Athletico Physical Therapy announces its most recent facility opening in Greenwood, Ind. In addition, it announces that Tim Thornton, head football coach at Peoria High School, has received the 4th annual Athletico Coach of the Year Award.

“I am excited to play a part in the growth of Greenwood and Center Grove, where I have spent the last 7 years of my life,” its facility manager, Josh Barb, PT, DPT, ATC, says in a media release. “Being able to work with others in the community to improve their quality of life is an extremely gratifying opportunity. My goal at Athletico is to help these people get back to doing the things they love.”

The Athletico Coach of the Year Award is open to junior high or high school level coaches within Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin, and recognizes them for their service to local communities, sportsmanship, coaching success, and classroom involvement.

Thornton was nominated for his leadership and success, as well as his focus on academics and community involvement. His team, the Lions, capped off the 2016 season with their first Class 5A state championship and a 13-1 record, according to a separate media release from Athletico.

“While there are many great nominations each year, Coach Thornton embodied the true meaning of the Athletico Coach of the Year,” said Jason Bannack, vice president of outreach services at Athletico, in the release. “Tim’s emphasis on academics and his athletes’ involvement within the community is evident. We are proud to partner with Peoria High School and want to congratulate Tim on winning this award.”

“We are proud of Coach Thornton for being named Athletico Coach of the Year,” comments Brien Dunphy, Peoria athletic director, in the release. “He and the entire football staff work hard to help boys become better men, and winning the state football championship was a tremendous accomplishment.”

Thornton received a commemorative plaque and tickets to the Big Ten Football Championship game.

[Source(s): Athletico Physical Therapy, Business Wire]