University of Albany Field Hockey's Andy Thornton Named Head Coach of Men's National Indoor Team - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany's Andy Thornton has been named the Men's National Indoor Field Hockey Head Coach, as recently announced by USA Field Hockey. Thornton is in his second year as UAlbany's associate head coach.

Thornton previously served as the Head Coach of the Women's National Indoor Team and under his direction, led the U.S. Team to a bronze medal at the Pan American Games in Venezuela last August and a silver medal in Argentina in 2008. Preparations will now begin for the 2012 Pan American Indoor Championships held in Puerto Montt, Chile.

"I am excited to accept the position as the Men's Indoor Head Coach and look forward to working with the team and the challenges ahead," Thornton said.

At UAlbany, Thornton is in his eighth season with the field hockey program. During his tenure he has helped guide the squads to two America East Conference championship teams and a 92-57 overall record. UAlbany holds an 8-5 record and has been among the nation's top 20 teams by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association throughout the current season.

In 2011, Christina Patrick leads UAlbany with 11 goals and five assists and is among Division I's top-25 active players in goals, assists and points. In the backfield, goaltender Kristi Troch has a 1.64 goals against average and .704 save percentage with two shutout wins in 13 starts. Junior defender Taylor Luke has registered three defensive saves.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes resumes America East Conference play this Saturday when conference foe Fairfield comes to Alumni Turf Field ... UAlbany is coming off a pair of one-goal losses to Maine and Syracuse, two teams ranked in the national top 10.