Transition Between Divisions

One of the biggest contributions that Gene Norris brought to Trinity athletics was helping it transition from a Division 1 program to a Division 3 program. Even when Trinity was still a Division 1 program it was clear that they were a better fit in Division 3. The cost of traveling and recruiting became way too expensive, and it was something that the school could no longer afford. As a result, Trinity made the switch to Division 3.

While Gene Norris was initially against the move, he quickly realized that it was the right thing to do economically. While it may have been the right thing to do, Trinity athletics struggled in the transition. Since Trinity could no longer offer scholarships, the recruting numbers declined in nearly every single deparment. In fact, the football team was in danger of being disbanded, but Gene Norris did not let that happen as he continued to push the team forward.

While many people were upset about the transition, it was ultimately one of the best choices that Trinity ever made. While many of the teams struggled during this time, Gene Norri's influence kept the athletic program moving forward. Norris was eventually hired as athletic director in 1985 where he continued to push the athletic deparment forward. He helped bridge the gap between some of Trinity athletics worst times to some of their best. If it weren't for Norris then there might not even be a football team today, and Trinity athletics wouldn't be nearly as successful.