LA VERNE, CA — Jamie Norton has been named the new University of La Verne head men's and women's cross country coach, Director of Athletics Scott Winterburn announced Monday. Norton will also serve as the distance specialist assistant coach for the men's and women's track and field teams.
Norton brings a wealth of NCAA Division III championship-level coaching experience most recently at Williams College where he served as the assistant cross country and track and field coach for the past three years under United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Famer Peter Farwell.
"We are thrilled to announce that Jamie Norton will be taking the reigns of our men's and women's cross country programs," said Winterburn. "Jamie comes to us with an extensive and successful background in championship level cross country and academics. We are so happy to have him leading our men and women."
At Williams, Norton tutored five cross country All-Americans and 10 indoor and outdoor track and field All-Americans. Norton was part of the coaching staff that led the Ephs to the 2019 NCAA Division III Women's Indoor Track and Field Championship. In addition, Norton helped 13 athletes qualify for the NCAA indoor and outdoor championships.
"Our entire coaching staff, plus all the many runners of the cross country and track teams here at Williams, will miss Jamie greatly as he has been a 'champion' coach here, meaning he has dedicated himself to improving our program, and most importantly providing our student-athletes with consummate workouts, organization, communication, and counseling," said Farwell. "We know he will be a superb head cross country coach at La Verne, and thus send him west with our deepest admiration, amidst cheers and applause."
Prior to Williams, Norton worked as a graduate assistant for two seasons at cross country powerhouse North Central College under USTFCCCA Hall of Fame coach Al Carius. While at North Central, the Cardinals captured two NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country National Championships. The Cardinals dominated the races and both wins remain the two largest margins of victory in NCAA Division III history.
"From the time I first met Jamie I knew he was destined to become an outstanding head coach, and this was reinforced daily as I worked with him and got to know him at North Central College," said USTFCCCA Coach of the Century Al Carius. "Philosophically he is on rock-solid ground to help guide him with his fantastic knowledge of track and cross country as well as his natural ability to relate to others, especially his athletes.
"I am so very proud of him and know that success will follow him because of who he is and his very positive influence on those around him. La Verne has a great young coach."
Norton was also part of great success on the track at North Central as the Cardinals won the 2017 NCAA Division III Men's Indoor Track and Field Championship. He helped coached many individual and relay All-Americans in the distance and middle events including two-time NCAA Champion Dhruvil Patel. Norton also worked extensively with the horizontal jumpers, significantly improving the group.
"We are excited about the addition of Jamie to our staff and our team," said University of La Verne Track and Field Head Coach Kevin Reid. "Coach Norton brings with him a history of success as a student-athlete, graduate assistant, and coach. He is a relational coach who has shown the ability to integrate a high level of athletic and academic achievement. He brings a deep understanding of NCAA DIII athletics, and we are looking forward to what he will bring to the University of La Verne, the athletic staff, and the cross country and track and field staff."
After a successful career as a student-athlete at Tufts, Norton got his coaching start at his alma mater where he mentored four-time NCAA 800m Champion Mitchell Black and helped guide eight athletes to All-American status in both cross country and track and field. Norton also helped ensure high academic standards among his team with 23 athletes earning Academic All-American honors.
"I want to thank Scott Winterburn, Kevin Reid, and everyone on the hiring committee for this opportunity," said Norton. "I can't wait to get to La Verne and build upon the tradition of success within the distance program. The tools are in place at La Verne to create a supportive, inclusive culture where student-athletes can work hard together to be at their best and compete at a high level as a team. I look forward to working with the staff and the students to develop that environment.
"I also want to thank everyone at Williams, North Central, and Tufts for helping me develop into the coach and person I am today. I have developed so many meaningful relationships with students and coaches at those schools that will continue to positively influence my life for years to come."
At Tufts, Norton was a two-time All-American, anchoring the second place distance medley relay at the indoor championships in 2013 and finishing fifth in the 1500m at the outdoor championships in 2014 while serving as the Jumbos' team captain for both the cross country and track and field teams. He qualified for the NCAA Championships five times, twice in indoors, twice in outdoors, and once in cross country. Additionally, he won the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) 1500m Championship in 2014 and still holds the Tufts school record for the indoor mile (4:06.38).
Norton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and international relations from Tufts and received a Master of Business Administration from North Central.
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