EASTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL RECOGNIZED BY MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

Bobby Lesley is one of El Paso’s most influential basketball coaches. During 27 years at Eastwood High School, he built a program defined by discipline, defense, and accountability, drawing on the principles he learned under Don Haskins at Texas Western.

His greatest achievement came in 1976, when he led the Troopers to the UIL State Championship—the last boys’ basketball state title won by an El Paso school.

His teams were known for toughness, preparation, and flawless execution.

Beyond championships, Lesley shaped generations of students, teaching character, leadership, and perseverance. Today, the Bobby Lesley Gym stands as a lasting tribute to the culture he built and the legacy that continues to define Eastwood basketball.

Coach Daniel “Danny” Martinez

Head Boys Basketball Coach, Eastwood High School

Daniel “Danny” Martinez has been named Head Boys Basketball Coach at Eastwood High School after leading Burges to the 2026 Class 5A Division II Elite Eight—its deepest playoff run in nearly a decade.

Known for building disciplined, competitive teams, Martinez emphasizes accountability, fundamentals, player development, and strong leadership.

He now takes the helm of one of El Paso’s proudest basketball programs, committed to honoring Eastwood’s championship tradition while building the next generation of Trooper success.

Daniel Mora, the inaugural recipient of the Spirit of ’76 Scholarship, joins The Rebound 915 Podcast for a conversation that reflects the values behind the award. He shares his journey at Eastwood High School, the discipline and character that shaped his success, and the mindset that guided him in the classroom and on the court. 

Daniel discusses leadership, resilience, and the responsibility of representing his school and community with integrity. It's an authentic conversation with a young leader whose future is built on purpose, humility, and the enduring Spirit of ’76.

The Structural Core of the 1976 Troopers

Championship teams are built by players who set the standard.

Dean LaFever and Bob Guthrie were part of the backbone of the 1976 Eastwood Troopers—the only El Paso boys’ basketball team to win a UIL state championship.

Through discipline, toughness, and unselfish play, they brought consistency and accountability to a team built on trust.

Their impact wasn’t always measured in points. It was found in preparation, practice, and the commitment to doing what the team needed to win.

LaFever and Guthrie helped build the culture that made a championship possible.

COACH PETER MORALES: CULTURE AND THE MAKING OF A PROGRAM

Leadership Beyond the Scoreboard

When Coach Peter Morales joins The Rebound Podcast, the conversation goes far beyond basketball.

One of El Paso’s most respected coaches, Morales reflects on leadership, adversity, accountability, and the culture required to build successful programs.

His story is a reminder that lasting success isn’t built on talent alone. It’s built on discipline, relationships, resilience, and shared purpose.

Coach Morales doesn’t just build teams—he builds culture, character, and leaders.

Jerry Krampen & Darold Molix — Pillars of the 1976 Troopers

The Foundation of a Championship

Championship teams are built by players who define their identity. For the 1976 Eastwood Troopers, Jerry Krampen and Darold Molix were two of those players.

At 6’7”, Molix anchored the paint, providing rebounding, defense, and a physical presence that gave Eastwood confidence on both ends of the floor.

Krampen helped set the standard, bringing discipline, preparation, toughness, and accountability to the team every day.

Different in their roles but united in purpose, they helped establish the culture that carried Eastwood to the only boys’ basketball state championship in El Paso history.

One anchored the paint. The other helped set the standard. Together, they helped build a championship.

A Championship That Set the Standard

The 1976 Eastwood Troopers didn’t just win the Texas State Basketball Championship—they dominated it.

Their success was built on discipline, chemistry, and relentless competitiveness. That excellence was reflected when three Troopers—Gilbert Shepherd, Tim Crenshaw, and Jim Bowden—were named to the State All-Tournament Team, a rare achievement that showcased the team’s remarkable depth.

In this episode of The Rebound Podcast, all three players revisit the championship run, sharing the moments, challenges, and brotherhood that defined one of the greatest teams in El Paso basketball history.

Bowden’s outstanding season also earned All-State honors, recognizing him as one of Texas’ elite high school players and reflecting the standard the Troopers established.

Nearly 50 years later, the 1976 Troopers remain more than champions. They built a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire generations of athletes and fans.

Building Champions

The Rebound Podcast welcomes two architects of Eastwood’s championship culture—Coach Gary Pippen and legendary trainer Jerry Holmberg.

Together, they reflect on the discipline, conditioning, and leadership that shaped the 1976 Troopers. From demanding practices to the standards that turned talented players into champions, they share the behind-the-scenes stories that defined an era.

The conversation explores championship culture, player development, accountability, and the lasting legacy of Eastwood basketball.

More than a look back, it’s a tribute to the mentors who built the foundation—and the standard that continues to inspire generations of Troopers.

THE TROOPER PODCAST

“The podcast was awesome. Overall, I believe things went great.”
— Bob Guthrie, Fredericksburg, Texas

“Everything went great. I enjoyed it.”
— Tim Crenshaw, El Paso, Texas

“Doug and his crew did a great job. It was a terrific experience.”
— Dean La Fever, Wimberley, Texas

“The Rebound podcast experience was incredible. Doug and his crew were unbelievably professional, and Darold and I felt comfortable and relaxed throughout the interview. It felt more like three good buddies reminiscing. I also enjoyed watching the other guys’ podcasts and hearing their perspectives.”
— Jerry Krampen, Pasadena, Texas

“The podcast was an awesome experience for me, too. I was lucky enough to have been there and see it as it happened 50 years ago. Doug and his crew were awesome.”
— Debi Krampen, Pasadena, Texas

“I just watched the ’77 crew podcast with Doug, Jerry, and Darold. I can only imagine the expectations those guys endured. Great podcast, Doug. Your delivery and the format were excellent, and I appreciated the frankness from all three of you.”
— Gilbert Shepherd, El Paso, Texas

“The Rebound podcast is awesome and very professionally done. Doug made everyone feel comfortable, and it was so much fun talking about one of the most amazing times of our lives. Doug does a fantastic job hosting and moderating. It’s truly a top-notch podcast.”
— Jim Bowden, El Paso, Texas

“Doug and his filming crew create a relaxed and accommodating environment while running an incredibly polished, professional operation. That combination allows people to relax, revisit the past, and tell their stories authentically. When it comes to the EHS Trooper podcasts, I don’t think there’s anybody better equipped to conduct these interviews than Doug. At the end of the day, it’s all about the story—and he’s very good at telling people’s stories.”
— Eric Smith, Orem, Utah