West Bridgewater's Norman Everett A Study in Determination
October 21, 2008
Jim Fenton, Brockton Enterprise
Brockton, MA --- The routine is the same every time he prepares for a race with the Worcester State College cross-country and track teams.
Norman Everett of West Bridgewater will use an inhaler to help ease his breathing, then strap the device to his uniform to take with him along the route.
The junior history major has gotten used to the routine, which helps him run in three seasons despite having asthma.
The chronic lung disease was diagnosed when Everett was in kindergarten. Despite having the condition that can make it difficult to breathe, he has been a competitive runner for the past eight-plus years.
While Everett is a middle-of-the-pack runner for Worcester State, his ability to keep improving while dealing with asthma serves as an inspiration for his teammates.
"It's not easy,'' said Lancers coach Al Halper. "He has his good days and bad days and has to back off when there are problems with the weather.
"He's not the most talented kid on the team, but he brings a lot to the table with his work ethic. He works hard in practice regardless of where he is (in races every week). He's a good role model for our younger guys.
"I think his presence is felt by those around him. You love having kids like that on your team, kids who work hard to improve from week to week. He's certainly done himself a world of good. He's been a great team member.''
Everett, who was named Worcester State's most improved runner last year, began running for West Bridgewater High when he was in the seventh grade, following in the family footsteps of his parents and siblings.
He wanted to continue running in college and earned spots on the cross-country and winter and spring track teams as a freshman.
There have been days when running is difficult due to the asthma, but those are limited. Running has become something that has helped Everett deal with his condition.
There were some problems in high school with running, but Everett changed medications and began using an inhaler that was better for a runner.
After having trouble during races, Everett began carrying the inhaler on his shorts in case it was needed along the course.
"Usually, my doctors encouraged me to be active,'' said Everett, who would like to be a high school history teacher. "I breathe heavier than most people, but I do have it under control.
"It was a little difficult at first in college. I was finishing way in back of the pack, but I was never dead last. I've moved up now. I have improved my times.
"I really do think that running helps me get my breathing going better. I think it builds my lungs stronger.''
While Everett will not be a top point scorer for the Lancers, he is reducing his times in cross-country and track.
The 2006, West Bridgewater High graduate was running five miles in 36:31 as a freshman, but now the time is down to 31:56. He has also gotten faster in the mile and 800 in track.
"He has seen real progress and he feels real good about himself,'' said Halper. "I think running has helped him be a healthier person, too.''
Everett said that running has allowed him to go from 220 pounds to 185 pounds, one of the reasons that inspires him to run despite having asthma.
"On occasions, there will be problems, but it depends on the days,'' said Everett. "Usually it's in the winter, with the dryer, colder weather that affects the lungs more.
"But I'm used to it now. I've always got my inhaler there as a precaution. I like that my times are improving and I like the team I'm on. I'm almost a minute faster per mile than when I got here. I didn't think I would be able to do that.''