Norm, second from left in back, worked on his high school newspaper. Norm found time between flying lessons and studying to play basketball for Winifred.
Norm, second from left in back, worked on his high school newspaper. Norm found time between flying lessons and studying to play basketball for Winifred.

Norm attended Winifred High School and graduated in 1953. Each class had around eight to 12 students, and Norm distinguished himself by working on the student newspaper where he wrote the athletic column.

Sports were an important part of Norm's life during his formative years in Winifred. He competed on the Class C basketball and football teams, occasionally travelling to compete with other teams around Montana.