THE COLLEGES : Mike Thornton Named OCC Women’s Coach

Mike Thornton has been named women’s basketball coach at Orange Coast College, the school announced Friday.

Thornton, 41, has been girls’ basketball coach at Marina High School since 1980. He replaces Larrella Hendon, whose contract was not renewed.

Orange Coast finished 8-19 last season.

Thornton had a 147-96 career record at Marina. The Vikings were 17-9 last season and finished third in the Sunset League.

“It was a tough decision to leave,” Thornton said. “We were coming off a good season and most of the players were coming back. But this is something I’ve want to do.”

Thornton was the boys’ coach at Santa Ana High School from 1973-75. He was an assistant with the Marina boys’ team from 1975-87.