After his services in World War 1, A.W. "Rock" Norman used his experiences to become a well-respected basketball and track coach. Rock Norman coached at Furman University, The Citadel, University of SC-Columbia, and Clemson University. He left a legacy of achievement, dedication, and service to his community. Make Us Proud reflects a personal account of World War 1 told through the stories, humor, and letters of Rock Norman. Coach Rock was an "encourager" and worked with the players, never yelling or screaming at players. I tried to follow his example when I coached. - Whitey Jordan, Asst. Coach, OFF Coordinator, Asst. Head Coach college level for 50 yrs. Clemson 72, 93-98; SO. Miss. 73-81, SMU 82-86; WF 86-88; Fl 89; UNC 90-92; NFL Europe 98-2007 Make Us Proud brings to life A.W. "Rock" Norman's unique World War I experience as a soldier athlete through his actual wartime letters to his mother. The letters, combined with a fictionalized telling of his life during and after the war, enhances the reader's understanding of the man who was such a positive influence for countless young athletes through his 51 years coaching at Clemson University, Furman University, The Citadel, University of South Carolina, and Carlisle Military Academy. Dr. Ann C. Carver, PhD, Professor of English Emeritus, UNC-C. Coach Rock Norman was a fine gentleman and great track coach. He did what all Clemson coaches had to do at that time (after the war): Take what you have and make the best of it. Fred Cone, Clemson football 1948-50; Clemson A.C./Recruiter, 60-89 My 3 brothers and I had scholarships to Clemson. Coach Norman was a gentle giant, always expecting the best from his players. Bill Hudson, 59, Pro ball: Canadian League, Montréal; San Diego Chargers; Boston Patriots; retired President/CEO of Diversco I lived next door to the Normans from 1941- 59. The group of kids around our huge on-campus block, called the backyard club, worshipped Coach Rock. The coach was not only the group's athletic advisor, but also a keen and knowledgeable outdoorsman who took us fishing, hiking, arrowhead hunting, and exploring in the vast college forest several times a year. He was also the senior advisor for all Daniel High School's track athletes, and a mentor for Daniel's young but very promising all-sports coach. Coach Rock even allowed the DHS track team to use the Clemson track and field house facilities. Due much to Coach Rock's support, DHS became SC Class A track champions during that period. In short, Coach Rock was a mentor, coach, lifetime role model, and hero to an entire generation of Clemson campus kids and DHS athletes. Robert L. McGarity, Jr. Colonel, US Army, Ret. My father, Frank Howard, hired Rock. I went to Mrs. Norman's nursery school. One summer I went to Camp Carolina. Coach Norman was a counselor, track coach, and naturalist there. He taught us how to make walking sticks and catch snakes! I was so happy when they named the Track and Field area after him. --Jimmy Howard 64, SC Beekeeping Specialist; Sloan St. Tapp Room, Clemson, SC, owner Raised in rural South Carolina, Carlton M. Mullinax grew up hearing master southern storytellers who always injected humor and homespun philosophies into their tales. Carlton spent 29 years in public education before joining the Ruth Patrick Science Center, USC-Aiken as a science specialist. She continued helping teachers upgrade their hands-on science skills at Winthrop University, Limestone College, and the University of South Carolina. She is a graduate of Limestone College, BS; Converse College, MEd; Furman University M.A.