Norwich Sports Hall Of Fame: Michael Sutton, Class Of 2014

(The Norwich High School Sports Hall of Fame is happy to announce its 2025 induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, where the 13th Hall of Fame class will be honored. Those being inducted in the 2025 class include athletes Hannah Runyon, Kyle Edwards, Michael Sutton, contributor Jim Wysor and the 1965 track & field team. This year’s event will be held at the Canasawacta Country Club, where a buffet dinner will commence at 5:30 p.m., followed by the induction ceremonies at approximately 6:30 p.m. Tickets to attend are $35 and can be purchased at the front desk of the Norwich YMCA or the Norwich High School by phoning 607-334-1600, Ext 1439.)

Michael Sutton, Class of 2014

By Patrick Marks

UCLA men's basketball coach John Wooden once said, "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

There is not a better quote to sum up Michael T. Sutton. Born February 28, 1996 to parents Thomas and Deborah Sutton, it is an honor to formally congratulate Michael on his induction as a member of the 13th annual class of the Norwich High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Even in those days playing Little League baseball, it was clear to everyone that Michael was not just another kid. Both on the field and off, Michael was not – and is still not – quite like everyone else. He carried himself in a way that made it clear he was very sure of himself, but he always knew, even at that young age, there was more work to be done. Well, it has clearly paid off.

Michael played Little League baseball in Norwich for the "Boston" Red Sox in the spring, football for the Norwich Cyclones and basketball for any team that would let him play with them. He was a standout player and a leader in all three. Michael played shortstop in baseball, quarterback in football and point guard in basketball. There is a theme developing here. Michael was always able to make the most important contributions to the teams he was a part of; all without wanting to say much about himself or his own abilities.

It was always a team effort with Michael; winning was all that mattered. Around age 12, Michael decided to commit to basketball year-round. However, his football career did not end there. Michael played a single year of JV football in ninth grade, even getting called up to the varsity level to play a role on the team come playoff time. Football and basketball were Michael's passions and that has continued until today.

During Michael's sophomore season of high school football, he was a contributing player on both offense and defense, eventually throwing a touchdown against Sidney, leading Norwich to a 20-14 victory. On defense he primarily played cornerback and was known as a forceful tackler in limited playing time. Norwich's season did not end as planned, finishing with a 4-5 record.

As it was, Michael's sophomore season turned out to be much more fruitful on the basketball court. Norwich got off to a hot start that season, beginning the year 6-1 with its only loss to that point against a stout Susquehanna Valley team. Michael was an integral part of Norwich's excellent team defense that year, on average the Purple allowed 51.1 points per game. Norwich eventually went on to win the Section IV Class B championship in an improbable comeback against Chenango Valley, after being down 20 points – a truly legendary comeback for his first sectional title.

Fast forward to Michael's junior year of football when he had officially been named the starting quarterback. Norwich had a difficult season, finishing the year 4-5. Overall, he played very well on both offense and defense. Michael finished the season with 75 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while passing for another 387 yards and three additional touchdowns.

Michael's junior season of basketball, however, was a much greater success. In Norwich's 15th game of the season, Michael erupted for 25 points in a resounding 65-53 victory over Susquehanna Valley. The day before the contest Sus Valley was ranked fourth in the state with an 11-0 record, while Norwich was honorable mention in the same poll. It was a victory that would propel the team to much greater success in the future.

Norwich won its division that season. But unfortunately, after beating Elmira in the STAC semifinals, the Tornado fell to Maine-Endwell in a tightly contested battle. Norwich would then go on to win the sectional title by 22 points against Whitney Point. Norwich then went on to the regional contest against a formidable Westhill squad. Michael played very well that game, leading the team in scoring with 26 points. Norwich made a valiant comeback but fell short losing 59-58. It was a very successful season, finishing 17-5. Norwich finished ranked No.12 in the state. Michael was named seventh team All-State that season and was also named an Elite 10 Boys Basketball player by the Press & Sun Bulletin.

