| Head coach Bill Thornton |
| 26th Season in 2007-08 |
| Alma Mater: Universtiy of Kansas |
| MIAC Championships: 1976, 2004 |
| NCAA Appearances: 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 2002, 2004 |
| E-mail: thorntow@stolaf.edu |
| Phone: 507-786-3256 |
Bill Thornton begins his 33rd year at St. Olaf and 26th as head men's cross country coach. Thornton, who is also the men's track and field coach, led the cross country squad from 1970-1984 and again from 1997 to the present.
St. Olaf has earned two MIAC Championships under Thornton - 2004 and 1976.
During his tenure he has coached a combined five national champions, 96 Midwest Conference and Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Champions and 29 NCAA Division III All-Americans.
A strong beleiver in coaching education, he holds USAT&F Level I and II Coaching Certifications as well as Bronze and Silver Level Certification in the Pole vault . His Level II Certifications are in the event areas of Jumps and Throws.
Thornton is a member of the United States Track Coaches Association and the NCAA Division III Track Coaches Association where he has served as Secretary since 1984. Since 1985 he has been involved in the United States Olympic Festivals, sponsored by the United States Olympic Committee, serving as a Travel Coordinator, and most recently as an Assistant Commisioner for Men's Athletics (Track & Field). A 1996 Sabbatical Leave enabled him the oppurtunity to serve as Co-manger of Equipment and Co-supervisor of Field of Play for the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta.
Thornton is a 1963 graduate of the University of Kansas with a physical education major. He received his master's from the University of Arkansas in 1964. He and wife Merrell reside in Northfield.
