ray brewer:

Faith Lutheran proving it is different than most private schools

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 | 2:15 a.m.

The critics could be considered hypocritical on this issue.

Every time a team from Bishop Gorman High wins a state championships, the peanut gallery of fans in Southern Nevada wrongfully labels the Summerlin Catholic school as cheaters.

The critics argue that Gorman isn’t limited to a zoning area like public schools and its coaches are believed to be able to hand-pick the top youth players in every sport.

But when Faith Lutheran — also a Summerlin private school — wins a title, nothing is said. In fact, the Crusaders are praised for their efforts and commended for winning with class.

The Crusaders, in their first season competing in the large-school classification, won the Sunset Regional golf title last week and were favorites to contend for the state championship this week.

So, what gives?

It doesn’t make sense that one private school is hated amongst its peers while the other has been welcomed with open arms.

Spend five minutes talking with Faith Lutheran Athletic Director Bret Walter or watch one half of a Crusaders’ game in any sport and you will realize why the school isn’t classified as a typical private institution.

Doing things the right way, from praying before and after games to genuinely enjoying the athletic experience win or lose, is all part of the Christian education at Faith Lutheran. It partially explains why others teams at Bear’s Best Golf Club were so gracious in defeat when the Crusaders won the regional golf crown.

“We are going to stand behind the principals and values we have here,” Walter said. “We aren’t concerned with how others do things or with how others build their program. Our goal is to have the best programs and to strive for excellence in everything we do.”

The environment at Faith Lutheran is refreshing to be around. In addition to teaching athletes how to make a basket or hit a ball, coaches are also concerned with developing a student to be a productive member of society.

But, no matter how accepted the Crusaders have been, they are still a private school. Private schools in every city are looked upon like Gorman in Las Vegas, and that is something Faith Lutheran could face if it starts winning.

Just don’t expect them to go about their business differently.

Faith Lutheran will continue building relationships with its public school counterparts, stressing its Christian values and holding their athletes to high standards.

It’s actually the same way at Gorman — despite what the critics want to believe.

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

Discussion: 1 comment so far…

By BringtheRain

10/22/09 at 7:20 a.m.

Suggest removal

That's bogus, Ray. The Gorman kids are cocky, act like an all-star team, and their young fans have no class (you and I both know the Faith Lutheran fan base would never come up with "dirty sanchez.")