It’s game on as Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Preachers basketball players face off against alumni at 7:30 p.m. CT Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, during the annual “Hoops for Hope” game. 

The event will raise awareness and support for Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS) Academy at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, a new micro-school that serves school-age children in north St. Louis city. The school was founded by Tequila Pruitt, daughter of the late Dr. John Schmidtke (’87) who served at the adjoining Bethlehem Lutheran Church for more than 30 years. Schmidtke died in May.

“It is becoming a tradition for former players to come back in February for some friendly competition with current and future pastors. Many of us were shaped for ministry through the joys and struggles we experienced as members of the Preachers basketball team,” said Assistant Coach Dr. Peter Nafzger, assistant professor of Practical Theology and director of Student Life. “This annual reunion strengthens our bonds and helps us remember (and try to relive!) those formative years in Pederson Field House.”  

The game will take place in the Pederson Field House, located on the campus of Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, Mo. 

Alumni who are interested in playing should sign up by Jan. 31. Questions should be directed to Alumni Relations at 314-505-7626 or [email protected].

About Concordia Seminary

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit csl.edu.