In a significant move, Union Public Schools has appointed Scott Norris as the new head coach of the boys basketball team. This announcement comes on the heels of Rudy Garcia's retirement after three decades of distinguished service to the Redhawks program. Known for his remarkable achievements and extensive coaching background, Norris is set to lead Union into an exciting future.

A Coach with an Impressive Track Record Joins Union

Scott Norris brings over two decades of experience to his new role at Union. At Edmond North High School, he not only brought statewide recognition but also achieved consecutive OSSAA Class 6A State Championships in 2022 and 2023, followed by a runner-up finish in 2024 and a semifinal appearance in 2021. His accolades include being named NFHS Section 6 Coach of the Year in 2023, among other prestigious honors.

Prior to Edmond North, Norris had a successful tenure at Coweta High School, where his teams consistently reached the 5A State Tournament and earned an Academic State Championship in 2012. Additionally, his commitment to academic excellence was recognized annually from 2020 through 2025 with the OSSAA Distinguished Academic Achievement Award.

Beyond high school, Norris boasts collegiate coaching credentials, having contributed to Missouri State University’s historic NCAA Final Four run in 2001 as an assistant women’s basketball coach. Later, as the head women’s basketball coach at Oklahoma Baptist University, he guided the team to five straight NAIA National Tournament appearances between 1996 and 2000. In 2019, he was honored with induction into the Oklahoma Baptist Athletic Hall of Fame.

Union Athletic Director Emily Barkley expressed enthusiasm about Norris joining the team, highlighting his dedication to both athletic success and academic achievement, making him a perfect fit for the program’s next phase.

With deep roots in the community—his wife Wendy (Vaughan) Norris, a Union graduate and member of the Athletics Hall of Fame—Norris’s appointment signifies more than just a professional transition; it represents a continuation of family legacy intertwined with Union’s storied history.

From a journalistic perspective, this hiring underscores the importance of blending tradition with innovation in sports leadership. Coach Norris’s proven track record suggests that under his guidance, Union’s basketball program could reach unprecedented heights while maintaining its emphasis on holistic student-athlete development. It serves as a testament to how strategic hiring decisions can propel programs forward, ensuring sustained excellence for years to come.