Memphis Coach to speak at WM Chamber Banquet

Memphis Coach to speak at WM Chamber Banquet

Norvell will deliver keynote address at 70th annual affair

ralphhardin@gmail.com University of Memphis Head Football Coach Mike Norvell, will be the keynote speaker for the West Memphis Chamber of Commerce's 70th annual banquet, Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Southland Park Gaming & Racing Starting Gate Event Center.

Mike Norvell, who has been instrumental in developing dynamic, high-scoring offenses throughout his career, recently completed his first year as the head coach at the University of Memphis, leading the Tigers to an 8-5 record and an appearance in the Boca Raton Bowl after coaching the previous four years at Arizona State University where he was the program’s deputy head coach and offensive coordinator.

Norvell is no stranger to the goings-on on this side of the bridge. He played football at the University of Central Arkansas before breaking into coaching at his alma mater.

Norvell was accomplished on the field and in the classroom at Central Arkansas. A four-year starter at receiver, he finished his career as the school's all-time leader in receptions (213) and ranked third in receiving yards (2,611). Norvell earned All-Gulf South honors and was the conference's 2001 Freshman of the Year. He also was a two-time firstteam Gulf South All-Academic honoree. Norvell earned his bachelor's degree of education in social studies in 2005 and a master's degree in training systems in 2007, both from UCA.

As a graduate assistant in 2006, Norvell joined Todd Graham’s coaching staff at Tulsa as wide receivers coach in 2007. He was a member of Graham’s staff at Tulsa four years (20072010), before coaching one season at Pittsburgh (2011). Norvell was hired as Arizona State’s offensive coordinator after Graham was named the head coach ahead of the 2012 season.

The 2012 Sun Devils became the 14th team in NCAA FBS bowl history to score 60+ points in a bowl game (62 against Navy in Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl).

In 2015, Arizona State ranked 23rd nationally in total offense, averaging 473.8 yards per game. The Sun Devils averaged 289 passing yards per game, ranking 20th in FBS Football. In addition to his administrative and offensive coordinating responsibilities, Norvell was also responsible for coaching ASU’s quarterbacks. He mentored ASU senior quarterback Mike Bercovici, who completed 290-of-480 passes for 3,442 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Norvell is married to the former Maria Chiolino of Fort Smith. They have a 2year-old daughter, Mila.

The banquet begins at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by calling the West Memphis Chamber office

at (870) 735-1134. Banquet tables of eight are available, as well as individual

tickets. The Banquet

will also include the announcement of the annual Chamber Awards winners, including Small Business of the Year and Business of the Year, as well as Citizen of the Year and Chamber Diplomat of the Year.

For more information, contact Chamber Director Holmes Hammett at (870) 735-1134, or via e-mail at wmcoc@westmemphischamber. com.

By Ralph Hardin