Lycoming News

The Penn Athletics Hall of Fame Class XIII induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27 at The Inn at Penn.

Karl Thornton's plaque highlights his significant contributions to the Penn track and field and cross-country programs. He captained the 1971 cross-country team, which held the Ivy Heps record for points (19) at the time of his induction and finished third at NCAAs. As part of four Ivy Heps track championship teams, he led the 1971 Outdoor Ivy Heps by winning both the mile and two-mile events, ending Harvard's nine-year championship streak. A three-time NCAA Championships qualifier on the track, Thornton graduated with four individual records and was part of five record-setting relay groups. Notably, he ran Penn's first sub-4-minute mile. He also coached in both programs, including serving as head cross-country coach from 1979 to 1982, and was a Penn Relays official for over 40 years.

Karl Thornton attributes his work ethic to his upbringing in Binghamton, N.Y., which played a crucial role in his success as a track athlete at Penn during the 1970s.

"I think that's part of growing up in a blue-collar environment like Binghamton," Thornton said. "Of course, everybody in my family was hard-working, but so were most of the neighbors and the kids in the community."

Thornton set 18 program records during his career from 1968 to 1972. At graduation, he held individual school records in multiple events and anchored five record-setting relay teams. His leadership helped Penn win its first Ivy Heptagonal title with a record low score in cross-country.

Julio Piazza, Thornton's long-time teammate and friend, praised him: "He set extremely high goals and worked hard to achieve those goals...his commitment to hard work was an example for everybody else to follow."

Thornton will be honored later this month when he is inducted into the Penn Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of Class XIII.

Reflecting on his achievements, Thornton remains modest: "I don't think I had any greater impact than a lot of the very good and excellent athletes who went through that program."

Piazza emphasized Thornton's lasting influence: "It was his commitment to excellence and hard work that you pass on to the next generation."

Penn Athletics continues to celebrate its legacy with individuals like Karl Thornton who have laid strong foundations for future success.