Highland Community College fires head men's basketball coach for misconduct
FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — The board of trustees at Highland Community College recently terminated Luke Norman's position as the head men's basketball coach.
On February 20, Highland played a game against Kennedy-King College and won 70-69. After the game ended, the players went to shake hands, and there was a skirmish that was allegedly started by a Kennedy-King player.
The Highland team had to forfeit two games as a result of the fight. The athletic department and administration were then approached by the Region IV Ethics Committee, ruling the team to forfeit two more games.
Coach Norman asked the athletic director to appeal the ruling, claiming his players served their punishment. The athletic director and administration decided not to appeal, thus ending in frustration from Norman.
Norman was put on administrative leave through March 10, meaning he could not speak or see players for that period of time. The board of trustees decided to discuss the Norman's future at Highland.
Wednesday night's meeting saw over 200 people watching via Zoom and 40 people in person. Norman had 23 supporters speak out on his behalf.
'We don't want to lose someone like Luke,' Freeport resident Mike Marten said. 'What will that say for our city? Will they save our community? If we lose a young person trying to do his best, to better his career, what's that going to say about this community and this college?'
The board ultimately decided to terminate Norman, four members voted against him and two voted to keep him.
College President Chris Kuberski said the decision was based on Norman's inability to lead by example.
'College is about students and student learning,' Kuberski said. 'Whether they win or lose. the most important thing to us is that they have a good role model, and they have someone who will lead them and help form good character.'
Norman said he is not giving up.
'I want to extend my thanks to everyone who came for me on Zoom and in person,' Norman said. 'All we're doing is advocating for my players and we have proof and of their allegations against us and we'll see who wins in court.'
Kuberski said the college will begin its hunt for a new coach effective immediately.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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