Walter Is Simply Splendid Hutterite Background Doesn’t Keep Odessa Guard From Standing Out

Odessa’s Stephen Walter said he’s probably the only Hutterite in history who has played organized sports in public schools.

Without delving into a thorough explanation of Hutterite history and customs, as a group they prefer the simpler life.

Hutterites are similar to Mennonites, the Protestant sect that favors plain dress and disapproves of taking oaths. Hutterites believe in common ownership of goods and are opposed to military service.

High school sports are not verboten, per se, although Annie Walter said some Hutterites believe her son is walking a fine line by competing.

Logistics are a more essential reason why Hutterites aren’t involved in prep activities.

“(Most) of the colonies have their own private school,” Annie Walter said. “Our group wasn’t big enough, so (Stephen) went to school in Odessa and that gave him the opportunity.”

The Walters belong to the 17-person Odessa Hutterian Brethren.

Stephen has attended Odessa schools all 12 years but spent the first eight away from sports. His parents resisted the school’s early attempts to let Stephen join the football team.

“I just kept saying no,” Annie said. “Actually, I was scared of him getting hurt.

“I don’t want to see any kid get hurt.”

What finally convinced Stephen’s parents was the prospect of improved grades. Odessa principal Gordon Neil and coach Myron Kramer surmised that Stephen would avoid poor grades if that meant no football.

“Since he’s going to public school and has always been going there - and it’s a joy to him - I let him do it,” said Annie, who noted an immediate seriousness toward studies.

Walter allowed his grades to slip toward the end of his freshman season. But increased playing time, starting with 10th grade, has corresponded with better study habits.

Odessa (11-0) plays for the State B-8 championship this afternoon at Gridiron Classic II in Tacoma. Odessa and its title-game opponent Crescent (12-0) have been ranked No. 1 and 2 all year.

When the Tigers needed a big running play this year, they tended to run behind first-team, all-league guard Walter, at 5-foot-10, 210 pounds.

Walter’s offbeat hobby - offbeat by Hutterite standards - draws a crowd. Some Hutterites have become loyal fans at the Tigers’ home games. And when Walter visits other Hutterite colonies he attracts attention.

“The biggest question they ask me is, ‘Aren’t you scared to get hurt because football is such a violent sport?”’ Walter said.

Walter said he hears his mother’s echo, “Don’t get hurt,” at every game.

The mantra has generally worked, as Walter has never been carted off the field. An aching shoulder has bothered him, but the injury eased up this year when Jared Praetorius took over from Walter at nose guard.

Today’s championship game is Walter’s last competition at Odessa unless he again turns out for the golf team.

College sports aren’t an option because college, outside of correspondence courses, isn’t an option.

“It wouldn’t work to go off to college because there’s so much work to do (at the colony),” Walter said.

Hutterites’ tight-knit bond typically extends for a lifetime. Venturing to the big city to learn a trade or encounter new experiences isn’t encouraged.

Walter said he figures to remain with his farming-based colony, which originated in the early 1970s when five brothers moved from Canada to the Lamona area 9 miles east of Odessa.

Three families reside in the colony, including Walter’s two sisters, younger brother and two uncles. Hutterite women marry men from other colonies. Walter said there are six colonies in the area.

Walter said he’s seen plenty of potential athletes at other colonies, but doesn’t expect anyone to follow his lead.

“Their parents never give them a chance,” he said.

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