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BRAINERD, MINN. - Sarah Northway graduated from Brainerd High School 15 years ago, played college basketball at Arizona and Connecticut, earned a law degree and now lives near Washington, D.C. But like everyone else with Brainerd ties, she was stunned to learn last fall that her school was planning to eliminate many sports programs.

"I saw what was happening and what the possibilities were with losing sports," she said. "And I really was shocked and very saddened, because sports are an integral part of a high school student's upbringing."

Now Sarah Maria, a married mother of two, she talked about the situation after Brainerd's recent all-sports banquet, a glittering annual event that honors Brainerd Warriors past and present. She was inducted into the school's hall of fame on a night that held special significance, since it came a few weeks after all sports and activities were saved in an effort that could become a model for others.

After a referendum failed last year, the school district announced that 17 of 29 varsity sports and many activities, plus all middle school sports and activities, would be eliminated. A massive community effort ensued, and the result was the formation of a nonprofit group that not only raised hundreds of thousands of dollars but also created a new funding method.

"We have a strong and wonderful tradition of athletics and activities here," said assistant superintendent Steve Razidlo, who will replace retiring superintendent Jerry Walseth this summer. "It was from that tradition that new patterns of thinking emerged that said, 'We value this so highly, and we can't afford to let it go.' "

The nonprofit group, Warrior Way Inc., has raised more than $330,000. The new funding plan uses investment proceeds from that money, along with drastically higher activity fees, to reduce the amount of public funding for sports and activities from 78 percent to 22 percent.

Activity fees at the high school (enrollment: 1,964) will increase from $80 to $380 per sport in 2008-09, but Warrior Way Inc. funds will confidentially assist families who cannot afford to pay any or all of that amount.

"Every dollar raised goes to kids, not for basketballs or buses or to pay coaches," said Brian Skogen, a Brainerd businessman and Warrior Way Inc. organizer.

The largest single donation to Warrior Way Inc. was $15,000. There were a handful of $10,000 donations, but most of the money came in small amounts. Elementary school classes held "Warrior Way Walks" and donated nickels and dimes.

"Some people wanted to donate to save 'their' sport, but we told them, 'Keep your money. This is bigger than any one sport,' " Skogen said. "We followed a philosophy of inclusion."

Brainerd schools have been making budget cuts for five consecutive years. In last fall's referendum, 5,400 people voted in favor of using increased property taxes to support the district -- more yes votes than in any previous Brainerd school levy -- but the measure still lost by 3,300 votes.

"We asked for a mandate and we received a mandate," said Walseth, who called Warrior Way Inc. a silver lining that resulted from the defeat at the polls.

Hundreds of people came to meetings where the issues were discussed, and their message was clear. "They said, 'You can't let these things go,'" Razidlo said.

Brainerd athletic director Todd Selk, the master of ceremonies at the all-sports banquet, spoke about Warrior Way's efforts to the 850 people who dined in the high school gym.

"The foundation, though rocked this past year, stands firm," he said. "The building that houses Warrior activities has seen and will see some remodeling. But the overall structure remains solid and constant."

Maria, who left her hometown long ago but keeps Brainerd in her heart, said: "I wasn't surprised that people would rally like that. Because this town is a really supportive, great community that is always willing to rally around people any time help is needed."

http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps/18913199.html