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We’re proud to share that Fabian L. Thorne (‘97), author, entrepreneur, fitness coach, and founder of Built2Last, is profiled in the Fall 2026 edition of ECHO, the Delaware State University magazine.

The feature traces his path from a young child who lost his left eye to save his life to one of the most productive fullbacks in Hornet football history. It follows his mother, Annie Thorne, who moved the family from South Hill, Va., to East Orange, N.J. When Fabian was seven, she took him to five doctors in one day until one cleared him to play Pop Warner football. It covers his transfer to DSU in 1993 under Coach Bill Collick, who recalls a young man whose work ethic stood out during his year on the sidelines. Thorne credits his faith for what he calls “vision beyond vision” on the field.

The numbers back it up. Thorne posted two straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons in just two years as a Hornet. He still ranks 2nd all-time at DSU in career rushing average at 105.4 yards per game, and 7th in both career rushing yards (2,385) and rushing touchdowns (21). His best game was 255 yards against Morgan State. He later led the European League in rushing yards and touchdowns with the Erding Bulls in 2003, where he also found his calling in health and fitness.

Today, Built2Last is a fitness lifestyle brand built on coaching, nutrition guidance, and motivational speaking. It includes apparel and an alkaline bottled water that was tested by the DSU Water Lab under Dr. Kimberly Milligan. Each bottle carries the Hornet logo and a QR code verifying its quality. His 2020 book, You Just Don’t Wake Up Strong, chronicles the challenges that made him stronger.

A Hornet whose story started on campus is now being told in his alma mater’s pages, which is the kind of full-circle moment you can’t plan.