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Randy Norton's experience, knowledge and loyalty have played a major role in guiding Illinois State to its many achievements over the past four years. A highly-successful high school coach, Norton's talents transferred well when he made the move to the collegiate game. In recognition of his role, head coach Robin Pingeton promoted Norton to associate head coach following the 2004-05 season. With Norton a part of the staff, the Redbirds have made appearances in both the NCAA Tournament and WNIT. In 2005, Illinois State won its first State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title by beating three higher-seeded teams in three days, including a last-second victory in the finals. The 2006-07 season was a great success, as ISU had its most wins in nearly two decades. With 23 years of coaching experience, Norton's complete grasp of all elements of coaching have a daily impact on the success of Redbird basketball. When Norton came to Illinois State, it was his first experience coaching women's basketball, but he already had established himself as one of the top prep boys basketball coaches in Iowa. From 1989-2003, he had 230 wins and two Iowa State Championships as a boys prep basketball coach at Assumption High School in Davenport, Iowa. He was 230-95 in 14 seasons at Assumption High School and earned two Iowa Coach of the Year Awards. Already headed for legendary coaching status in his home state, Norton accepted Pingeton's call to help rebuild Redbird women's basketball. His transition from boys prep basketball to the women's college game has been seamless because of his belief that fundamentals are the same for all players. Norton also had a prestigious athletic career as a player. In high school, he was an Iowa all-state selection in basketball and baseball. At the University of Iowa, he played both basketball and baseball for two legendary coaches. As a freshman and sophomore, he was a guard on Lute Olson's (now the head coach at Arizona) basketball teams that won a 1979 Big Ten Conference title and advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 1980. As a pitcher for the Hawkeyes' baseball team, he was a four-year letterwinner for Duane Banks, Iowa's all-time wins leader. He helped the Hawkeyes average 34 wins per season during his time. Norton then went on to pitch professionally in the Montreal Expos (now known as the Washington Nationals) organization for three seasons before beginning his coaching career. Norton and his wife, Claire, are the parents of four children: Thomas (17), Carly (16), Allie (14) and Nick (11). |
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