Basic Information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norview_High_School

Norview High School is a public high school in central Norfolk, Virginia, Norview High
School is one of the 5 local high schools that serve the city. It is home of the Dodson
Scholars Program.
Rival: Granby High school (which does not appear to be reciprocated)

AAA Eastern
Beach District

Bayside | Cox | First Colonial | Green Run | Kellam |

Kempsville | Landstown | Ocean Lakes | Princess Anne | Salem
| Tallwood

Eastern District

Churchland | Granby | Lake Taylor | Maury | Norcom |

Norview | Booker T. Washington | Wilson

Peninsula District

Bethel | Denbigh | Gloucester | Hampton | Heritage |

Kecoughtan | Menchville | Phoebus | Warwick | Woodside

Southeastern District

Deep Creek | Grassfield | Great Bridge | Hickory | Indan River |

King's Fork | Lakeland | Nansemond River | Oscar Smith |
Western Branch

From the official School Website:

05.31.10
http://ww2.nps.k12.va.us/education/school/schoolhistory.php?sectiondetailid=374&&PH
PSESSID=bf126e40a30306ba726af65428ef1fc8

In 1921, the first school building to be called "Norview" was a farmhouse, known as
the Harlow house. In 1922, Norview students and their first principal, H.C. Barnes,
moved into a new high school, on the site of what is now Norview Middle School. In
June 1952, the cornerstone was placed for the new Norview High school building
located on Middleton Place. The first class to graduate from this building was the
class of 1955. At the time of its construction, this building was the largest high school
in the state of Virginia, originally built to house 1400 students. The original cost was
$3 million to build and $125,000 to furnish. Since then, other additions were made
including a girls' athletic area, guidance complex and 12 mobile classrooms. Air
 conditioning was added in 1999. Norview High's community of Norview was part of
Norfolk County, not the city of Norfolk. It is for this reason that Norview was the only
high school to have its own football stadium, which was built by Norfolk County.

Until the mid-60's, the "home" side of Chittum Field was the side nearest
Chesapeake Boulevard. For want of more seating capacity, the bleachers opposite
the traditional "home" side were made larger along with a larger press box;
thereafter, this larger side became the "home" side. Chittum Field was modified again
in 1981. This Norview has seen only three principals: Mr. C.W. "Bolo" Perdue, who
used to coach Norview's football team in the late 40's was principal until 1982 and
was succeeded by Mr. Claude Sawyer, who was principal until 1992. Mrs. Marjorie
Stealey, the current principal, was appointed in 1992 and was the first woman to
serve as a high school principal in Norfolk.

At a cost of $31.7 million to build and $4.7 million to furnish, the new Norview is open
to students. At approximately 288,000 square feet, it is twice the size of the building it
replaced and is designed for 1800 students. The groundbreaking took place in June
2002 in the middle of the football field where the construction process started.
The facility is now complete, including a new stadium adjacent to Sewell's Point
Road. Our school mascot, the "Pilot" biplane, has an interesting origin. One of the
early principals enjoyed amateur flying and often practiced in a field near Norview.
Norview "Pilots" became the accepted mascot and the most unique; as it is unlikely
that there is any other school whose mascot is the "Pilots". The alma mater was
written by Arch "Pop" Manning…

According to VHSL (http://www.vhsl.org/files/fb-past_champions-1970-present.pdf )

fellow Eastern District member Norcom reached the state Semifinals in 1988 and became
Champions in 1993.
Woodrow Wilson won the State championship in 1989 & 1991,
Norcom was also the District champion in 1996
(http://nia.ecsu.edu/nrts/Norcom/icnorcom.html )

More Information: http://www.vhsl-reference.com/statechampslist.cfm

Norview won the State Championship in 1959 and 1955. (During the “Group AAA” era).
Maury won the State Championship several times in the 1930s.
Granby won most recently in 1966 and several times previously.

