Year Inducted: 1998
Nominated By: Tom Brockman
Sports Competed In: Basketball
Athlete, Coach or Contributor: Athlete, Coach, Adminstrator
High School:
Attended Pueblo Central H.S., graduating in 1954...Was a three-sport standout for the Wildcats from 1952-54, playing basketball (guard), baseball (1st base) and track (sprinter).
College:
Went to Pueblo Junior College (PJC) and Western State College in Gunnison, CO...At PJC, Thornton played two seasons each of basketball (guard) and baseball (1st base)...He was the captain of the PJC basketball team that played in the National Junior College Tournament (1955-56).
Coaching Career:
Basketball:
● JV Coach: Salida H.S., Salida, CO (1959-62).
● Head Coach: Pitts Junior High (1967-69).
Football:
● Junior High Coach: Salida H.S., Salida, CO (1959-61).
● Frosh Coach: Pueblo Catholic H.S. (1962).
● Head Coach: Pitts Junior High (1963-64).
Baseball:
● Head Coach: American Legion (1959-61)
● Head Coach: Old Timers (1959-61).
● Head Coach: Old Timers (1963-72).
Wrestling:
● Head Coach: Pitts Junior High (1963-64).
Track:
● Head Coach: Pitts Junior High (1963-68).
Contributor:
● Basketball official for 20 years at the high school and college level (1962-81).
● Baseball umpire for 15 years at the high school, college and Semi-Pro level (1963-77).
● Activities Director: Pueblo Centennial H.S. (1983-86).
● Assistant Principal: Pueblo Centennial H.S. (1986-89).
● Principal: Pueblo Centennial H.S. (1989-93).
Occupation:
Worked as a teacher, coach and administrator for Pueblo School District #60.
Personal:
Lives in Pueblo with his wife, Wendy Bramer.
