Bishop Gorman football coach is out

Justin M. Bowen/File Photo

Bob Altshuler, excited about Bishop Gorman’s win over Cheyenne Nov. 14, takes his shirt off to celebrate with the team.

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Published Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 | 1:26 p.m.

Updated Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 | 7:48 p.m.

Bob Altshuler

Bishop Gorman High School

High School Football

Bishop Gorman season highlights

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Bishop Gorman is getting a new football coach.

Bob Altshuler, who was released Thursday as Bishop Gorman's football coach, said school officials told him he was let go because they had problems communicating with him.

Altshuler, who coached the Gaels to the 2007 state championship and a 26-2 record in two years at the helm, met with his team Friday afternoon to inform them of the decision.

“Obviously, this was a surprise to me,” Altshuler said. “Frankly, there was no reason for it. This is high school football.”

Gorman administrators would not discuss details surrounding Altshuler’s dismissal.

Principal Aggie Evert said, through a press release, that Altshuler would finish the school year in his capacity as a dean.

“We thank him for his contributions to the school, and wish him the best of luck in the future,” she said.

Altshuler came to Southern Nevada from Yakima, Wash., late in the spring of 2007. Seven months later, the Gaels capped a perfect 14-0 season by beating Reno's McQueen High for the large-school state title.

“When I came down here, they said they wanted me for 10 years,” he said. “They sat in my living room and said all they wanted to do was win a playoff game that first year. We won the state championship.”

Altshuler, who put down roots and bought a house in Las Vegas, said he plans to stay here and seek another high school coaching job.

“I love coaching football. I have gotten so much out of it,” he said.

As Gorman moved from its Las Vegas campus in central Las Vegas to its new facility in Summerlin last year, Altshuler's first practices were held at various Las Vegas parks with no lines or goal posts.

Despite the less than ideal practice conditions, the Gaels won the school's first championship in more than 20 years.

Known for his defensive schemes, Altshuler's teams recorded eight shutouts in two years and held opponents to under 10 points another eight times.

Gorman finished 12-2 in 2008 and lost 50-12 to Palo Verde in the Sunset Regional championship game. It was Altshuler's only loss to a Nevada team last year.

Altshuler replaced Dave White, who left the Catholic school to become a graduate assistant at Oklahoma.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@hbcpub.com.

Discussion: 5 comments so far…

By true_rebel_fan

1/30/09 at 7:43 p.m.

Suggest removal

hey, i guess this guy didn't do what he was required to do --- win every game. what a joke all of these good coaches are being let go. give me a break, like what was mentioned -- this is high school football......
By LVfootballfan

2/1/09 at 9:15 a.m.

Suggest removal

Mr Altshuler is one of the finest coaches around. He did what they asked and more, but the school is mostly likely run by rich donors whose skill-challenged sons did not get enough playing time so they pulled some money strings. I'm sure this is all about in-house politics. Whoever hires Mr Altshuler will become a winner. Gaels will become, yet again, losers. So sad. Perhaps it's the administrators that need to grow up, not the students.
By Lenny_V

2/3/09 at 12:47 p.m.

Suggest removal

I didn't even know Gorman had moved!
But how you gonna fire a guy that goes 26-2? Come clean you shady pricks and give the real reason he was let go.
By shassett

2/17/09 at 3:42 p.m.

Suggest removal

Wow! what a shame. Bob is an awesome coach. Im shocked.
By 1goodsport

3/4/09 at 9:30 a.m.

Suggest removal

I agree with True Rebel Fan 100%
Gorman kids, former alumni, and most of all "the players" should be VERY WORRIED right now. If you watch the news or read the papers start praying!
Lets all hope the new coach doesn't run the football program in the ground like the Gorman "football committee" did their CASINO'S and CAR DEALERSHIPS! WHAT A JOKE!

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