During his 32 years at the helm of Mizzou’s basketball program, Norm Stewart disregarded countless opposing fans who serenaded the fiery coach with chants of “Sit down, Norm!”
Now, his likeness will remain forever standing in the form of a 9-foot bronze statue on Walsworth Plaza north of Mizzou Arena. Attending the Nov. 10, 2017, unveiling were fans, administrators and former All-American players — Melvin Booker, Bus ’95; John Brown, A&S ’73; Derrick Chievous, BGS ’00; Doug Smith, AFNR ’91; Willie Smith, BGS ’00; Steve Stipanovich, BES ’89; and Jon Sundvold, BS BA ’83.
“No matter where you go, Norm Stewart is Missouri basketball,” said Doug Smith of the coach who posted a 634-333 career record at Mizzou. “His name is synonymous, and there’s only one name.”
The sculptor is St. Louis native Harry Weber, who also created the Don Faurot statue north of Memorial Stadium.
Stewart, Mizzou’s all-time winningest basketball coach, is depicted pointing to an unidentified Tiger on the court. Fans, however, might imagine him giving a referee a piece of his mind.
“I hope people bring their children,” said Stewart, BS Ed ’56, M Ed ’60. “I hope they bring their grandchildren and friends. I hope the players and student assistants and doctors and trainers all bring their friends and point to this statue and say, ‘I helped put that there.’ Because they did.”
A new statue of basketball coaching legend Norm Stewart greets fans entering Mizzou Arena.
