Hall of Fame

HOF_Norton_Jim

James Norton

  • Class
    1978
  • Induction
    1990
  • Sport(s)
James (Jim) Norton
Northern Intercollegiate Conference
Southwest Minnesota State College/Southwest State University
 
James (Jim) Norton graduated from White Bear Lake Minnesota Senior High School in 1974 and attended Southwest Minnesota State University (SSU) on an academic and swimming scholarship.  As a scholar athlete he earned a Bachelor of Arts (dual major in Chemistry and Biology) graduating in 1978.
 
Athletically Jim earned All Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) honors each of his four years (75,76,77,78) as a mid-distance freestyler.  He was the NIC 200 free champion in 1975  and anchored the NIC record setting 800 free relay which earned National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American honors in 76 after placing 4th at NAIA Nationals. Jim was recognized by the team and coaching staff as “Most Improved” in 1975, “Most Inspirational” in 1976 (following his come from behind victory anchoring the 800 free relay which inspired the team to its 4th NIC championship) and selected as co-captain his junior and senior year (77,78). 
 
Head SSU Swimming Coach Don Palm noted in 1977 “Jim has shown great leadership qualities both in and out of the pool.  His good nature is reflected in the Southwest State “Swimming Machine’s” great team spirit and unity”.  Norton was also a student leader in campus activities serving on Student Activity Fee Allocating Committee 76,77,78;  Student Accreditation Committee 78; Student Foundation Fundraiser 78; Student Senate 76-77; and was a Resident Assistant  1976-77,1977-78.
 
Following SSU graduation Jim earned a Masters of Science (MS) from the University of Massachusetts, and was awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota.  He served in the United States Navy as an Aerospace Physiologist where among his responsibilities was the oversight of the Naval Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training Program.  Captain Norton concluded his 30 year Navy career as Commanding Officer of the Navy Medicine Operational Training Center.