Allen Community College will celebrate one of the most accomplished champions in ACC track and field history when the college welcomes Kenny Norris into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a two‑day event Feb. 13–14.
In May 1973, during his freshman season at Allen County Community Junior College, Iola native Kenny Norris claimed the NJCAA national championship in the javelin with a first-attempt throw of 239 feet.
The mark exceeded his previous personal best by 21 feet, 6 inches, representing one of the most dramatic single-performance improvements in junior college competition.
Reflecting on the moment at the time, Hall of Fame coach Hugh Haire shared his admiration:
“Kenny had been throwing about 215 the past three or four weeks, and I thought it was about time that he would break away from that plateau, but I didn’t think he would move up that far.”
Norris maintained his elite level into his sophomore year.
At the 1974 NJCAA Track & Field Championships, he recorded a throw of 229 feet to earn second place nationally. Notably, this marked only the second time that spring that he failed to finish first in junior college competition —underscoring his remarkable dominance and reliability throughout his Red Devil career.
In addition to his skill on the track, Norris contributed to the Red Devil baseball team as a pitcher, displaying his athletic versatility.
Following his time at Allen, Norris advanced his javelin career and academics at Texas Tech University on a track scholarship, where he continued to excel and further established his legacy at the Division I level.
Kenny Norris delivered power, consistency, and a historic national title to Allen Community College athletics. His breakthrough performance and enduring contributions remain a source of pride and inspiration for Red Devil track and field.
