By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Russsell Norton's stint as Topeka West football coach has come to at least a temporary end after just six games into his first season.
West principal John Buckendorff released a statement to football parents earlier this week, stating in part that "Head Football Coach Russell Norton is currently dealing with a personal situation requiring him to step away from his duties. We have requested that everyone respect his privacy at this time.''
Russell Norton has stepped away from his duties as Topeka West's football coach to deal with a personal situation according to a statement released by the school. [File photo/TSN]
The statement went on to state that defensive coordinator Tre Parker will step in as the Chargers' interim coach.
An attempt to reach Norton by text was unsuccessful.
Topeka West will be at Hummer Sports Park on Friday night to host Shawnee Heights in a 7 p.m. United Kansas Conference contest.
Norton coached Topeka West to a 1-5 record this fall, with the Chargers coming off their lone victory, a 26-21 UKC road win at Kansas City-Turner last Friday night.
Norton was named Topeka West's head coach in early June after Charger coach Ryan Kelly stepped down as coach to accept a position on Washburn University's football staff..
Norton previously coached several seasons at the college level before moving over to the high school level, including his most recent stint at Oskaloosa High (1-8) in 2021.
Prior taking the Oskaloosa job Norton coached Southern Valley High School in Oxford, Neb.
Topeka West posted a 3-6 record last fall and is in its first season as a member of the United Kansas Conference this season.
