Former KP Athlete Excels at Collegiate Level
Norberg at the D1 Northeast Regional Championships on Nov. 15. Contributed photo.
KP Coach Lends Support
By Sports Staff
Local athlete Michael Norberg, a 2020 graduate of King Philip Regional High School, continues to make Norfolk proud. A standout on the cross-country team during his time at KPHS, Michael’s running career has reached new heights as a member of the UMASS Amherst Men’s Cross Country team.
Norberg and Elgar in the MIAA Eastern Division 2 Championships in 2019.
Under the guidance of former KPHS coach Chris Elgar, Norberg and teammate Michael Griffin of Wrentham achieved remarkable success in high school, including a fifth and first place finish, respectively, at the 2019 MIAA Division 1 State Cross Country Championships. Coach Elgar’s influence has been a driving force in Norberg’s journey, shaping him into a competitor ready for the challenges of collegiate athletics.
Elgar and Norberg at the Atlantic 10 Championships in Mechanicsville, VA on Nov. 1.
That foundation proved invaluable on November 1, when Norberg and his UMass Amherst teammates competed in the Atlantic 10 Men’s Cross Country Championships in Virginia. For the first time since 2008, the team emerged victorious, cementing their place in program history. Norberg placed sixth overall with a time of 24:06 in the 8K, a personal triumph that contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Adding to the memorableness of the day, Coach Elgar made the eight-hour trip to witness the race firsthand. His continued support of his former athletes underscores the lasting connections formed during their high school years. Norberg was thrilled to have his former coach there to share in the moment, a testament to the impact of Elgar’s mentorship.
UMass Amherst followed up the victory in Virginia with a stellar performance at the NCAA Division I Northeast Regional Championships in Hopkinton, New Hampshire on November 15. The team took 7th out of s39 teams, which was the highest UMass finish since 2008. Norberg once again helped pave the way with a 33rd place finish in the 10K as the team’s third runner, capping off a terrific season. Michael Norberg’s accomplishments reflect not only his hard work and determination but also the strength of the local running community that helped shape him. From the trails of Norfolk to the national stage, his journey is one that continues to inspire.
