Sometimes the color red has its dimensions to make a person feel better.
"My wife always said I looked better in red but I'm excited about the opportunity," Arkansas High first-year Athletic Director and head coach Barry Norton said.
Norton is taking on the momentous task of revitalizing a program that went 3-8 overall and 2-5 in 6A Conference play. The Hog leader expressed his detailed vision in front of a packed board room of Razorback Alumni and supporters alike, to greet the inceptive coach at his press conference.
"I have to get to know the kids and the coaches. I want our kids to get to know me. I have to evaluate where we are and get started. We're going to put it all together and start working towards something, and that something is winning championships," Norton said.
The new Razorback Athletic Director was hired Tuesday and is retiring from Texas after coaching 30 years there, 18 with Texas High. Norton led the Tigers to a state title in 2002 and has a career record of 176-32-1.
To some within the community, Arkansas High has some of the most athletically-inclined student-athletes in the area.
Although constant sub-par regular seasons and dismal postseason play was evidence, Norton noticed the culture change within the program that needed to take place in order for the former powerhouse which is Arkansas High to become herself one again.
"My whole thing with changing the culture is that it takes time. It's about raising the expectations and raising the expectations for every kid. We all have to pull in the same direction and I believe we can do that," Norton said. "It is a culture of accountability. Taking care of your business and learning how to win. Sometimes those wins are small and you learn to build on those."
Norton explained he understands the expectations that have been bestowed upon his shoulders per the TASD board of trustees.
"I know they're hungry here to get things in the right direction. I have the best 18 years of my life at Texas High and I will root for them every day, except for one day of the year," Norton said. "I wish them the best of success and this gives me the chance to redo it again. Build another program and see what we can do. I'm looking forward to it and ready to go to work."
The hire of a foe-turned-liberator was a shock to one community but a jolt of energy and optimism to another. With Norton's exemplary win-loss record, his hire instantly breeds buoyancy to an institution that was yearning such.
"It is a shock, it's a shock to everyone. It's not something I have ever thought about it. I believe everything happen that's in God's plan how things work. The job opened up, I'm able to retire there, my daughter is graduating high school and everything else worked itself out. I'm nervous but my wife and I are excited for the challenge," Norton said.
September 1st will mark the 102nd meeting between Arkansas High and Texas High, and this year's game will be more interesting.