Maci Thornton To Continue Academic/Athletic Career At Messiah College (04/21/15)

“A great balance of being a fierce competitor and at the same time, a great team player and teammate.” That is the way Mike Miller, the ladies’ basketball coach at Messiah College, in Mechanicsburg, describes Maci Thornton, a member of the Falcon recruiting class for 2015-16.

(Photo submitted by the Thorntons) Maci (center) flanked by (L-R) her parents, Jim and Bridget Thornton, Coach Roger Walter, Coach Ed Baumcratz

Anyone who has had the privilege of watching Maci over the last few years, would have to agree that Coach Miller’s assessment of Clarion Area’s two time All-Stater is one-hundred percent accurate.

And anyone who was present at the recent Lady Cats banquet, and heard Maci’s speech, crediting everyone from her parents, her two Varsity coaches, Roger Walter (who coached her through her junior year) and current head coach Ed Baumcratz, her teammates etc. for making her the player and teammate she was, realize the love and respect she has for all of them. (Was there anyone present who didn’t choke up during her presentation?)

Maci’s college choice goes beyond the hardwood. She said, “A few years ago, I made a personal choice in deciding to further my education and basketball career at a Christian university. I had received interest from other universities, but Messiah College turned out to be the perfect fit for me. Messiah made an offer I could not refuse: a tremendous education, playing for a successful basketball program, and continuing to grow in my faith.”

About her time at Clarion, Maci said, “I can’t say enough about how much playing for Clarion has meant to me. I will carry the memories of being a part of this team with me for the rest of my life and am forever grateful for my past teammates, coaches, and fans.”

Maci’s two, Lady Cat mentors have nothing but praise for their prize athlete. Coach Baumcratz said, “Maci Thornton will go down as one of the best players to ever wear a Bobcat uniform. She is simply irreplaceable. Her drive, passion, & dedication to the game got her where she is today. There were a number of practices where Maci stayed after to work on her game. She never was satisfied, always wanted more. When she stepped off the court, basketball was always (and still is) on her mind, always trying to find ways for the team to improve.

“Maci and her other senior counterparts (Julie, Lauren, & Nikki) have made a clear example to our underclassmen, what it is to be a true leader. It will be dejecting not having #24 on the court next year. What kind of a player was she and how she will be remembered? One of the most decorated and award winning athletes, gave 100% every minute she was on the court, ability to take over a game, a winner, out rebounded everyone on the court, and player that always tried getting her teammates involved.

“I would like to thank Maci (and her teammates) for welcoming me to the program this season. I wish her nothing but the best and can’t wait to watch her play at the next level. Messiah’s Coach Miller signed a pretty special player, one that he won’t regret. She always has a place to call home and if she needs anything, we’re a phone call away. I’m so proud of you.”

Walter, who is currently the CAHS assistant principal and athletic director, said, “Maci is one of the hardest working individuals that I have ever had the opportunity to coach. Although I was not able to coach her through her senior season I was able to become one of her biggest fans. Her leadership on this years team very very impressive.

“Clarion Area was lucky to have a student-athlete like Maci. She was been the face of Clarion Girls Basketball for the last few years and will be impossible to replace.

“You have to tip your cap at a player that has achieved what all Maci has. In four seasons she was able to play in 4 district finals, win 2 district titles, play in 2 KSAC championships, win 1 KSAC title, and take home numerous other recognitions.” (Many of the other recognitions are listed at the bottom of the article.)

Clarion Area’s loss is Messiah College’s gain. Coach Miller said, “Wonderful person and family. Maci will fit very well into the Mission of the college and basketball program. A very positive person. Can’t wait to coach her.” He also said, that Maci has “A great balance of being a fierce competitor and at the same time a great team player and teammate.
(She) has the ability to create her own shot and create shot opportunities for her teammates. (an ability that is needed when playing with a shot clock). I love the way she goes after the ball in rebounding, loose ball situations and pressing situations.”

The other players in this year’s class include: Rebecca Issacc from Biglerville, Kristin Smoluk from Palmyra, Haley Maraday from Orange County, NY, Sierra Kirsch from Hollidaysburg and Alecia Rohrer from Hempfield.

Coach Miller feels that Maci and the others in coming in with her are “the best recruiting class in my 29 years. Great people, family and players in all five positions.” He feels they “will help us be a contender at the National Level.”

This is saying quite a lot considering that coach Miller has the most wins, men’s or women’s (552), in Messiah history  and is just the twelfth Division III women’s coach to reach 500 wins. He has also led his teams to 16 NCAA Tournament berths (making it all the way to the National Championship game once).

I have personally witnessed Maci make some of the finest moves and put in some of the finest shots that I have ever seen a high school player (girl or boy) make and saw her unselfishly dish off to teammates, helping to make those teammates and the team better.

One play that I’ll remember for the rest of my life was during a State Quarterfinal game at IUP, Maci’s sophomore season. Driving to the hoop, Maci slipped or was tripped up. Falling flat out, face first to the floor, and just as she is about to hit, she goes ahead and put the ball up and sure enough it goes in.

I remember telling her parents, after seeing her throw and kick a football at a church picnic, when she was maybe still in elementary school (and doing better than a number of the boys), that she was the most athletic girl, I’d ever seen at her age. And it has been a pleasure to watch skill level only increase over the years.

But even more importantly, it has been a pleasure to see the fine young woman she has become. One who is never neglectful of crediting others for her success and one who is not afraid to wear her Christian witness on her sleeve.

Jim and Bridget, Ed and Roger, you should all be very, very proud. Coach Miller, you are getting a  great athlete and an even better person.

All the best and Godspeed, Maci!!!!

Join us by sending congratulations to Maci at: www.facebook.com/pages/ClarionSportsZone.com

Some of Maci’s achievements:

Academic Honors:

Principal’s List/Honor Roll since 7th grade
Provost Merit Award recipient
Secretary of National Honor Society
Secretary of Senior High Student Council

Athletic Honors:

Varsity Basketball:
First Team KSAC (10-12 grade)
Second Team All-District (10 grade)
First Team All-District (11,12 grade)
Third Team All-State (11,12 grade)
KSAC MVP (12 grade)
District 9 Player of the Year (12 grade)
Tri-County Sunday and Courier Express 2015 Player of the Year
15th Clarion County YMCA “Sportsmanship I” All-Star Girls’ Basketball Game: Sportsmanship Award
Varsity Soccer:
U.A.V.S.L All-Star (11,12 grade)