The Minister Of Basketball Valley Christian School Coach Relies On Bible Along With Playbook
Valley Christian School’s Steve Altmeyer approaches basketball with a missionary’s zeal.
“I went into coaching as a ministry, to build character in kids,” he said.
Altmeyer also is no stranger to the State B Tournament.
A player at Freeman High School, Altmeyer averaged 20 points a game for the 1973 team that placed fifth at state.
As coach, he brought Davenport and two Willapa Valley teams to the old Coliseum, his 1981 Willapa Valley team winning a state title.
Back into coaching after eight years away, Altmeyer would like to see Valley Christian School become accustomed to Spokane’s annual March Madness as well.
“I would like to see the program established,” said Altmeyer, who also coached two years with Athletes In Action, a Christian collegiate all-star team, and at Wenatchee High School. “I want to get them to the big dance this year.”
The Panthers are not that far away after qualifying to next week’s Northeast B tournament for the second straight year.
Last year they were the Bi-County’s surprise, a last-minute push getting them into the playoffs.
A four-point loss left the 13-14 team one game away from state.
“They had no offense, just went to the two guys who graduated,” said Altmeyer.
Altmeyer took over this year, installed an offense and sent the Panthers off on a roller coaster ride.
They were unbeaten in pre-season and at one point in league were 11-3 overall.
By season’s end the team was 7-7 in league and 13-7 overall. They had taken unbeaten Reardan to overtime and upset Liberty on the road. They also lost to Sprague-Harrington and needed a 28-point fourth quarter to rally past last-place Davenport.
“The potential’s there. It’s all about believing,” preaches Altmeyer. “That needs to become a way of life. They need to get into that mindset.”
To the team’s credit, he said, the Panthers have won when it mattered.
“The exciting thing about it,” said Altmeyer, “is that several kids throughout the year have risen to the occasion. If one has a bad night, other kids step up to the plate.”
In the Bi-County tournament they spanked Sprague-Harrington by 20 points and Tuesday night beat Liberty by 14 to qualify for district.
Team scoring leader Brian Sears had only 12 points and Derek Sandin was blanked.
So Michael Spuler led the team with 22 points and freshman Jared Evans came off the bench to score 13. Tim Teterud shut down the league’s scoring leader, Travis Greenwalt, holding him nine points below his season average.
Frustrated Lancers were assessed four technical fouls and coach Dave Baird was ejected. More than winning, Altmeyer was pleased with Valley Christian’s behavior.
“They handled themselves like gentlemen,” he said. “They don’t talk to officials, don’t talk back.”
Sears took on the inside role vacated by graduates Jeremy Sandin and Aaron Asbury. He and Spuler each averaged 15.2 points per game in the Bi-County.
“Last year Brian was a role player. This year all of a sudden he’s our inside game,” said Altmeyer. “The last three or four games, Michael is playing to his potential.”
Teterud has given the team defensive intensity. Sophomore Jeremy Decker is the point guard and his youth may be a reason for Valley Christian’s inconsistency this year.
“At times he has shown he’s one of the best in league,” said Altmeyer.
Sandin became the team’s rebounder.
“He’s done things in games to give us wins,” said Altmeyer.
Evans and Jay King provide a lift off the bench.
Teterud and King are the only seniors. Altmeyer is excited about the future.
But, he says, sports is more than wins and losses.
“Obviously, I love the Lord and being in a Christian school has been really a blessing,” said Altmeyer of his mission. “If it’s just about basketball, I’ve failed. They learn to respond to authority, adversity and learn to give up self for others.”
Of course, a week in the Arena would be a nice reward for the sacrifice.
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