This following page has a LOT of useful information, noting that the enrollment has
increased by 400 students over the past decade; also mentions that the school has made
the playoffs twice in that time, losing both times in the first round: http://www.vhsl-
reference.com/mastergames_byyear_byteam.cfm?ID=10531

District member Norcom won this past year’s AAA state championship game in
basketball. (So apparently they have some athletes) with a 25-4 record.
http://hamptonroads.com/2010/03/miracle-shot-and-miraculous-win-norcom
Appears District member Booker T Washington has a second year coach after Ron
Bolton resigned after only two years:

WANTED: Looking for a football coach with several years of experience, has a
winning attitude, can teach in the building, can be a role model to his
athletes and help bring an Eastern District championship back to the school.

Is that too much to ask?

That's what Booker T. Washington High is looking for after Ron Bolton accepted
an assistant coaching position at Delaware State. Bolton, a former NFL player,
was 8-12 in two seasons at Booker T. Washington.

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/03/booker-t-washington-looking-football-coach

In 2007 Allen Iverson held a Football clinic and flag football game at Booker T.
Washington High School.

http://wbjb.org/home.php/2007/07/20/iverson-coming-to-norfolk-for-football-clinic/

2007 Season Preview:

http://virginiapreps.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=914&CID=695532
The 2007 Norview offense should be more productive than the '06 team if
only because they return experience at key positions. None being more
important than running back Marquez Fields (5-7, 165), the returning
Eastern District's rushing champ who totaled 1,240 yards and 12 touchdowns
last season en route to being named a first-team All-District back. He'll be set
for a bigger year this season if he finds the holes opened by Klinton Ruff (6-
4, 290), a second team offensive lineman and DI prospect, all season. Ruff
will play alongside senior Nnamdi Oriuwa (6-2, 240), junior Todd Wilson
(5-11, 210) and sophomore Jordan Smith (6-0, 230) up front giving the
Pilots nice size along the line. On the edge, tight end Mike Williams (6-3,
190) brings tremendous athleticism and will provide a great target downfield.
Quarterback Ethan Newton (5-10, 160), who threw for 210 yards in a win
over Booker T. Washington last season, has a year's varsity experience under
his belt now which Coach Toran believes will greatly benefit the unit. Out
wide, he'll have solid targets in Brandon Greene (5-9, 170) and Travis
Bryant (5-11, 155) who are a bit undersized, but speedy. If the Pilots aerial
attack can consistently threaten a defense, Fields could be in business for an
even bigger senior season.

[Klinton “Buddy” Ruff signed and Redshirted one year with UVA. He is apparently no
longer with the program]
Recent Articles:

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/04/norviews-toran-quits-cites-stress-guiding-two-
sports?cid=srch

By Larry Rubama
The Virginian-Pilot
© April 27, 2010

NORFOLK

Robert Toran has stepped down as Norview's football coach after six seasons, citing
personal reasons and the demands of coaching two varsity sports.

Toran, 46, will stay on as the Pilots' wrestling coach.

"It's overwhelming trying to do both head coaching jobs," said Toran, who was 22-38 as
Norview's football coach. "Sometimes you need to step out from what you're used to
doing to refresh and look at things in a different perspective. And at this point in time this
is the best decision for me and my family."

This past season, the Pilots rebounded from an 0-5 start to win three of their final five
games. The Pilots lost three games by a touchdown or less. Toran's best season was a 6-4
finish in 2008. Norview last made the playoffs in 2001.

"I had some pretty good football players," Toran said. "Just for some reason couldn't
really put it all together. That's unfortunate. But I'm definitely going to miss it."

Toran was influential in producing good running backs. As a head or assistant coach -
including 11 seasons at Booker T. Washington - he helped produce 12 1,000-yard rushers
during the last 13 years.

Norview athletic director Tommy Staples is accepting applications for the Pilots' opening
at tstaples@nps.k12.va.us. Staples can be reached by phone at (757) 852-4510, ext. 7.

