Thornton Academy names Lance Johnson new athletic director

For the first time in 17 years, Thornton Academy will have a new athletic director, as Lance Johnson is heading to Saco to assume the role at one of the state's largest programs.

Johnson is leaving Portland High School, where he serves as Co-Curricular Director. In addition to teaching Math in Portland, his background includes coaching stints in Portland and Scarborough, and was twice named the Mike Landry Coach of the Year by the Southern Maine Athletic Association. He has a degree in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University.

“I was attracted to Thornton Academy because of the long tradition of TA athletics, combined with the commitment, support, and involvement of the community,” said Johnson. “I am also excited to lead Thornton Academy athletics into the future with the building of our new field house.”

Johnson begins his new role on July 1.

Johnson will replace Gary Stevens, who held the athletic director position at Thornton for 17 years. “Gary leaves huge shoes to fill,” said Rene Menard, the school’s headmaster. “His knowledge of middle school and high school sports is unmatched, as well as his institutional knowledge of Thornton athletics.”

Stevens and WGME-13 Sports Director Dave Eid co-authored a book about the impact of the pandemic on school athletics, “Stolen Seasons: How Maine Sports Survived the Covid-19 Pandemic.”