When it comes to embracing the Chaminade experience, Joseph “Joe” Norton ’88 was all in. As an alumnus, faculty member and parent, he understood the school’s Marianist characteristic of family spirit to the core, which he lived out every day.

Joe came to Chaminade as a ninth grader and joined the football team in tenth grade. He played fullback and linebacker for three years, wearing the Norton family #49. After graduating from Chaminade, he studied political science and business administration at the University of San Diego (USD) where he continued to play football. While at USD, he also worked as an after-school coordinator, developing activities and projects to keep pre-teens off the streets and out of gangs.

In the fall of 1993, Joe made his way back to Chaminade as an assistant football coach under Varsity Head Coach Rich Lawson, later teaching science at the middle school for four years. Other teaching jobs at St. Bernadine’s and Frost Middle School intervened before he returned to the Chaminade faculty in 2010.

At Chaminade, he wore many hats, including those of teacher, coach, dean, diversity moderator, and assistant athletic director. Joe was also able to share his love of football with the entire Chaminade community as the announcer at football and basketball games for the past 15 years. If you attended a game on the Deep Blue C, you could hear him shout, “TOUCHDOWWWWWWWWWN CHAMINAAAAAAAAADE!”

Recognized with the Father Chaminade Award for faculty who live out the five characteristics of Marianist Education, Joe always wore a smile and had great respect for his students, peers, and everyone who encountered him. In the fall of 2022, Chaminade honored Joe and his entire family with the dedication of the Norton Family Announcer Booth. He leaves a great legacy at Chaminade.