During Norm’s senior year at Medford, as an offensive center, he was often called upon to play fullback when Medford needed those yards for a first down. He was an outstanding player (on a mediocre football team) that led him to All-District, All-State in 1953. He was a three-year letterman and served as captain his senior year and co-captain of the State Shrine team in 1954. His outstanding play at Medford High School gained him the honors of High School All-American and Wigwam Wisemen.

Norm was a three-year letterman at the University of Oregon. He made 2nd team All-Coast his senior year and was a big factor in his 1957 team being selected to play in the Rose Bowl game New Years Day in Pasadena. He was elected co-captain of the 1958 University of Oregon Rose Bowl Team.

From 1961 to 1965 Norm coached football at Willamette University and from 1966 to 1971 he was football coach at the University of Oregon.