Former Coach Inducted Into Hall of Fame
12/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Outdoor Track
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Former TCU track and field head coach and TCU football standout Bubba Thornton was inducted into the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Coaches Hall of Fame on Wednesday.
"I'm really excited about being part of such a prestigious group of coaches across America," Thornton said on his induction. "I'm extremely pleased to be going in with a group of people who are in this class. Not only have they contributed as great coaches, but they helped the sport of track and field move forward. It's an exciting time for me and my family."
Thornton competed as a sprint and relay performer for the TCU track & field program from 1967-69. He was also a wide receiver and defensive back for the Frogs and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1969 as a wide receiver and kick returner.
Thornton returned to TCU to coach the track & field team for 14 years (1982-95). During his time at TCU, he coached nine NCAA champions. After TCU, he coached at the University of Texas from 1996-2013. In 2008, Thornton coached Team U.S.A.'s Olympic Men's squad to four gold medals and 14 medals overall.
Thornton paved the way and put TCU's sprinting squad on the national map. He coached the Frogs' 4x100 team in 1989 to a collegiate record of 38.23A. Nearly three decades later, the record still stands. He also guided TCU to its first 400-meter relay title in 1986 and went on to reclaim it in 1987, 1989, 1991 and 1995.
Thornton was joined by Terry Franson, Pat Healy, Mike Holloway, Bob Kitchens and Marty Stern in the 2016 class.
Congratulations to former head coach and @TCUFootball standout Bubba Thornton on being inducted into the @USTFCCCA Hall of Fame! #GoFrogs pic.twitter.com/xIAASTRnz0
-- TCU Track & Field (@TCUTrackField) December 14, 2016
