ROCK ISLAND -- Augustana Director of Athletics, Mike Zapolski, has announced the hiring of Darry Thornton as the fourth head coach of Augustana men's lacrosse.
"Coach Thornton's genuine enthusiasm and passion about the game of lacrosse and the opportunity to mentor young men were prevalent throughout our search process, and I am eager to work with him to bolster and support our program moving forward," said Zapolski. "Darry will be diligent in his efforts to build a program that competes at a high level, and is eager to talk about the value of the Augustana student-athlete experience with prospective men's lacrosse recruits."
Thornton returns to the midwest after spending two seasons as the head coach at SUNY Plattsburgh in Plattsburgh, N.Y. While with the Cardinals, his led a roster of 51 student-athletes in 2024 after bringing in a recruiting class of 21 players. He handled all operations with the program, including fundraising, scheduling, and strength and conditioning. His team also boasted a GPA of over 3.0 each season. Prior to his time with the Plattsburgh, he served as the head coach at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wis., where he coached four all-conference players. During the year prior, he mentored two all-conference players and was responsible for rebuilding and restoring a canceled program at Brevard College in Brevard, N.C. He also has experience at the Division II level as head coach of Lees McRae, where he was for four years. Thornton's head coaching experience dates back to 2009, while his overall coaching experience with lacrosse started in 2006 as an assistant with Hartwick College.
"I would like to thank Mike Zapolski and the entire Augustana search committee for this amazing opportunity," said Thornton. "I am excited and thrilled to be part of the Augie family and look forward to creating substantial relationships with our players and alumni. The positive energy and support in and around the college community is infectious and I am honored to lead Augustana lacrosse back to a competitive and successful program both on and off the lacrosse field."
Thornton played collegiate lacrosse at Hudson Valley College for two years before wrapping up his career at Oneonta State. During his time with Hudson, the team reached the Region III final both seasons. At Oneonta State, he was 22-10 as the team's goalie and helped lead the squad to a No. 11 national ranking and a runner-up finish in the ECAC championship game.
