Dean Thornton to be inducted into the Muskingum University Athletics Hall of Fame

Muskingum University is proud to announce that Dean Thornton '09 has been selected for induction into the Muskingum Athletics Hall of Fame for track & field. He will be formally honored during the Night of Impact on Friday, February 13, in the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex, presented by Carol Goff & Associates Real Estate.

Thornton made history as a sophomore when he became Muskingum's first-ever All-American in the 100-meter dash. Competing at the 2005 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Benedictine University, he delivered a career-best time of 10.56 seconds, cementing his place among the nation's elite sprinters and making a landmark moment for the Muskingum track & field program.

His breakthrough performance earned him All-American honors, making him just the eighth male student-athlete in Muskingum outdoor track & field history to receive the national distinction. A standout All-Ohio Athletic Conference sprinter throughout his career, Thornton was a three-time All-OAC honoree (2005, 2006, 2007) and consistently elevated the competitiveness and visibility of Muskingum's sprinting program.

The Night of Impact will highlight the achievements of this year's Hall of Fame class and celebrate the individuals whose contributions have shaped the history and future of Muskie Athletics.