News Article

NORTH EAST, Md: Thornton Spellman’s journey in collegiate basketball began in 1980 at Cecil College, a time when the game looked very different from what it does today. There were no shot clocks, and the floor was made of rubber—a detail that he fondly remembers for helping him “get up” during those crucial moments on the court.

“We had some set play, which they don’t set up the ball anymore. I mean, it’s “run and gun” now. I wish they’d let us “run and gun,” but it was more structured. In that time, it was a game plan focused on motion offenses and man-to-man defense that denied the weak side and kept a body on your man,” said Spellman, who played two seasons for the Seahawks, leading his team with an impressive 13.7 rebounds per game and 98 blocked shots for the season.

Under the leadership of then Coach Kevin Moran, Spellman’s game evolved as the coaching staff worked specifically with Spellman on the pick and roll. “Coach would tell me, ‘Thornton, you gotta dunk that,’” recalled Spellman. With teammates who could shoot, Spellman’s role became crucial to the team’s success as he dominated the paint, setting screens, and crashing the boards.

In 1980, Cecil College was only in its 12th year, and the small campus environment suited Spellman and his teammates, who were mostly from Delaware. The campus consisted of just two main buildings, and some classes were held in trailers, creating an environment where everyone relied on one another. With no dorm rooms, he lived with seven other athletes in an off-campus house.

For Spellman, those years at Cecil College were about more than basketball; they were formative years that shaped not only his athletic career but also his life journey.

“I had the only car,” he laughed. “We piled four in the front and four in the back. It taught us a lot about responsibility and teamwork.” Those moments helped Spellman grow both as a player and a person, and even though the campus has expanded and transformed since those days, he still fondly remembers it as a “home away from home.”

After graduation, he transitioned to a career that combined his technical skills and leadership ability. Spellman worked for Procter & Gamble as an industrial mechanic, a role that led to a long and successful career with the Fortune 500 company. “I never went back to school after Cecil College, but Procter & Gamble had a company-sponsored program in industrial engineering, which worked out really well for me,” he explained.

Spellman’s love of the game never waned, and he embraced teaching the next generation the skills of the game he enjoyed so much. In his spare time, he spent 20 years coaching girls’ basketball at Dover High School. Reflecting on his coaching experience, Spellman believes basketball is more than just winning games; it’s about character and leadership.

As Thornton Spellman looks back on his time at Cecil College, he is proud of how far the institution has come. “I come back every year and don’t recognize the place from my time. It’s grown so much since the ’80s,” he said with a smile. “It feels like a four-year school now. The excitement, the energy – seeing this school thriving is great.”

Spellman’s time at Cecil College not only shaped his basketball career but also his approach to life and work. Whether coaching or reminiscing with old friends, he remains a testament to the power of sport, community, and the enduring bonds that form through shared experiences.

Learn more about Cecil College Athletics today by visiting www.cecilathletics.com.