University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Recognition: Athlete/Coach

Charlie Thorell followed his outstanding athletic career with 37 years as a successful teacher and coach. As an athlete, Thorell was a four-year letter winner both in track and football. Both sports teams won Nebraska College Conference championships all four years. Two of those football teams, coached by Al Zikmund, were undefeated. Thorell was an all-conference end on the 1958 team. After graduating in 1960, Thorell spent four years as a teacher and coach at Sumner and 33 years at Seward. Thorell’s commitment to high school athletics also included officiating 26 years. He worked five state tournaments among the more than 2,500 games he officiated.