Matthew Thorne

Height:
5-11
Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Murfreesboro, TN
High School:
Judge Memorial Catholic - SLC, UT
Position:
IF

WHY USAFA?: 'There are many reasons that I came to the Air Force Academy. The Academy provides an atmosphere of excellence and pride. The opportunities available for leadership, aviation programs and world travel are, in my opinion, unmatched anywhere else in the world. The education we receive is the best in the world for an undergraduate degree. If you are accepted, you are granted a full scholarship which can[apos]t be beaten. The gymnastics team and coaching staff are awesome. The team is like a family away from home. It[apos]s great to be a part of a team that is so cohesive. There is nothing like knowing your friends have your back, no matter what.'

SOPHOMORE (2009): Competed in seven meets for the Falcons, including the USAG and MPSF Championship meets...posted a high score of 13.500 on the parallel bars at the Illinois-Chicago dual meet...that score is ranked among the program[apos]s top-20...earned a score of 12.700 at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championship...tied for fourth on the parallel bars against Army, contributing to an Air Force sweep of the top four places. FRESHMAN (2008): Saw action in six meets...competed on the pommel horse at Army and Springfield...participated on the high bar in five meets, including the team finals of the USAG Championships. HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB: Attended Poway High School...earned Academic All-America status...member of the National Honor Society...received accolades by the California Scholarship Federation...listed in the 'Who[apos]s Who Among American Scholars'...competed at the club level for the Mission Valley YMCA...coached by Walter Jaramillo. PERSONAL: Full name is Matthew David Thorne...goes by Matt...son of Andrew and Lindsay Thorne...has one older sister, Kirsten (23)...majoring in management...future plans include becoming a contracting officer...served as Athletic NCO...also served as Global Engagement Flight Commander...named to the Athletic Director[apos]s List...originally from South Africa...served as a mentor to the 2008 freshmen...hobbies include surfing, good food and skateboarding...spent the summer as a counselor at Falcon Sports Camps and attending Operation Air Force at Pope AFB, N.C....favorite event is the parallel bars...member of Cadet Squadron 16.