilience and hope, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

July 2024

The Walmart tragedy in El Paso, Texas, on August 3, 2019, was a devastating mass shooting that claimed the lives of 23 individuals and injured many others. This horrific event deeply impacted the local community and resonated across the nation. Bryan Rutter’s project, inspired by this tragedy, reflects the profound emotional scars it left behind.

In his discussion, Bryan highlighted how the events of that day served as a catalyst for his initiative. The loss and trauma experienced by the El Paso community motivated him to create something meaningful that would honor the memories of those affected and foster healing and resilience. He recognized the importance of bringing people together in the wake of such violence, emphasizing the need for connection and understanding among those grappling with grief.

Bryan's vision aims not only to pay tribute to the victims but also to inspire open conversations about the impact of violence, the strength of community, and the power of collective healing. By focusing on resilience, healing, and support, he hopes his project will create a lasting impact that resonates within the community, reminding everyone of the importance of unity and compassion in times of hardship, especially following tragedies like the one in El Paso.