Larry Rubama, (757) 446-2273, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com

http://www.norfolk.com/2009/08/high-school-football-2009-titans-again-team-beat

A look at the district in predicted order of finish:

1. LAKE TAYLOR TITANS

Last season 12-1 overall, 7-0 district, lost to Phoebus in Division 5 Eastern Region final

Coach Hank Sawyer, 79-30 in 10 seasons at Lake Taylor

Key players WR/S Lamont Britt, 5-11, 190, sr.; NG Taylor Darby, 6-1, 270, jr.; LB/OT
Fred Hill, 6-1, 230, sr.; C Markale Kelly, 6-3, 235, sr.; LB/RB Nick Oliver, 6-0, 200, sr.;
WR/CB Mario Rowson, 6-4, 195, sr.; RB Eshaun Stefanski, 5-9, 190, sr.; QB/S Kevin
Swofford, 5-11, 175, sr.; G/DT Eric Sykes, 6-1, 240, sr.; RB Derrion Walton, 5-9, 170,
jr.; LB Brandon Williams, 5-11, 175, sr.; WR/LB Travis Williams, 6-3, 205. sr.

On the field Eight starters return to a defense that perennially ranks among the area's top
three. Senior Swofford, a fixture in the defensive secondary, finally gets his chance to run
the offense.

Bottom line A third consecutive unbeaten regular season is within reach.

____

2. NORCOM GREYHOUNDS

Last season 7-3 overall, 4-3 district

Coach Larry Archie, 14-16 in three seasons at Norcom

Key players RB Anthony Blount, 5-9, 160, sr.; FB/TE/DL Patrick Brock, 5-11, 225, sr.;
C Robert Jackson, 5-11, 285, sr.; QB DeAndre Lamb, 5-9, 150, sr.; WR/DB Kameron
Mack, 6-5, 200, jr.; WR/DB Carlos Mills, 5-8, 145, jr.; WR Elton Pugh, 5-9, 155, sr.;
FB/LB Demontray Ryland, 6-1, 235, sr.; FB/LB Jaquan St. Ann, 5-11, 215, soph.;
OL/DL Jermaine St. Ann, 5-11, 240, sr.; WR/KR Raymond Thornton, 6-0, 180, sr.; WR
Isaac White, 6-3, 180, soph.

On the field All-Tidewater linebacker Ryland leads a defense that should again join Lake
Taylor among the area's best. Versatile QB Lamb is peaking in his third year as a starter.
How fast a young offensive line progresses is crucial.

Bottom line One of the youngest teams in the Eastern Region two years ago has matured
into a playoff contender.

____

3. NORVIEW PILOTS

Last season 6-4 overall, 4-3 district

Coach Robert Toran, 19-31 in five seasons at Norview

Key players WR/LB Melvin Banks, 6-5, 230, sr.; OL/DL Nick Banks, 5-11, 215, sr.;
WR/CB Antonio Barnes, 5-5, 130, sr.; TE/LB Keon Briscoe, 6-2, 200, sr.; WR/LB Mike
Ferebee, 6-3, 190, sr.; RB/CB Omar Grimes, 5-9, 175, soph.; OL/DL Frank Harmon, 6-2,
245, sr.; RB/LB Leonard Roberson, 5-6, 155, sr.; RB/SS Stephen Sims, 5-10, 200, sr.;
OL/DL Jordan Smith, 6-0, 265, sr.; WR/FS Eltonio Williams, 5-10, 150, sr.; QB Kwe-
Shon Williams, 5-9, 140, soph.

On the field Sims, an 1,100-yard rusher as a junior, provides instant credibility. Much
depends on the development of new QB Williams. Ferebee, last year's sack leader,
Briscoe and Banks are defensive stalwarts.

Bottom line If the defense matures as expected, Pilots and playoffs could appear in the
same sentence.

http://hamptonroads.com/2008/10/norview-rb-sims-closes-1000-yards

Norview coach Robert Toran knows talent when he sees it.

In his 21 seasons as a head or assistant coach, he has produced 11 1,000-yard

rushers, including three in the last four seasons.

