Norman Christopher Greene (July 12, 1973 – January 26, 2022) was an American athlete notable for his achievements in collegiate football and high school track and field. Born in Fort Hood, Texas, Greene excelled in both sports during his formative years, eventually becoming a starting free safety for the South Carolina Gamecocks football team while maintaining his reputation in track and field.[1] In 1991, Greene was the top-rated high school hurdler in the nation, according to Track and Field News.[2]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 12, 1973 Killeen, Texas |
| Died | January 26, 2022 Columbia, South Carolina |
| Resting place | Sumter, South Carolina |
| Education | University of South Carolina |
| Alma mater | Sumter High School |
| Sport | |
| Sport | American College Football, track and field |
| Position | defensive back, sprint (running) |
| University team | South Carolina Gamecocks football |
Early life and education
editGreene was one of four children born to Geneva H. Greene and the late Staff Sgt. Bobby G. Greene.[3] He attended Sumter High School, graduating as part of the Class of 1991.
Greene's athletic prowess became evident during his high school years, where he was a starting defensive back for the football team and earned recognition as a member of the 1990 Shrine Bowl team.[4] During that week leading up to the game in Charlotte, NC, Greene was also voted defensive unit captain by his teammates.[5] As a high school junior, he was also named The Sumter Item's high school football "Player of the Year" in 1990.[6] As a senior, Greene had 108 tackles and one interception and helped his team win the South Carolina High School state AAAA football championship.[7] He was also responsible for secondary calls for the school's defensive team.[8] He was named to the All-Southern team by the Orlando Sentinel.[9] He was named in the Top 100 by the High School Sports Report and in the Top 12 by South Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association.[10]
Track and field achievements
editGreene garnered acclaim for his accomplishments in track and field at Sumter High School, securing consecutive state titles including 1988[11] and 1991[12] in both the 110 meter high hurdles & 300 meter intermediate hurdles. Greene was also a member of three state champion relay teams.[13] His senior season saw him set the national record in the 110 high hurdles.[14] Greene was named 1991 Male Athlete of the Year by Sumter School District 17.[15] In recognition of his athletic achievements, Greene was inducted into both the Sumter Sports Hall of Fame and the Sumter High Athletic Hall of Fame.[6]
| Year | Event | Time | Location | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 110HH | 15:04 | Sumter - Coach's Classic[16] | 1st |
| 300IH | 41.8 | Sumter - Coach's Classic | 1st | |
| 1991 | 110HH | 13.65* | 4A SC State High School Championship[14] | 1st |
| 110HH | 13.57 | 1st | ||
| 110HH | 13.52* | Orlando, FL -Orlando Sentinel Golden South Classic (1991)[17][14] | 1st | |
| 110HH | 13.82 | Los Angeles - National Scholastic Outdoor[7] | 1st | |
| 110HH | Chicago - Keebler Invitational | |||
| 110HH | Minnesota - TAC Junior National Championship | |||
| 55H | 7.51 | Syracuse - National High School Indoor Championships | 6th |
In the finals of the 1991 National High School Indoor Championships, after coming in first during the qualifiers, Greene cut his leg on the hurdle and came in sixth place overall.[18]
Collegiate career
editIn February 1991, Greene signed his letter of intent to continue his athletic endeavors at the University of South Carolina, where he continued to excel in football as a starting free safety for the Gamecocks.[19]
Greene was forced to start as a true freshman when senior Leon Harris was dismissed from the team, prior to the start of the season.[20] Greene scored his first touchdown as a defender in his first game against the Duke Blue Devils.[21]
Greene suffered a concussion while playing the free safety position.[22]
Career and personal life
editBeyond athletics, Greene served as an assistant coach for Spring Valley High School's football team, was employed at Blue Fin Restaurant in Columbia at the time of his passing.[23]
Greene died on January 26, 2022, in Columbia, South Carolina.
References
edit- ^ "SHS hurdler attracts attention". The Item. April 1, 1990. p. 14. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Sumter begins state title defense". The Item. May 2, 1991. p. 27. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Bobby Gene Greene obituary". The Item. May 31, 1982. p. 2. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- ^ "Greene not bored on defense". The Item. December 9, 1990. p. 13. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Shine Bowl benefits injured children". The Item. December 9, 1990. p. 19. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ a b McLendon, Kevin (December 9, 1990). "23 Named to Item All Area Team". newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "The time of his life". The Item. June 16, 1991. p. 11. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Sumter's Greene isn't nice on the field". The Item. October 29, 1990. p. 13. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Sumter's Greene, Brooks sign with South Carolina". The Item. February 6, 1991. p. 9. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Sumter's Lewis, 5 area football players honored". The Item. February 12, 1991. p. 13. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Sumter trail team remains undefeated". The Item. April 21, 1988. p. 34. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Gamecocks breeze to state track title". The Item. May 18, 1990. p. 15. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Sumter wins Lower State". The Item. May 12, 1991. p. 13. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ a b c "South Carolina track and field boys all-time list". SCRUNNERS.COM. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Sumter School District 17 Salute to Students". The Item. June 23, 1991. p. 30. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Qualifers set for Classic". The Item. March 25, 1989. p. 12. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Green places 1st in Golden South". The Item. May 27, 1991. p. 11. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Gamecocks' Greene 6th in national meet". The Item. March 11, 1991. p. 15. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Bennett, Williamson USC's top recruits". The Item. February 7, 1991. p. 18. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "USC's Woods hoped to bring Greene along more slowly". The Item. October 11, 1991. p. 13. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Greene scores in debut". The Item. September 9, 1991. p. 14. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Wolfpack jumped out to early lead". The Item. November 3, 1991. p. 18. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "NORMAN CHRISTOPHER GREENE". The Sumter Item. February 2, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2024.