Bishop Gorman athletic director calling it quits

Friday, Nov. 17, 2000 | 5:01 a.m.

Citing personal reasons, Bishop Gorman athletic director Norman Craft announced Thursday that he is resigning, effective Dec. 22.

"I would like to stay on, but I want to slow down and enjoy my family," Craft said. "I've been at this about 40 years, and it's time to enjoy my grandkids and do some traveling I've wanted to do."

A member of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame and the Southern Nevada Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Craft began his career as a coach and teacher at Rancho High School. Later, he served as athletic director for Clark County before retiring in 1993. In 1998, he took over as the Gaels' athletic director.

"If you've ever worked around kids, it's fun to be around them," Craft said. "It keeps you young and it keeps you going. The administration and faculty over here have been nothing but super."

Craft said the school's recent string of athletic troubles -- including allegations of sexual misconduct by coaches and a failed drug test that sidelined 11 football players for two games -- did not play a part in his decision.

"It's not because of that. That's just part of being an administrator. You put up with that stuff, and it happens at every school," Craft said.