(Story courtesy of Trinity University)
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Gene Norris, a longtime Trinity
University football coach and administrator who was inducted into
the Trinity Athletics Hall of Fame, died at the age of 78 on
Wednesday, June 12.
Norris devoted 40 years of service to Trinity athletics and was an
assistant professor in the department of physical education. He
joined the staff in 1961 and retired in 2001.
He served as an assistant football coach and was the Tigers’
head coach from 1974 to 1989. Norris led Trinity to a 9-2 record in
1977. That mark tied a school standard for wins in a season, which
held until 1994. He also guided the Tigers to the Texas
Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in 1976.
Norris became the Tigers’ head golf coach in 1964 and guided
Trinity from a last-place finish in the Southland Conference to
runner-up spots in 1968, 1969, and 1971. The Tigers finished third
in the 1975 NCAA Division III Championships.
He was appointed director of athletics in 1985 and continued in
the position until 1993. Among many accomplishments, Norris oversaw
the expansion of the William H. Bell Athletic Center.
Norris was honored for his service to Trinity by an induction into
the Trinity University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.
A native of Chicago, Norris went on to play quarterback at the
University of Illinois. He graduated in 1957 and earned a master's
degree a year later.
Active in the community, Norris served as a volunteer
court-appointed special advocate for children. His role with Child
Advocates San Antonio (CASA) was that of a protector of children's
rights and welfare. With authority from the court, Norris visited
children, parents, foster parents, schools, and physicians. He also
was called upon to testify at hearings.
Norris is survived by his wife Jan, three siblings, six children,
10 grandchildren, and many friends.
At his request, there will be no service.
Memorial contributions in Norris' name may be made to CASA at casa-satx.org/donate.