Carrying the Legacy Forward
The Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Eastwood High School’s 1976 Texas State Championship basketball team by investing in the next generation of Troopers.
Created by members of the championship team, the scholarship recognizes Eastwood student-athletes who demonstrate the character, discipline, leadership, and commitment that have defined the program for generations.
The championship made history.
The scholarship carries its values forward.
SUPPORT THE SCHOLARSHIP
Help preserve the legacy of the Eastwood Spirit of ’76 by supporting this annual scholarship.
Donations may be made through PayPal or by mailing a check to:
Eastwood Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund
71 Camille Drive
El Paso, TX 79912
Contributions directly support scholarships awarded to deserving Eastwood student-athletes pursuing education beyond high school.

HONORING OUR FIRST RECIPIENT
The Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund awarded its inaugural scholarship to Eastwood High School senior Daniel Mora, beginning a ten-year commitment by members of the 1976 State Championship team.
Selected for his academic achievement, leadership, and character, Daniel received the award from teammates Jim Bowden, Gilbert Shepherd, and Doug Rutter, joined by longtime assistant coach Gary Pippen.
The award represents more than financial support. It carries forward the discipline, teamwork, integrity, and pride that have defined Eastwood basketball for fifty years.
THE AWARD CEREMONY
A new tradition begins.
The inaugural presentation brought together generations of Eastwood Troopers to recognize Daniel Mora and celebrate the continuing legacy of the 1976 championship team.

Jerry Krampen, Darold Molix, and Doug Rutter discuss the creation of the Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund and the championship team’s ten-year commitment to future Eastwood student-athletes.
Their conversation reflects on the team’s fifty-year journey, the values behind its success, and the responsibility to turn a historic championship into an enduring opportunity for the next generation.
Former Eastwood basketball coach Peter Morales joins Doug Rutter to discuss the traditions of discipline, accountability, and pride that have shaped Eastwood basketball.
Their conversation explores how those same principles became the foundation of the Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund—and why preserving them matters for future generations of Troopers.
MORE THAN A CHAMPIONSHIP
The 1976 Eastwood Troopers left behind more than a state championship.
They left a standard.
Through the Spirit of ’76 Scholarship Fund, that standard continues—honoring the past while creating opportunity for those who will carry the Eastwood tradition forward.
The legacy continues.
THE RUTTER ORGANIZATION
71 Camille Drive, El Paso, Texas 79912
Privacy Policy | Explore Our Organization
Disclaimer of Liability | Terms of Use
Tax Matters is not a CPA firm.