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Men's Basketball

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Keegan

Humble coach, mentor deserves spotlight

By Tom Keegan

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Gospel of Luke, chapter 14, verse 11, reads, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

photo

Thad Allender/Journal-World Photo

Former Kansas assistant coach Lafayette Norwood, left, and former head coach Ted Owens, center, join Darnell Valentine for his jersey-retirement ceremony at halftime of the KU-Georgia Tech game on Jan. 2, 2005, at Allen Fieldhouse.

Lafayette Norwood, a successful basketball coach at the high school, college, junior college and AAU levels, and a winning golf coach at Johnson County Community College, no doubt knows this because he is an “avid reader of the Bible,” according to someone who would know. Norwood also embodies that message every day of his life, said the same person.

Naturally, it would be a verse from chapter 14 from the book Norwood reads repeatedly that would capture him best, and of course it’s the No. 14 tee box at Alvamar Country Club behind which Norwood lives.

For decades, Norwood and the most decorated No. 14 in Kansas University basketball history, Darnell Valentine, have been inextricably linked.

In KU’s record books, Valentine ranks No. 1 in steals (336), No. 5 in assists (609) and No. 6 in points (1,821). A member of the 1980 Olympic team, three-time Academic All-American, four-time All-Big Eight selection, 1981 second-team Associated Press All-American and first-round draft choice of the Portland Trail Blazers, he shares the credit for every one of those accomplishments with the man he considers more than his former basketball coach.

“He’s been a surrogate father for me,” Valentine said Saturday. “There’s not much I can reflect on in this lifetime that hasn’t involved him, either directly or indirectly.”

Valentine came to Lawrence from his home in Portland, Ore., this week to partake in Friday night’s Rock Chalk Roundball Classic that benefited three local families fighting cancer.

“And then for it to fall when I could spend part of Father’s Day with coach, it was just perfect timing,” said Valentine, whose jersey was retired in 2005.

Norwood was Valentine’s head coach at Wichita Heights High and assistant at KU in addition to being a lifelong mentor.

Valentine contacted me through mutual friend Mike Easterday in hopes he could share with the community his belief that Norwood is “a treasure, a secret that’s quietly kept. I wanted him to get a little acknowledgment, even though he’s the last one to want to attract any attention to himself.”

How cool is that?

As is the case on every one of his trips to Lawrence, Valentine’s staying with his coach.

“I’ve got my room and if there are other guests, he has them move to another room or to a couch because that’s my room,” Valentine said.

It’s been a tough couple of years for Norwood, 77. He lost his wife of 56 years, Betty Ann, in 2010, his son, Seth, 42, in 2011.

“His testimony is so strong,” Valentine marveled. “He’s certainly hurt and he’s certainly trying to find a way through these tremendous losses, but in his quiet way, people can look and see how he’s responded and they can have hope and get some kind of sense that in times of great loss, if you have your life in order, it’s possible to get through the difficulty. He’s one of those kind of guys that you can tangibly touch and say, ‘There’s an example, if we’re able to do it right, we can get through this.’”

A nine-year NBA veteran, Valentine credits much of his basketball success to Norwood, but said he learned more “intellectual, spiritual and emotional” lessons from him than basketball. He said he’ll continue to find ways to “kill two birds with one stone,” on trips to Lawrence, as he did this week.

“You can look at the records and figure out that he’s 77,” Valentine said. “The next 10 years are going to be quality years. I want to siphon as much of him and his spirit as I can.”

Valentine knew that if he waited for Norwood to exalt himself, it never would happen, so he did the exalting and shared the secret of a hidden local treasure. Nice of him to do so.

Comments

ukanjhox 11 months, 1 week ago

I need Cliffs Notes for this article.

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Saguaro_Jayhawk 11 months, 1 week ago

It is intended for readers at least 10 years old.

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hawk316 11 months, 1 week ago

I'm somewhat older than 10, but I enjoyed the article. I especially appreciated gaining new insight into Norwood, his great influence on Valentine and others, his strong faith and his humility (a quality greatly under appreciated in our current culture).

Thanks, LJW, for this glimpse into the life of such a special gentleman.

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yovoy 11 months, 1 week ago

Coach Norwood is humble.

He has had a tremendous effect on Mr. Valentine's life; more than just in basketball, and Mr. Valentine wants everyone to know.

Coach N is so humble that if it were left up to him to toot his own horn it wouldn't get done, so DV has contacted the media to write an article about what a treasure Coach is, and what a great influence Coach has been.

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yovoy 11 months, 1 week ago

LN also coach a young Brandon Rush back in the day (not in the article, but a footnote to the Cliff's Notes).

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KEITHMILES05 11 months, 1 week ago

Quality article.

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april28 11 months, 1 week ago

+1. Darnell is such a class act....

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KCJay 11 months, 1 week ago

After reading the nice things said of Coach Norwood, I wanted to share with you that I had him for a coach at Roosevelt Junior High School in Wichita. After hearing of his resume of schools, I think this must have been his first teaching job. I wasn't a real jock in junior high, but he related to me on my level giving me good adult advice. I use to enjoy seeing him at the basketball games knowing he was still sharing is wisdom and love for life. Congratulations and wishing you the best life has to offer!

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bradh 11 months, 1 week ago

It's nice to hear about the accomplishments of someone within athletics from someone other than themselves. It says a lot about Coach Norwood and Darnell.

