Heather Bell
RADFORD – This Friday, Aug. 29, is the first home football game of the season for the Radford High School Bobcats, and the community will be honoring longtime Coach Norm Lineburg with a day in his honor.
Lineburg died earlier this summer, on July 17, at the age of 89. He was head coach of the Bobcats for decades. He became the head football and track coach in 1970, where he led the Bobcats for 38 years, from 1970 to 2007. He became one of the winningest coaches in Virginia High School League history and was inducted into the VHSL Hall of Fame in 1997. Under his leadership, the Bobcats won two football state championships and four state championships in track.
At its August meeting, the Radford City Council passed a proclamation naming Aug. 29 “Coach Norman Lineburg Day.” The proclamation calls Lineburg “an exceptional educator, administrator, coach and friend who served the Radford community for generations.”
“Coach Lineburg was a mentor who built character and positively impacted the lives of countless players, families, teachers, staff and community members during his decades of dedicated service to Radford City Public Schools,” the proclamation reads. “He deeply loved the Bobcats and embodied the Radford spirit both during and after his tenure. He was widely respected and beloved by the Radford community and by generations of citizens who were inspired and influenced by his life and work. [His] legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of Bobcat Nation.”
“The first home football Friday for the Bobcats, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 shall be known as ‘Coach Norman Lineburg Day’ in the City of Radford in remembrance of his extraordinary service, his lasting impact on generations of students and athletes, and his unwavering dedication to Radford City Public Schools and the entire Radford community.”
Radford Mayor David Horton recently announced the day on a social media post.
“At our Aug.11 city council meeting, we thought it would be an appropriate way to remember and honor one of the greatest Bobcats of all time by designating Aug. 29 as Coach Norman Lineburg day,” Horton said. “No one loved and celebrated the Bobcats more than he did. Please support those Cats and wear your black and gold as we remember Coach Lineburg. Help spread the word.”