Highland Coach Norman to be inducted into to the NJCAA Hall of Fame
2/26/2010
FREEPORT – Highland Community College Athletic Director and former men’s basketball coach, Pete Norman, has been selected to be inducted into the National Junior College Athletics Association Region IV Hall of Fame, class of 2010.
Pete Norman
Norman led the men’s basketball team from 1994 to 2009, accumulating a career total 395 wins and 5 berths to the National Tournament in his last 6 years; 11 consecutive Arrowhead championships, including 69 straight conference victories and six straight region titles.
Norman’s Cougars made it into the national record books for the longest winning streak (29 wins) in the nation in 2003-2004. Coach Norman has been named Illinois Basketball "Coach of the Year" 5 times; Region IV "Coach of the Year" 7 times, and Arrowhead Conference "Coach of the Year" 13 times.
Even though Norman built the Highland program into a national powerhouse, he has always been known for his humility and appreciation for the unparalleled following and support from Cougar Nation, Highland’s loyal fan base.
In addition to his successes on the court, he is most proud of his student-athletes’ accomplishments in the classroom. As an advocate for higher education, Norman inspired his student-athletes to reach their goals-both athletically and academically. Over 90% of Highland's men's basketball players have graduated and transferred to Universities and colleges throughout the United States during his tenure. Several former players are competing professionally.
Reflecting on Norman’s years as head coach, Joe Kanosky said, “The College is very proud of his 15 seasons as coach. Pete came to Highland at a time when the program was in need of revitalization and he surely accomplished that goal. Most importantly, Pete set a precedent that academics matter. He is most respected by the College community for his commitment to helping his players be good students and citizens as well as excellent athletes.”
Norman will be formally inducted and presented with the NJCAA plaque on March 6th during the Men’s Region IV Championship Game in the Larry F. Kahl Gymnasium on the HCC campus.
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