Aug. 1, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
Randy Norton's experience, knowledge and loyalty have played a major leadership role as head coach Robin Pingeton has guided Illinois State women's basketball to its two most successful seasons in nearly a decade. In recognition of his role, Pingeton has promoted Norton to associate head coach.
"It seems like a natural progression for our program," said Pingeton. "Coach Norton and I talked about coaching together for many years. This is in recognition for his loyalty and hard work. He is very knowledgeable about basketball and about people. He has been a great asset to our program and to me, personally."
Norton came to Illinois State in 2003 for his first experience coaching women's basketball. From 1989-2003, he had 230 wins and two state titles as a boys prep basketball coach at Assumption High School in Davenport, Iowa. The former baseball and basketball letterwinner at Iowa was a professional baseball pitcher in the Montreal Expos system for three seasons before starting his coaching career. He looks forward to great days ahead for Illinois State.
"I have tremendous respect for Robin and for the direction she has taken women's basketball at Illinois State," said Norton. "I feel extremely honored to be part of a special situation. Great things are coming in basketball and all sports at Illinois State. It's great to be part of this program, this university and this community."
In Pingeton's first season, the Redbirds were one of the most improved teams in the nation with a 16-13 record - a mark which earned her 2004 Rawlings Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year. Last year, the `Birds created one of the biggest March Madness stories in recent history, emerging from a 10-17 regular-season record and a No. 8 seed to win the 2005 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, earning the program's first NCAA Tournament bid in 16 years.
Pingeton's staff, which also includes assistant coaches Willie Cox and Jenny Putnam, has been with her since she began at Illinois State in 2003.
"I've said from day one that I am blessed to have this staff," said Pingeton. "They all work extremely hard, are very committed and are passionate about what they do."
Norton agrees.
"We are fortunate that we are not only a coaching staff, but that we are also very good friends," said Norton. "It's an unusual coaching situation and I feel privileged to be part of it."
Norton and his wife, Claire, are the parents of four children: Thomas (14), Carly (13), Allie (11) and Nick (9).
