Be careful what you ask for! You may get more than you ask and more than you could ever imagine. I am a teacher and a high school athletics coach. In 2007, I told my assistant principal that I wanted to do something new. I had been coaching athletics, student council sponsor and teaching for 21 years in Texas public schools. Three weeks before school started for the 2007- 08 school year, my principal called and asked me “Norman, do you have an open mind?” The conversation continued with her asking me to start the robotics program. My conversation with my assistant principal from the previous spring was coming to fruition. I was asked to start the FRC program for Westlake High School. We had visited schools in California the previous year, one of which was FRC 1538 The Holy Cows led by David Berggren. He would become a mentor for myself from two time zones away. I became very aware of the importance of mentors providing leadership and assistance in FRC due to David’s mentorship. We registered for the 2008 season and received number 2468. It took us several months to realize we had 2 - 4 - 6 - 8. We became Team Appreciate on that morning in class.
Being the son of two teachers, I saw the first hand impact of individuals who are selfless and willing to invest in the long game of a program or individuals. Very few educators get a chance to start something from scratch. Nearly all educators are taking positions to replace some else. I had the chance to start something from scratch and utilize skills and methods I had witnessed through my childhood, schooling, college and teaching/coaching jobs. I had started my career as a high school coach primarily focused on basketball and teaching science. Little did I know that so many coaches, practices, lessons learned from coaching high school students, victories and losses would shape who I am as a robotic educator, coach, mentor and program lead.
I personally experienced learning by doing and hands on activities in classes as early as middle school shop, speech and debate, athlete as well as raising show animals in FFA. Learning by doing and having adults/teachers who allowed me to learn from my mistakes definitely influenced my methods as an educator. As we started our team, I was very fortunate to have mentors who bought into the leadership by asking leading questions and giving suggestions. Over time, I began to see the genius behind leadership and vision from Woodie Flowers, Dean Kamen and the FIRST community. Each season, mentors and leaders from other programs willingly shared and answered questions from myself, our team’s mentors and students. As a high school basketball coach, I shared about my program but always held some secrets close and did not reveal nuances of the game. Many individuals I considered giants in FRC would become not only mentors but close personal friends who I felt were genuinely interested in my success and the success of my team. And they shared any knowledge or information they had as well as answered questions I asked.
I never imagined my life would change or be so influenced by FIRST. I am so happy I asked to do something new and answered the question of “Do I have an open mind?” with a yes although it was probably not a resounding response.FIRST robotics has allowed me to experience all I ever got from coaching athletics and teaching in a traditional classroom and so much more. As Woodie said, it is “good stuff.” In our program, we define legacy as leaving a part of yourself behind to influence others. FIRST has left a legacy on me that I feel I will never be able to repay. I am indebted to so many mentors I consider icons of education and influence. This award is a “Me” award but without “Us” this would never have happened. Us includes so many that I have had the privilege to coach but also work alongside of; compete with and against; and most importantly learn from. I am honored to be included in this group because so many of you have directly or indirectly influenced and inspired me. Thanks to each of you who influenced me in such a positive and impactful way from Woodie, Dr. Murphy, Dean and WFA recipients.
I am honored to have been chosen as a Woodie Flowers Award recipient. It is truly the greatest honor I have ever received and realize it is a bit of recognition of the work that has been done, I cannot imagine a greater group to be a part of. They say you are the average of the five people you surround yourself with. I have had the opportunity to continually surround myself with great impactful individuals through FIRST. This award is an amazing honor but also comes with great responsibility. Being a part of this group is a gentle reminder of the influence and impact that is still to be accomplished.
Essay Submission
Coach. This single word captures a distinct image for both FIRST Team 2468 and the FIRST community. Coach Norman Morgan commands tremendous respect and is loved for his unparalleled determination. Whether he’s telling a story, explaining an engineering concept or coaching a match, Coach always uses his big heart (& big voice) to actively engage each of us; his dedication goes beyond mentorship. Since our start 10 years ago, he’s made us his family by always putting others before himself. One of his sayings is: “What’s YOUR legacy?” Yet, it is Coach himself—although he may not know it—who has the most significant legacy of all: touching the lives of tens of thousands.
Coach began his career as a sports coach—excelling at bonding teams and teaching students to problem solve. In 2007 with our first FRC team, he seamlessly adapted his sports passion to the FIRST scene. Coach didn't have to learn Coopertition & Gracious Professionalism. As he explains to all, FIRST isn't about winning but rather learning, inspiring and showing respect. He’ll never do a student's task for them; instead, he asks strategic questions and guides them. Coach pioneered a district-wide curriculum to accommodate the growing demand for STEM classes. He’s constantly motivating us, whether it be on the robot or outreach, to recognize the importance of robotics which has molded us into an award-winning team.
Coach’s interest in his students extends beyond robotics. At the start of meetings, he asks about our recent accomplishments and personally congratulates us. He’s instilled in students not only a burning desire to excel, but more importantly, a mindset of paying it forward & passing on opportunities. With this in mind he created 6 FTC teams at our school and tens of FLL teams at our feeder schools. His compassion and perseverance is what makes him such a great leader and role model not only for students but also other mentors. Scott Rippetoe (FRC 1477) says that Coach “[sets] a great example for all of us who mentor teams. Every time we get together I am amazed at what [he] and the team are up to.”
Coach strives to grow not only our program, but all of FIRST. It seems as if every day when we walk into our shop, he’s on the phone talking with another mentor. John V-Neun (FRC 148) says "Coach has become an institution in Texas FIRST. He’s the type of mentor who makes an event better just by being there. His positive influence is felt not only among students on his team, but every student who interacts with him.” Two years ago at the Alamo Regional, a Chinese team needed parts. Coach dropped everything to drive them to Wal-Mart, helping translate and buy items. They were astounded by his selflessness: “We have eaten American food, driven in an American car, shopped in an American store—and now we have experienced American life [due to Coach]. Thank you.” He’s left his lifelong legacy on all of us. The single word “Coach” will resonate with all of us. For the rest of our lives.
