(Story provided by Kentucky Christian Sports Communications)
GRAYSON, Ky. - KCU is thrilled to announce the appointment of Caleb Thornburg as the new Track & Field and Cross Country Coach. With an impressive background in coaching and a passion for athletics, Thornburg brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.
Thornburg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Montreat College and a Master of Arts degree in Sports Management in Athletic Administration and Compliance from Wingate University. His educational background has equipped him with the necessary skills to excel in the field of coaching.
In terms of coaching experience, Thornburg has worked at Converse University in 2022, primarily focusing on the throws and jumps groups. During his time there, he coached the women's high jump runner-up at the 2022 Conference Carolinas Outdoor Championship, showcasing his ability to develop and guide athletes to success.
From 2022 to 2024, Thornburg served as a coach at Montreat College, where he achieved remarkable results. He coached the heptathlon winner at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship in 2024, with a score of 4489, surpassing the previous meet record by over 400 points. Additionally, he coached the runner-up of the decathlon at the same championship and guided the 3rd place finisher in the men's pole vault event. Thornburg's coaching prowess was further evident when he led both the men's and women's outdoor track teams to victory in the 2023 championships. His contributions were recognized when he was named a part of the Women's outdoor coaching staff of the year in 2023. Furthermore, Thornburg played a key role in helping athletes break six school records during his tenure at Montreat College.
Thornburg's dedication to professional development is evident through his USATF Level 1 certification. This certification demonstrates his commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest coaching techniques and best practices in the field.
Outside of his coaching achievements, Thornburg finds inspiration in Mark 9:12, his favorite verse.
KCU is confident that Thornburg's extensive coaching experience, educational background, and passion for athletics will greatly benefit the Track & Field and Cross Country programs. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the teams, and KCU looks forward to the positive impact Thornburg will have on the athletes and the program as a whole.