Trinity Football

Norris was promoted to the head football coach position in 1974 after being apart of the coaching staff since 1961. Norris was very good at lifting the teams morale as he had an easy going coaching style and he took the time to talk to all of his players. Players consistently complimented and praised Norris for his continous optimism and confidence. The football team struggled during the first couple years under his supervision, mostly because of the transition to Division 1 to Division 3, but he alwasy remained positive. Many players have recalled how humble and modest Norris was, and how he would never embarrass one his player in front of other teammates. This was something that stuck with many of his players and they respected him for it.

At one point Norris stated that, "If I were ever in a war, I'd want these guys on all sides of me" (Henry, 1982) showing the love and respect that he had for his players. Much of that respect came from the fact that his players played on a volunatary basis, due to the lack of scholarships. Norris once stated, that his players were involved in athletics because they had a true love of the sport. "They're doing it becuaes they like it. I enjoy that" (Cameron, 1985).

While the football team would have it's ups and downs throughtout Norri's time as the head coach, the Tigers won the undisputed TIAA conference title in 1976, which was the first conference crown for the Tigers since 1955. They would continue to have several succesful years, but the lack of depth and constant injuries assured that they would not be able to sustain any continuous success.