Kent Stock to Deliver Keynote at NHSACA National Conference: A Legacy of Leadership, Resilience, and the Final Season That Defined a Generation

When the National High School Athletic Coaches Association gathers in Iowa on June 29, 2026, the spotlight will shine brightly on a man whose story embodies the very spirit of high school athletics. Kent Stock, former head baseball coach at Norway High School and the real-life inspiration behind the feature film The Final Season, will step to the podium as one of our keynote speakers.

For those who know the story, Stock isn’t just a coach, he’s a symbol of courage, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between community and sport. In 1991, he took over the helm of a storied baseball program in its final year before consolidation, a daunting task that carried the weight of history. Against all odds, his Norway Tigers captured a state championship in their farewell campaign, cementing their place in Iowa high school lore. Hollywood later told the story in The Final Season, with Sean Astin portraying Stock’s steady leadership.

More Than a Movie, a Message for Every Coach

But Kent Stock’s impact stretches far beyond that championship run. His story is not just about baseball, it’s about belief, resilience, and the timeless lessons coaches impart to young people every day. Whether he’s recounting the challenges of leading a legendary program in its last hurrah, or sharing the life lessons learned from standing in the dugout with teenagers chasing one last dream, Stock speaks with a conviction that resonates with coaches across all sports.

At the NHSACA National Conference, Stock’s keynote will serve as both a celebration and a call to action. He will remind us why we do what we do: to shape character, instill values, and inspire student-athletes to chase greatness long after the scoreboard is shut off.

Why This Keynote Matters

The 2026 NHSACA National Conference promises to be one of the most impactful gatherings yet, and Stock’s appearance underscores the Association’s commitment to honoring voices that matter. His story bridges generations, those who remember the glory days of Norway baseball, those who were introduced through the film, and today’s coaches who are writing their own “final seasons” every day in gyms, fields, and locker rooms across the nation.

Stock represents the best of us: a coach who stepped into history not because he sought the spotlight, but because he accepted the responsibility placed before him. In doing so, he became a living testament to what high school athletics can mean to a town, a team, and a nation.

Looking Ahead to June 29, 2026

We could not be more thrilled to welcome Kent Stock to our stage. His message will inspire, challenge, and remind us that the greatest victories in coaching are measured not in wins and losses, but in lives changed forever.

Mark your calendars. On June 29, 2026, at the NHSACA National Conference, prepare to relive the magic of The Final Season, and to be moved by a coach whose story still echoes in ballparks, classrooms, and communities everywhere.