Grinnell College Athletics

Dr. Stanley G. Norman ’61 is possibly the most dominant swimmer in Grinnell College history. In his first year, he won the G. Lester Duke Trophy for Freshman Athlete of the Year, as he set Midwest Conference marks in the 50- and 100-yard freestyles, despite freshmen not being allowed on the varsity team. Over his next three years as a varsity swimmer, he won every single race except one. He set the record for the Midwest Conference in both the 50 and 100 freestyle multiple times, and graduated with these records. He was MWC champion in both events in 1959 and 1960, and in the 50 in 1961. Additionally, he anchored the 400 freestyle relay in 1960 and 1961, which took the conference championship both years, and set the record in 1960. Norman was co-captain of the swim team his final two years, and was a part of a conference championship every year that he competed. Norman was also a successful track athlete, lettering twice, placing third in the conference high jump in 1959, and running on the conference champion mile relay team in 1960. After graduating with a biology degree, Norman went to medical school at the University of Minnesota, where he then joined the Navy, serving in Vietnam and then in Hawaii. Upon leaving the Navy, he completed his residency in otolaryngology, and worked at Boston City Hospital from 1973-2003. Now living in Altoona, WI, Norman enjoys his retirement.