Bethune-Cookman University Athletics

One of the top quarterbacks in Bethune-Cookman history, not to mention an all-around athlete, Thornton helped lay the groundwork for the successful Bunky Matthews era of Wildcat football.

He was the college's second All-American football player and was selected as the top quarterback in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 1951 after setting the record for most touchdown passes in a season with 14.

He was also selected first team quarterback of the 1950 Southeastern Athletic Conference team.

A product of Jacksonville, Fla, Thornton returned to Bethune-Cookman on the football and basketball staffs, serving brief tenures as head coach of both programs. He went on to become a successful teacher and administrator in South Florida.