Working the Sidelines Part of Thorne?s Past, Future

By Rebekah Giordano
Since switching positions, Fred Thorne has stepped from the sidelines to a starting position on special teams. The strong safety has appeared in all eight games this season, made three tackles and was named the special teams captain for the game against Southern Miss.

Thorne is a product of Husker football. William H. Browne, Thorne’s great-grandfather, was an assistant football coach and head basketball coach at NU, from 1930 to 1940 and 1933 to 1940, respectively. After graduation, Thorne is hoping to begin coaching as well, but at a different level.

"Coaching high school will have many rewards," Thorne said. "I want to be a role model and have an impact in the choices adolescents make. It is a very confusing time for teens and I want to have a positive influence on them. High school football is not too serious like at the college level, but the palayers are athletically developed to a point where they are good players."

Under the direction of NU secondary coach Marvin Sanders, Thorne has shown he has what it takes on and off the field.

"He would be a great coach," Sanders said. "He doesn’t get many reps, but he understands what is going on, and his knowledge of the game shows."

After a recent change in majors, Thorne is on course to complete his degree with majors in industrial tech education and history and a minor in political science and a coaching endorsement. He has a 3.283 grade-point average and has been named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll seven times.

All of Thorne’s former coaches have influenced him, but none have affected him more than Lincoln Southeast Coach Chuck Mizerski and defensive coordinator Doug Miller.

"Each one (Mizerski and Miller) was different in their coaching manners," Thorne said. "Coach Mizerski always had great pep talks before the games. I liked Coach Miller because he was really passionate about what he did. He wasn’t afraid to get on you when you screwed up, but at the same time he kept football fun. He made you strive to do your best."

Thorne has already doubled his career games played. His limited action early in his career came as a result of a broken leg in the 2002 Red-White game.

Thorne didn’t let the injury set him back. When he wasn’t rehabilitating his leg, Thorne made use of his down time, recommitting himself to Christianity.

"I’ve turned my life around," Thorne said. "My dad had a lot to do with it. Confirming my beliefs allowed me to see the big picture and to understand there is more to football than just playing on Saturday. If the only way I get to play was in full pads in a Tuesday practice, that’s fine with me. I’ll take any chance I get to play and value it."

Thorne’s parents have been instrumental in helping him become a successful person.

"I couldn’t ask for better parents," Thorne said. "My mom and dad stand behind the choices I have made. I don’t think I would aspire to be a football coach without them supporting me the way they have."