Franciscan University of Steubenville Men's Track & Field

In November of 2024, the Franciscan Athletic Department was proud to announce that James Walters has been named as the Head Track & Field Coach / Associate Head

Jack Thornton Jr. specializes in coaching sprinters, hurdlers, and horizontal jumping events. He has more than 30 years of coaching experience in track and field, cross country, and women's basketball. Thornton is a retired educator and athletic coach from the Warren, Ohio City school district, where he taught at Warren Western Reserve and Warren G. Harding High Schools, recording numerous individual and relay team championships. Collegiately, he served as sprints and hurdles coach at Malone University (2006-2008), helping break records and leading teams to American Mideast Conference and National Christian College Championship titles. At Franciscan University of Steubenville, he served as distance and jumps coach (2010) and sprints, hurdles, and jumps coach (2011), breaking multiple school records. Thornton is the founder and CEO of the Warren Striders Track Club since 1977, which has sent over 100 participants to National Junior Olympics Championships. A certified USATF Level I coach with IYCA Level I youth fitness specialist certification, Thornton also competes as a senior Olympian, having participated in three National Senior Olympics games. He is a native of Steubenville, a graduate of Steubenville High School, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in American History from the College of Steubenville and a Master's degree from Boston University.

Alma Mater Saint Vincent '20 Playing Experience She was a four-year member of the cross country and track & field teams at Saint Vincent.