JACKSON – Jackson State University and the Jackson State Division of Athletics are pleased to announce Mark Thorne has been named head coach of the JSU women's cross country and track & field programs. Thorne will continue in the same capacity as the head coach of the men's cross country and track & field teams.
 
"I am very excited to announce that Mark Thorne will lead our women's cross country and track & field programs," said JSU Vice President and Director of Athletics, Ashley Robinson. "Coach Thorne has had great success leading our men's programs and he has always put the student-athlete first. As an alum and longtime Jackson resident, Mark understands the history and tradition of Jackson State. I am very excited about the future of the women's cross country and track & field programs."
 
Thorne is excited about this opportunity.
 
"I would like to thank President Bynum, Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson and the athletic administration for this opportunity. I am excited to coach our women's cross country and track & field programs and ready for the challenge," Thorne said. "We have a great group of young women returning and I am excited to work with them."
 
Trusted assistant coach Jonathan Harris will continue to have a key role and will coach the women's cross country and track & field programs.
 
This past season Thorne led the men's track & field programs to runner-up finishes at the SWAC Indoor Track & Field Championships and the SWAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
 
In cross country, Thorne guided Vincent Langat to his second-consecutive SWAC individual championship. He most recently led the JSU men's cross country team to a 2017 SWAC championship.
 
During his tenure the program has produced an Olympian Anaso Jobodwana and two NCAA All-Americans in B.J. Lee and Jobodwana. Thorne has earned several coaching certifications: USATF Level 1, USATF Level 2 Endurance, USTFCCCA Level 2 in Sprints Hurdles and Relays.
 
Thorne holds two degrees from JSU. A Bachelor of Art in English and a Master of Science in Mass Communication. He resides in Byram with his wife, Dr. Dianne Thorne and has three children.