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We at SpartansWire are saddened to hear that former Michigan State athletic director Merritt Norvell passed away on Monday.
Merritt Norvell might not be a name that every Michigan State sports fan recognizes, but his impact on college sports in the United States is massive. Norvell, whose son Jay coaches Nevada, became one of the first Black athletic directors in the country when he took over the role at Michigan State in 1995. He held the role until 1999.
In his time with the Spartans, Norvell oversaw three Hall of Fame coaches in Ron Mason, Tom Izzo, and Nick Saban.
Norvell got his start in athletics as a running back for Wisconsin in the 1960s, where he played in the Rose Bowl in his senior season.
Our condolences go out to his family at this time.
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