Darry Thornton was named the third head coach of the Marian University men's lacrosse program in September of 2021.
"I am honored to introduce Darry Thornton as our next head men's lacrosse coach," said Bartelt. "He displayed a tremendous vision for the future of the program, and we look forward to having him lead the young men in our lacrosse program."
Thornton takes over the Sabre men's lacrosse program after spending one season with Brevard College in North Carolina where he helped revive the men's lacrosse program and mentor an all-conference student-athlete. His coaching experience spans nearly 15 years with stops at Lees-McRae, Mount Saint Mary's, and Mohawk Valley Community. Prior to his stint with the Tornadoes, Thornton was the head men's lacrosse coach at Lees-McRae, an NCAA Division II institution in Banner Elk, N.C. In his final season at Lees-McRae, the Bobcats were able to set a single-season record for wins. The Bobcats were also able to be successful in the classroom with 15 academic all-conference honorees during his tenure to go with the highest grade-point average in program history.
Following his time at Lees-McRae, Thornton served as a consultant for over 25 college lacrosse programs across 11 states. His assistance ranged from NCAA Division II to NJCAA schools where he aided in the evaluation of incoming student-athletes, scouting, video breakdown, and player development.
Thornton began his coaching career serving as an assistant coach at NCAA Division III Hartwick College and NCAA Division II Queens University. He quickly found himself in the head coaching ranks, however, as he earned his first head coaching position with NCAA Division III Mount St. Mary's out of New York in 2009. Thornton spent three years at "The Mount" and helped establish not only the men's lacrosse program but the women's program as well.
"I would like to thank Director of Athletics Jason Bartelt and the search committee for the opportunity to lead the Marian men's lacrosse program," said Thornton. "It is tremendously exciting and I am honored to continue to build on the foundation that has been laid here in Fond du Lac. To be chosen to mentor and coach this group of young men is humbling and I look forward to getting to work and adding another positive piece to the growing Marian community both on and off the field."
His playing career began at Hudson Valley Community College where the Vikings were able to reach the regional finals in both seasons of his attendance. Thornton then played his final two seasons as SUNY Oneonta and helped lead the Red Dragons to the ECAC Championship in his senior season.
Thornton earned his bachelors of science degree in mass communications at SUNY Oneonta and is currently pursuing masters of science in college athletic administration from Coker College. He is a native of Schenectady, N.Y.
