JOE GOMEZ, UTEP’S BIGGEST FAN, REMEMERED FOR PASSION

El Paso, Texas, May 14, 2026 - The Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund proudly announces its first recipient — Daniel Mora, a graduating senior at Eastwood High School, whose leadership, discipline, and integrity embody the enduring values of the 1976 Texas State Championship basketball team.

This inaugural award marks the beginning of a ten‑year commitment by members of the ’76 Troopers to invest in the next generation of student‑athletes who carry forward Eastwood’s tradition of excellence. Mora’s selection reflects not only his achievements on the court but also his academic dedication and his ability to lead with humility and purpose — qualities that mirror the championship team’s legacy of accountability and pride.

The presentation took place on May 14, 2026, with Coach Peter Morales and Doug Rutter, Jim Bowden and Gilbert Shepherd, members of the original championship roster, presenting the $5,000 scholarship check. The ceremony celebrated both Mora’s accomplishments and the enduring bond between generations of Troopers — a living testament to Eastwood’s spirit of perseverance and unity.

The Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund was established to ensure that the lessons of teamwork, discipline, and community service continue to inspire future leaders. Each year, the Fund will honor one Eastwood senior who exemplifies these ideals, reinforcing the message that the Spirit of ’76 lives on — not just in memory, but in action.

May 12, 2026  El Paso, Texas — The City of El Paso has formally recognized one of the most defining achievements in Eastwood High School history. In a proclamation issued by Mayor Renard Johnson and the El Paso City Council, the city officially designated May 12 as 1976 Eastwood State UIL Champions Day.

The proclamation honors the Troopers’ historic 1976 championship team — a group remembered not only for winning at the highest level, but for setting a standard of discipline, unity, and excellence that continues to shape Eastwood generations later.

A Legacy That Still Shapes Eastwood

The 1976 championship team remains one of the school’s most iconic symbols of achievement. Their success represented more than a title — it reflected the spirit of a community that believed in hard work, resilience, and rising together.

The City’s proclamation acknowledges that legacy, affirming the team’s lasting impact on Eastwood students, alumni, and families across El Paso.

A Moment of Recognition From the City

During the presentation, city leaders highlighted the team’s influence on Eastwood’s culture and the pride it continues to inspire. The proclamation serves as a permanent reminder of the Troopers’ contribution to the city’s athletic and academic identity.

A Day That Will Stand Every Year

With the proclamation now official, May 12 will be recognized annually as a day to honor the 1976 champions — preserving their story and ensuring future generations understand the foundation they built.

April 25, 2026 — El Paso, Texas

In a conversation that bridged generations of Eastwood basketball excellence, Jerry Krampen, Darold Molix, and Doug Rutter gathered to discuss the vision and purpose behind the

Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund.

The dialogue centered on how the discipline, unity, and accountability that defined the 1976 State Championship team continue to shape opportunities for today’s Troopers.

Krampen reflected on the team’s enduring bond and the importance of giving back to the program that built their foundation.

Molix emphasized how the scholarship represents more than financial support — it’s a statement of belief in character, effort, and community.

Rutter, founder of The Rutter Organization, spoke about translating those values into a sustainable legacy that invests in future champions both on and off the court.

Together, they outlined the fund’s commitment to recognizing students who embody the Spirit of ’76 ethos: discipline, identity, and accountability.

Their conversation underscored that the scholarship is not just a tribute to the past — it’s a living promise 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 fentany 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 encourage 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.  His first guest?  Tim Hardaway. 

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.