Norm Ellenberger, former New Mexico coach and friend of Don Haskins, dies at 83
Norm Ellenberger, the foot-stomping sideline showman who coached New Mexico to two Western Athletic Conference basketball titles in the 1970s, has died. He was 83.
Family and friends said Ellenberger died Saturday night in his sleep at his cabin in Watersmeet, Michigan.
Friends remembered him as kind, caring and fun-loving and said he never missed a chance to share his love of basketball.
Stormin’ Norman was 134-62 at New Mexico from 1972-79, leading the Lobos to WAC titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 1974 and 1978.
His New Mexico career ended in December 1979 when an FBI wiretap uncovered evidence that the academic transcripts of several players were altered to ensure their enrollment.
Ellenberger later was an assistant for Don Haskins at UTEP, Bob Knight at Indiana and Tim Floyd with the Chicago Bulls.
His career spanned around 50 years.
