TROOPER EDITION

A PLAYER'S PERSPECTIVE

Born on the driveways of East El Paso, inspired by Don Haskins and Texas Western’s 1966 national championship, and bonded through lasting friendships, the 1976 Eastwood High School basketball championship was years in the making.

Coach Bobby Lesley’s vision culminated in the unexpected pinnacle of achievement for 15 student-athletes who had played with and against one another in local leagues before finding a common vision through the team.

The uniqueness of the team was homegrown, with the majority of the players having competed in local leagues for nearly ten years. This group was well coached and adaptable to any challenge.

Their legacy lives on today, bringing pride not only to Eastwood, but to El Paso, Texas, as well.

— Dean LaFever, 1976 Eastwood Trooper

EPISODE 9: EASTWOOD’S NEW COACH DANIEL MARTINEZ

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.

EPISODE 7: LAFEVER & GUTHRIE

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.

EPISODE 6: COACH PETER MORALES

Leadership Beyond the Scoreboard

When Coach Peter Morales joins The Rebound 915 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 and character.

EPISODE 5: DAROLD MOLIX & JERRY KRAMPEN

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.

EPISODE 4: SUPER SOPHOMORE ERIC SMITH

The Sophomore Who Earned His Place

At just 15 years old, Eric Smith stepped into a program filled with experienced players pursuing a state championship.

Practices were demanding, expectations were high, and nothing was given.

Smith competed, learned, and earned the respect of his older teammates one practice at a time.

By season’s end, he was no longer simply the sophomore on the roster.

He was part of a championship team—and a story that would be remembered 50 years later.

EPISODE 3: THE ULTIMATE DOUBLE PLAY

The Ultimate Double Play

Pam Seitz Pippen holds a rare place in El Paso basketball history.

As a Texas Western cheerleader, she witnessed the Miners’ historic 1966 national championship victory over Kentucky.

Ten years later, she was there for Eastwood High School’s 1976 Texas State Championship.

Few people experienced both moments firsthand, making Pam a unique connection between two of the Borderland’s greatest basketball achievements.

Two teams. Two championships. One remarkable witness to El Paso basketball history.

EPISODE 2: 1976 STATE ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

1976 STATE ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

The 1976 Eastwood Troopers didn’t just win the Texas State Basketball Championship—they left their mark on the tournament.

Gilbert Shepherd, Tim Crenshaw, and Jim Bowden were each named to the State All-Tournament Team, reflecting the depth, discipline, and balance that defined the champions.

In this episode, all three revisit the championship run, the moments that shaped it, and the brotherhood behind one of El Paso’s greatest basketball achievements.

Bowden also earned All-State honors, adding another distinction to a remarkable season.

Three teammates. One championship. A legacy that endures.

EPISODE 1: COACH PIPPEN & TRAINER HOLMBERG

Building Champions

The Rebound 915 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 high expectations, they share the behind-the-scenes stories that helped turn talented players into champions.

Their conversation explores accountability, player development, and the enduring culture of Eastwood basketball.

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

WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING

“The Rebound 915 Podcast brought back some great memories and reminded me what made that team so special. Doug and his crew did an outstanding job preserving our story.”

— Dean LaFever, Wimberley, Texas

“The Rebound 915 Podcast is professionally done. Doug made everyone feel comfortable, and it was great reliving one of the most amazing times of our lives. A truly top-notch experience.”

— Jim Bowden, El Paso, Texas

“Doug and his crew create a relaxed environment while running an incredibly polished, professional operation. When it comes to the EHS Trooper podcasts, I don’t think there’s anyone better equipped to tell our stories.”

— Eric Smith, Orem, Utah

THE REBOUND 915 PODCAST - TROOPER EDITION

THE ARCHITECT OF A CHAMPIONSHIP