For more than five decades, Coach Norm Hewitt has been synonymous with Hillsborough High School baseball. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to student-athletes helped build one of New Jersey's premier high school baseball programs and left an enduring impact on thousands of students, families, and members of the Hillsborough community.

When Hillsborough High School opened its doors in 1969, Coach Hewitt became the school's first varsity baseball coach. In addition to baseball, he also coached football and basketball, helping establish the foundation of Hillsborough athletics during the school's earliest years.

During his first tenure at Hillsborough, Coach Hewitt led the Raiders to:

•                     Conference Championship (1977)

•                     Somerset County Tournament Championships (1977 and 1979)

•                     Five Somerset County Tournament Final appearances

•                     No. 2 state ranking in New Jersey in 1977

After returning to Hillsborough in 2000, Coach Hewitt elevated the program to even greater heights. Under his leadership, Hillsborough achieved:

•                     Five additional Somerset County Tournament Final appearances

•                     Somerset County Tournament Championship (2005)

•                     Skyland Conference Championships (2003, 2004, and 2006)

•                     New Jersey Group 4 State Championship (2005)

•                     No. 2 final ranking in New Jersey (2005)

•                     New Jersey Group 4 Runner Up (2012)

In recognition of his remarkable accomplishments, Coach Hewitt was named National Coach of the Year in 2005, one of the highest honors a high school baseball coach can receive.

But Coach Hewitt's legacy extends far beyond wins and championships.

He mentored generations of young men, teaching discipline, teamwork, perseverance, integrity, and respect. Countless former players credit him with shaping not only their athletic careers but also their lives.

Simply put, Coach Hewitt built Hillsborough baseball. His influence helped establish a tradition of excellence that continues today.

Like many long careers, Coach Hewitt's tenure did not end exactly as anyone may have hoped. However, the passage of time offers an opportunity to focus on what truly matters: his extraordinary contributions to Hillsborough High School, its student-athletes, and the entire community.

This petition has not been initiated by Coach Hewitt. Rather, it is the collective voice of former players, parents, alumni, coaches, and members of the Hillsborough community who believe his extraordinary contributions to Hillsborough High School deserve permanent recognition. We respectfully ask the District to honor a legacy that has inspired generations and continues to define Hillsborough baseball.

We respectfully ask the Hillsborough Township Board of Education and Hillsborough High School to permanently recognize Coach Norm Hewitt's remarkable legacy through an appropriate honor, including but not limited to:

•                     Naming the Hillsborough High School baseball field in his honor;

•                     Retiring his icoic jersey number, #17;

•                     Installing a permanent plaque or memorial recognizing his accomplishments; and/or

•                     Another lasting tribute deemed appropriate by the District.

Honoring Coach Hewitt is not simply about recognizing championships. It is about celebrating a man whose decades of service helped define Hillsborough High School athletics and positively influenced generations of students.

Legends deserve to be remembered.

Please join us in respectfully asking Hillsborough High School and the Hillsborough Township Board of Education to honor Coach Norm Hewitt's extraordinary legacy.

Sign this petition and help give Coach Hewitt the recognition he has earned and deserves.