‘The Long Green Line’ Ends For Joe Newton

(12-9-17) – Joe Newton, legendary coach of boys cross country at York (Illinois) has passed away at the age of 88.

His son Thomas commented on his father’s passing on Facebook:

“Today is a sad day for not only myself and the Newton family but also the Elmhurst running community, with the past, and present men of the YORK Cross Country program.”

Newton led York to a record 28 state championships in boys cross country including  12 second-place and four third-place finishes. Newton took over as the Dukes’ head coach in 1960 and remained until his retirement in 2016.

Coach Newton sounds off with one of his trademark – “Newtonisms”

In 1988, Newton became the first high school coach named to a U.S. Olympic Team coaching position, leading the marathon team at the Seoul Games.

A documentary film about his career at York – The Long Green Line – was released.

 

 

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