THE REBOUND 915 PODCAST — TROOPER EDITION

The Team That Made El Paso History

50 Years. One Championship. A Legacy That Endures.

The Trooper Edition of The Rebound 915 Podcast preserves the story of the 1976 Eastwood Troopers, the only El Paso boys’ basketball team to win a UIL state championship.

Through conversations with players, coaches and those carrying the tradition forward, the series documents the people, culture and values behind a championship legacy that continues 50 years later.

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

Daniel “Danny” Martinez became Eastwood’s head boys basketball coach after leading Burges to the 2026 Class 5A Division II Elite Eight. He brings a focus on fundamentals, accountability, player development, and competitive teams.

On this Trooper Edition of The Rebound 915 Podcast, Doug Rutter talks with Martinez about taking the helm at Eastwood, honoring the program’s championship history, and building its next chapter.

 Daniel Mora is the inaugural recipient of the Spirit of ’76 Scholarship, created to honor Eastwood’s championship team by investing in a new generation of Troopers. His journey reflects the discipline and character the scholarship seeks to recognize.

On this Trooper Edition of The Rebound 915 Podcast, Doug Rutter talks with Mora about his experience at Eastwood, the people who have guided him, and what it means to carry the legacy of 1976 forward.

Dean LaFever and Bob Guthrie helped provide the toughness and consistency behind Eastwood’s 1976 championship team. Their contributions were measured in preparation, unselfish play, and a willingness to do what the team needed.

On this Trooper Edition of The Rebound 915 Podcast, Doug Rutter talks with LaFever and Guthrie about the habits, relationships, and shared standards that helped make a state championship possible.

Coach Peter Morales has spent his career building teams through discipline, relationships, and a belief in developing the person as well as the player. His perspective connects Eastwood’s championship tradition to the standards that sustain a program.

On this Trooper Edition of The Rebound 915 Podcast, Doug Rutter talks with Morales about leadership, adversity, accountability, and the culture required to help young athletes succeed.

Darold Molix and Jerry Krampen brought different strengths to the 1976 Troopers. Molix gave Eastwood a commanding presence in the paint, while Krampen helped set the team’s standard for preparation, toughness, and accountability.

On this Trooper Edition of The Rebound 915 Podcast, Doug Rutter talks with them about their roles, the trust among teammates, and the work behind Eastwood’s historic state championship.

Gilbert Shepherd, Tim Crenshaw, and Jim Bowden were named to the State All-Tournament Team during Eastwood’s 1976 championship run. Bowden also earned All-State honors. Together, they represented the balance and depth of a team that made El Paso basketball history.

On this Trooper Edition of The Rebound 915 Podcast, Doug Rutter talks with the three teammates about the state tournament, the moments they remember, and the bonds that have endured for 50 years.

Coach Gary Pippen and trainer Jerry Holmberg helped shape the discipline and preparation behind Eastwood’s 1976 championship team. Their work gave the Troopers a foundation that carried through demanding practices and the pressure of a state title run.

On this Trooper Edition of The Rebound 915 Podcast, Doug Rutter talks with Pippen and Holmberg about coaching, conditioning, high expectations, and the culture that helped turn a group of talented players into champions.