Thornton to Coach Boys’ Basketball at Dana Hills

Mark Thornton, who resigned six games into the basketball season at Capistrano Valley, has been named the boys’ basketball coach at Dana Hills, principal Rickie Lundgren said Thursday.

Although the hiring is pending school district approval, Lundgren isn’t expecting any obstacles.

“[Thornton] has begun to put his program together,” Lundgren said. “We’re not expecting any problems. He has a very strong, good reputation in Orange County and he’s worked in Capistrano Unified School District for quite a while.”

Thornton replaces Bryan McSweeney, who was reassigned to coach the junior varsity after last season’s 14-12 campaign. Lundgren said she was informed by McSweeney, who is on a medical leave, that he will not be back with the program next year.

“When things changed for Bryan . . . we decided we would open it up to someone who was going to build it up for years to come,” Lundgren said.

“Now we’re going forward and building a new and different program. We’ve won six league championships this year, and we would like to see our major sports also win league championships and have the students have continuing positive experiences and build their self-esteem. We feel we have that combination.”

Thornton, who coached boys’ and girls’ basketball at various levels within the Dana Hills program from 1973 to 1980, was the boys’ varsity coach at Capistrano Valley for 15 years and compiled a 307-84 record in that time. He also won section titles in 1989 and 1992.

He resigned Dec. 6, 1995.

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Rich Boyce has been named the boys’ basketball coach at Estancia, Athletic Director Jeff Gall said Thursday.

Boyce, who has worked at every level within the program the past nine seasons, replaced Tim Parsel, who resigned last month. Parsel will coach the freshman team.

Boyce was an interim head coach for the girls’ varsity team during the 1993-94 season.