Hall of Fame
Norm Lord faithfully served Washington and Lee in a number of capacities after arriving on campus in 1946 following service in World War II. Over the next 43 years, he would assume duties as a coach, physical education professor and athletics department administrator.
Shortly after arriving in Lexington as assistant professor of physical education, Lord was instrumental in the creation of the men’s soccer program, and he would serve as the program’s head coach for the first three seasons. The Generals posted a 10-12-1 record across those first three years, including an undefeated campaign (3-0-1) in the first season, which included a 2-0 win over Virginia.
Lord transitioned to head men’s cross country coach for the 1949 and 1950 seasons, before being recalled to active duty for the Korean Conflict.
He returned to W&L in 1952, continuing to serve as a supervisor of the physical education program and adding responsibilities as business manager for the department of athletics, ticket manager and director of intramural programs.
Lord began coaching track & field in 1955 and over the next 12 seasons, he led the Generals to a 54-39 dual meet record, including a perfect 8-0 season in 1961. He also served as the freshman wrestling coach.
Lord was active with a number of athletics organizations and his impact extended far beyond campus. He became the first registered soccer official in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1948 and he officiated more than 1,000 games from 1948-75. He formed the Virginia Intercollegiate Soccer Association (VISA) in 1959, and served as the VISA commissioner of officials from 1960-84. He was inducted into the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association Hall of Fame in 1984, and was named the association's "Man of the Year" in 1989. He was later inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1995.
Lord received the NCAA College Football Centennial Award in 1969 and he was heavily involved in the sport of track & field as a clinician and state rules interpreter. He served on the National Federation Track & Field Rules Committee and was a starter and referee for more than 1,000 high school indoor and outdoor track & field contests.
For his efforts in the sport, Lord received the Walt Cormack Award for his outstanding contributions, and he also received the Virginia High School Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award and the Virginia High School League Certificate of Recognition. He was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame in 1991.
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