The Official Athletic Website of Highland Community College

Richard Thornton was a prolific passer at Highland High School under Coach Mack Porter and again for Highland Junior College under Coach Huber.  The 1951 Scotties recorded two wins and a first time shut out.  In 1952, under Thornton’s leadership, the Scotties had a break out year with a 64-0 trouncing of Ft. Scott Junior College and three more defensive shut outs resulting in a 7-2 season. Richard Thornton completed over 1400 passing yards on 200 attempts with 17 touchdowns in his two-year career at HJC.  The 1952 season Thornton completed 70 passes on 139 attempts, over 50% completion rate, and 11 touchdown passes.  These accomplishments, in spite of the predominantly run offense, are still accounted for in HCC’s football record book.