Athlete. Coach. Administrator. Three words that best describe Jack Thurnblad and the contributions he made to the Carleton College athletic program.
On. February 12, Thurnblad passed away at the age of 96.
A 1949 Carleton graduate, Thurnblad was a two sport athlete, excelling in basketball and basketball. He was invited to spring training by the Philadelphia Phillies but he didn't get a chance to play in Shibe Park. Instead, Thurnblad played shortstop for Litchfield in the Southern Minnie League that won the state Class AA title in 1952. He also started his coaching career in Hastings before moving to Wayzata in 1954. Five years later in 1959, Thurnblad led the Trojans to the state boys basketball championship as they beat Carlton 55-41 at Williams Arena.
In 1960, Thurnblad returned to his alma mater and became the head men's basketball coach. He also headed the men's golf program and in 1970, he became the men's athletic director. Under his leadership, he guided Carleton to the 1965-66 Midwest Conference title. He also led the golf team to seven conference championships, the first came in 1961. Thurnblad was also instrumental in changing Carleton's nickname from the Carls to the Knights and leaving the Midwest Conference in 1983 after a 58 year run to rejoin the MIAC, where they were a member from 1920 to 1925.
In 1984, Thurnblad stepped down as head men's basketball coach, turning over the coaching reins to Guy Kalland, who is still heading the Maize & Blue 34 years later. He would also stay on as golf coach and athletic director until he retired in 1989.
Thurnblad's legacy lives on at the Northfield liberal arts college. The West Gym's basketball court was named for Thurnblad and a sign under the scoreboard reads "In honor of Coach Jack and Jinny Thurnblad." Jinny was Thurnblad's wife of 61 years who passed away in 2009.
A fitting tribute to a man who served Carleton, first as a student-athlete then a coach and athletic director. Thurnblad was a key to the development and success of the school's athletic program.
HSGN NOTE: A number of sources were used to research this entry, including the Carleton athletic website.
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