Norm Van Lier
(1947 - 2009)
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Profile:
Norm Van Lier
Birth:
April 1, 1947
Passing:
February 26, 2009
Norm Van Lier
Birth:
April 1, 1947
Passing:
February 26, 2009
Memorial
Norm was a terrific athlete and a great role model. He will be missed by many.
Norman Van Lier was born on April 1, 1947 in East Liverpool, Ohio, and then was raised in the Pittsburgh suburb of Midland, Pennsylvania.
Van Lier was a part of one of the greatest high school basketball teams of all time, that being the Midland Leopards of 1965, who finished undefeated at 28-0 and breezed to the Pennsylvania State Championship with ease. One of Van Lier's teammates was future NBA player Simmie Hill.
Van Lier was also a co-captain of the Midland High School football team, playing both quarterback and safety. He was recruited to play for several colleges but none of those coaches would agree to allow him to play his desired position of quarterback back then. Van Lier had also received offers to play professional baseball, having starred on both his high school and county all-star teams.
On June 21, 2008, he was inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame.
“Western Pennsylvania is football country, but my years are considered the golden era of basketball not only in the state but maybe the country,” said Van Lier that night. “Uniontown, Midland, Schenley and Ambridge could play with anybody, anytime and in any era in the country.
Van Lier was a huge fan of the Rolling Stones, The Beatles and the band Chicago. He served as a special disc jockey on the Chicago rock music station 97.9 WLUP.
From 1992 to 2009, Van Lier was a television pre-game and post-game analyst for Chicago Bulls games. He frequently appeared on other Chicago television programs to discuss the Bulls, and at one point co-hosted a sports talk radio show.
In 2002 he had a supporting role in the movie Barbershop.
In 1989, he was the assistant coach of the Worcester Counts in the World Basketball League.
Norm Van Lier died on February 26, 2009 after he was found unresponsive in his apartment on Chicago's Near West Side. Rest in Peace Norm, you left a great legacy for the city of Chicago and all of your fans.
Norman Van Lier was born on April 1, 1947 in East Liverpool, Ohio, and then was raised in the Pittsburgh suburb of Midland, Pennsylvania.
Van Lier was a part of one of the greatest high school basketball teams of all time, that being the Midland Leopards of 1965, who finished undefeated at 28-0 and breezed to the Pennsylvania State Championship with ease. One of Van Lier's teammates was future NBA player Simmie Hill.
Van Lier was also a co-captain of the Midland High School football team, playing both quarterback and safety. He was recruited to play for several colleges but none of those coaches would agree to allow him to play his desired position of quarterback back then. Van Lier had also received offers to play professional baseball, having starred on both his high school and county all-star teams.
On June 21, 2008, he was inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame.
“Western Pennsylvania is football country, but my years are considered the golden era of basketball not only in the state but maybe the country,” said Van Lier that night. “Uniontown, Midland, Schenley and Ambridge could play with anybody, anytime and in any era in the country.
Van Lier was a huge fan of the Rolling Stones, The Beatles and the band Chicago. He served as a special disc jockey on the Chicago rock music station 97.9 WLUP.
From 1992 to 2009, Van Lier was a television pre-game and post-game analyst for Chicago Bulls games. He frequently appeared on other Chicago television programs to discuss the Bulls, and at one point co-hosted a sports talk radio show.
In 2002 he had a supporting role in the movie Barbershop.
In 1989, he was the assistant coach of the Worcester Counts in the World Basketball League.
Norm Van Lier died on February 26, 2009 after he was found unresponsive in his apartment on Chicago's Near West Side. Rest in Peace Norm, you left a great legacy for the city of Chicago and all of your fans.
Guest Book Wall
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Deborah Norman
(Fan)
March 3rd, 2009
JOHN BEACOM
(COLLEGE FRIEND)
March 2nd, 2009
Mickey Hornick
(fan)
February 28th, 2009
Kevin Ehle
(Fan)
February 27th, 2009
Chuck Donahoe
(fan)
February 27th, 2009
iLasting Staff
February 27th, 2009
Hover your mouse over the wall images to see each guest book entry.
Guest Book (6 entries)
Deborah Norman (Fan)
March 3rd, 2009
JOHN BEACOM (COLLEGE FRIEND)
March 2nd, 2009
Mickey Hornick (fan)
February 28th, 2009
Kevin Ehle (Fan)
February 27th, 2009
Chuck Donahoe (fan)
February 27th, 2009
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