Onto the final chapter of our story. Michael's senior season of football was one of ups

and downs. Norwich finished the season with a 4-5 record. Michael's final stat line was 84 rushing attempts for 427 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns. Through the air he was 25-for-60 for 385 yards and six more touchdowns. He was a member of The Evening Sun all-star team that season, as well.

The Norwich basketball season of 2013-14 would come to be remembered for an exceptionally long time. The team that year was one of complete excellence and focus. The term focus cannot be stressed enough. From the outset of the season, the entire squad had one goal in mind, and that was a state championship. From the team's perspective, nothing else was going to be enough. Norwich got off to a very hot start, winning the Stop DWI Holiday Classic. In the final, they faced a formidable New York Mills squad. Norwich came out victorious with a final score of 48-45. Michael was instrumental in this effort with a team-high 19 points. New York Mills would go on to win the New York State Class D championship, its only loss that season against Norwich.

Norwich would go on to finish its regular season campaign undefeated and, truthfully, none of the games were very close. By the time the Southern Tier Athletic Conference playoffs came around Norwich really began to hit its stride, winning its STAC semifinal game against Elmira convincingly by a score of 65-50. The Tornado would subsequently face Union-Endicott for the STAC championship. From the start of the game, one thing was clear Norwich was the superior team. The game was not close at any point with Norwich winning 85-67. Later that season, Union-Endicott went on to make it to the state semifinals, falling to eventual state champion Jamestown by a score of 64-63. Union-Endicott finished ranked 11th in the state in Class AA, the fourth highest ranked public school in the class.

Norwich then shifted its focus to the sectional championship playoffs. Norwich faced Whitney Point in the semifinals, and in typical fashion, and lead by Michael's efforts on both offense and defense, Norwich won convincingly by a score of 78-57. Norwich headed to another sectional championship, facing Oneonta for a second time that season. Norwich won 40-28, and Michael had won his third sectional championship in a row.

Again, onto the regional round of the New York State Tournament. Norwich would face a familiar foe in Westhill. The game was played at the Binghamton University Event Center and by the sound of the crowd in attendance it was clear the game would be a memorable one. Norwich led at various points of the game with the contest going back and forth the entire evening.

Michael scored seven points in the fourth quarter, his seventh point giving Norwich a 43-41 lead. Unfortunately, Norwich could not hang on to that lead and Westhill's Jordan Roland forced overtime with 1:47 left on the clock. With 4.4 seconds left, Norwich had the ball and possession at its own sideline out of bounds. In typical Michael Sutton fashion, he was the facilitator on the final play. After a perfectly executed out of bounds play, Michael found Zan Stewart for a good look at the rim. The shot rang in and out and Westhill prevailed 56-53.

The joyous ride had unfortunately ended. After the game Westhill's head coach was quoted as saying, "We didn't react, probably as well as we should have, and they ran a great play, which a great coach does. Got a great shooter a wide-open shot, and we should probably still be playing."

Michael went on to say, "Our coaches set up a great play. It was there, and it was pretty much in. It was half-way down." Heartbreaking! Michael finished with 28 points, 53 percent of Norwich's total that day. Westhill would go on to win the New York State championship in convincing fashion over Olean by a final score of 99-55. Norwich ended the season ranked third in New York State.

In the offseason, Michael was named First-Team All-State, the first and only Norwich player other than Bob Lazor Jr. in 1993 to receive such an honor. Michael was also named the BCANY Boys Class B Player of the Year. He was also again, named an Elite 10 All-Star by the Press & Sun Bulletin. Michael finished the season averaging 14.6 points per game and 5.4 assists per game.

Three sectional titles, one STAC championship and numerous individual honors, it is

safe to say that Michael had at least a half decent career. As a Norwich cager, he finished 19th all-time in points, seventh in assists and 10th in steals. He was an extremely successful basketball player and the kind of person you would want in your foxhole, so to speak. He was truly a pleasure to watch, and it was an honor to be there.

"I think you have to be what you are. Don't try to be somebody else. You have to be yourself all times,” so noted John Wooden. Michael was nothing, if not himself. A champion, a leader and a friend.

Congratulations again to Michael and his family.