Stephen Sims would make 12.

Sims, a junior, has had an amazing season. He’s the third-leading rusher in South
Hampton Roads with 972 yards. He needs only 28 yards to reach the 1,000-yard
milestone.

But Toran can remember a time when Sims wasn’t so committed to success.

To help, Toran used some motivating techniques.

“I showed him a bunch of letters I had for him from many big schools,” Toran
said. “But I told him, ‘You won’t get them until you get in the weight room and
start working.

“He hasn’t missed a conditioning or weight room since April. He became a true
work horse once I got him to commit, his whole attitude changed. ”

Sims, who was a star on the junior varsity team last season, showed early signs
that he could be a good running back when he rushed for 100 yards in each of his
first three games.
 “He convinced me that he could play,” Toran said. “He’s given us that triple
threat now of being able to run, catch and pass.”

Sims is the nephew of former Norview running back Mark Hill, a two-time All-
Tidewater player and player of the year in 1987.

Stephen Sims signed with Howard University in 2009

(http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Stephen-Sims-94174 )

http://www.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=864108

Granby (0-7) at Norview (5-2)? Three straight wins have Norview very much in the thick of things when
it comes to the Division 5 playoff race.? Granby's biggest problem this season has been their inability to run
the football, and that's the main reason why they are still winless.? The Comets have yet to rush for 100
yards in any game this season, and if they want to play the role of 'spoiler' against Norview, they're going to
have to get production from Dayzonte Williams and Virginia Tech commit Telvion Clark.? Norview's
passing attack is doing an excellent job with quarterback Daniel Church connecting with Marcus Hall,
Travis Bryant and tight end Keon Briscoe.? Don't forget about running back Stephen Sims (156Car.
741Yds. 8TD) either.

Matt Says? Norview 30-3???????????? Rod Says?Norview 21-6

http://hamptonroads.com/node/153981?cid=srch

Norview player stuck it out, and success finally has caught up to him

By larry rubama
The Virginian-Pilot

NORFOLK - When people talk about the last three years of Norview High School football, the
first player usually mentioned is Tolbert Matthews.

A 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker, Matthews was second-team All-Tidewater last season. He was
All-Eastern District, both on defense and on offense at tight end.

So when he walks around school, people know who he is.

"It feels pretty good to see that I'm admired that much," he said.

But only a few months ago, Matthews was considering leaving Norview.

The reason: He was tired of losing.

 In his first three seasons, Norview posted a 5-25 record. One stretch during his sophomore and
junior seasons, the Pilots lost 11 of 12 games.

With frustration mounting, Matthews thought he would do like other unhappy athletes and just
transfer to a school with a winning program.

"It really got frustrating at times," he said. "I also wondered if attending a school that won would
help me for college."

That's when his parents stepped in and told him he was staying at Norview.

"I remember getting phone calls from schools, in both Norfolk and Virginia Beach, worrying me
to death about how I could get Tolbert to play at their school," said Matthews' father, Tolbert Sr.
"But I told them that he wasn't going anywhere. He was staying where he started."

His mother Lisa's lone concern was her son's education.

"I understood him, but we had to make him understand that life is not all about winning," she said.
"We told him to keep his head up and things would get better."

They have. Matthews has helped Norview get off to a 2-0 start for just the second time since 1995.
The winning has restored school pride and has the Pilots, who host Booker T. Washington on
Saturday, thinking playoffs.

"If I would have left, I would have been letting down my team but most of all coach," Matthews
said of Robert Toran, Norview's head coach. "He's one of the main reasons why I stayed."

Toran understood how Matthews felt. He knows Matthews plays with intensity and a passion for
winning. But last year, Toran and Matthews saw some players quit trying.

Matthews signed and played at least one year with Delaware State and appeared to not be
with the program after the 2007-08 season.
http://www.dsuhornets.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=82273&SPID=5798&DB_OEM_
ID=12900&ATCLID=1180023&Q_SEASON=2007