Thorne lands coaching job at JSU

BARBADIAN MARK THORNE, a proven middle and distance runner for the last two decades, has made his mark at another level in the United States.Thorne, 43, has been appointed head track and field/cross-country coach at Jackson State University (JSU).It’s a major accomplishment for Thorne, who graduated from JSU in 1993. Former Carifta stars Michael “Abu” Worrell, Michael Jules, Catherine Richards, and Dave Caddle, have all had stints with the JSU Tigers.“Track and field has been a big part of my life and this is a big assignment I am looking forward to,” said Thorne, now back home on holiday.It’s just reward for Thorne, who along with Yolande Straughn, Brian Benn, Andre Davidson, and the Patterson brothers – Leslie and Troy – made  Ellerslie School a track and field power in the 1980s.“I am very excited and humbled. It took me a while to make the Carifta team, a while to get a scholarship and a while to come through the ranks at Jackson State.“It has been a long journey and I am happy with the rewards. This is proof that hard work pays off,’ said Thorne, whose appointment took effect from July 1.For several years, Thorne, the Carifta bronze medallist at the 1986 Games in Guadeloupe, has been among the leading Barbadian runners in the Run Barbados 10-K and half-marathon.Last year, he was the second Barbadian to complete the half-marathon and the fifth to finish the 10-K. A product of Sion Hill, St James, Thorne, who rubbed shoulders at school with cricketers Philo Wallace, Sherwin Campbell and Ottis Gibson, has earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mass communications and public relations from JSU.Thorne told the DAILY NATION, he was looking forward to working with local coaches to recruit athletes to come and run at JSU.