Capistrano Valley’s Thornton Resigns Coaching Position

MISSION VIEJO — Mark Thornton has resigned as boys’ basketball coach at Capistrano Valley, assistant athletic director Tom Ressler said Wednesday.

Thornton, who had begun his 15th season as the Cougar coach, stepped down for personnel reasons, according to Ressler. Brian Mulligan, a former Cougar assistant, was named interim coach.

Capistrano Valley is 3-3 this season. Thornton’s last game was Saturday, when the Cougars lost to Cypress, 85-79. Assistant Steve Canin coached the Cougars in their 68-47 victory over South Torrance.

Thornton could not be reached for comment.

Thornton was 311-97 during his career at Capistrano Valley. His teams won the Southern Section Division I-AA title in 1992 and the Division I-A championship in 1989.

Mulligan was a Cougar assistant from 1985-88. He was head coach at Escondido Orange Glen High in 1989, compiling a 9-15 record. Mulligan returned to Capistrano Valley the following season. He was an assistant at Irvine Valley College from 1992-95.