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ferdthemooncat 11 months, 1 week ago

Always nice to hear about the unexalted; nice Father's Day read, thanks.

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cheeseburger 11 months, 1 week ago

Coach Norwood is a very fine man, and a great positive role model and mentor for young people. Through the tragedies of losing both his wife and one of his sons, he has remained positive and upbeat. Happy Father's Day, Coach Norwood!

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jhox 11 months, 1 week ago

I once took a coaching of basketball class at KU, with Lafayette as the instructor. I can't say enough about what a great guy he is. I ran into him probably 5 years after that class and went up to reintroduce myself. Before I could give him my name, he called it out. A random guy from his class, and years later he remembered me by name. I shouldn't have been surprised because he is obviously a great people person.

I believe he may have also founded the Bitty Basketball program in Wichita, which helped that city produce a lot of great basketball players.

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lonestar_jayhawk 11 months, 1 week ago

I was lucky enough to sit next to Mrs. Norwood (and Mrs. Owens) one night during a game at Gallagher-Iba Arena. We were in hostile territory. She was a very classy lady! A great Jayhawk family.

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jaybate 11 months, 1 week ago

Jesus, what a great story, Tom!

And I use Jesus intentionally.

Frozen rope out of the park.

Perfect.

Darnell, you are still an awesome person.

Coach Norwood, I can't say why, but sometimes I have a hunch that I know you.

Don't worry. Wrong or right, my hunch will always stay a hunch.

But I must say this now.

You struggling, crying and loving your way through your two enormous personal losses ranks waaaaaaaaaaaay high up there in my mind as an inspiration, not just as a tragedy.

Paul Newman inspires me, because of what he did after he lost his son.

John Wooden inspires me, because of how he handled Nell's loss.

Now you inspire me, because of your struggle to keep doing and giving after this double-barreled loss of yours.

And I need this inspiration right now, as I am to lesser degree behind the 8-Ball of loss, also.

"All real living is meeting." --Martin Buber from I and Thou

This story has introduced you to me virtually at least.

It has made me one more player of yours, whether you want me or not. :-)

I am looking up to you as a model of how to deal with this stuff.

Be strong, Coach.

Not super human.

Just do what you have to do.

Go through what you have to go through.

But fight to heal, not to forget.

Remember "All real living is meeting," as Buber said.

You are not alone.

And you are still needed here, now, until you reunite with your loved ones later.

Rock Chalk, Coach Norwood, Rock Chalk!

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REHawk 11 months, 1 week ago

jb, whatever your recent loss, or impending loss, best wishes for speedy healing. p.s. If I did not thank you appropriately months ago, I certainly wish to extend appreciation for your artistic efforts in designing my avatar. The appropriate bold colors have saved time and eyesight on many scrolling occasions.

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jaybate 11 months, 1 week ago

Thanks for responding. Healing in process. Your using the avatar is thanks enough. I'm up past curfew. I'll run the steps tomorrow. :-)

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nuleafjhawk 11 months, 1 week ago

jaybate,

I know this isn't a "religious" board and I sincerely hope that I don't offend you or anyone else, but this is who I am (under all the sarcasm and dumb jokes). To me, these verses seem to be specifically for you at this time:

Jeremiah 15: 20-21 (NKJV)

20 And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; And they will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you; For I am with you to save you And deliver you,” says the Lord.

21 “I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, And I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.”

Take care, my friend - RCJH !

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jaybate 11 months, 1 week ago

Thanks, nuleafjhawk.

I will remember these verses you have given me.

They are big medicine.

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hawk316 11 months, 1 week ago

Jaybate, one of your best posts ever. Thanks for honestly sharing your heart.

If I may pass on a couple of verses that I've always found very helpful...

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)

Someone once said that one of the prayers God will always answer is the honest cry of "help!" God can't wait to help us if we will just give him full permission to work in our lives.

End of today's sermon :-)

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txrockchalk 11 months, 1 week ago

Thank you for sharing, jaybate. May God bless you in this difficult time.

Thanks also to nuleafjhawk and hawk316 for the thoughtful scriptures.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Rock Chalk Jayhawk indeed!

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swjhawk 11 months, 1 week ago

We have a great basketball program because of great people. Fine article.

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drgnslayr 11 months, 1 week ago

Thanks for the story, Tom.

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steveyea 11 months, 1 week ago

It may seem unfair at times that the look at me loudmouths get most of the attention in this world, but God is going to fix all that when it really matters, as many who are first now will be last, and many who are last will be first. I am glad to hear that Lafayette is smart enough to do it God's way.

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Uptown 11 months, 1 week ago

I had the pleasure of sharing lockers in high school with Sammy Norwood, an older son of Coach Norwood. He was humble, even keeled and very respectful even though I was the closest thing to white bread when even lockers were segregated. Lavern Smith was in that little space too!

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JHAWKNPHX 11 months, 1 week ago

Coach gave me the opportunity to play for him at JCCC. He is more than just a teacher of sports, he is a teacher of life. When our team would travel around the state, we always came across someone who knew him. Even at a random gas station!!! LOL That just showed us how many lives he has influenced in the state.

The article is true in the fact that Coach would do anything to help someone out. He has one of the biggest hearts and souls of anyone I have met.

Great job Coach!! Your the man!!!

Swope

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