Joe Newton, a legendary high school cross country and track coach, spent an impressive sixty years honing his craft at York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois, from 1956 to 2016.
During his illustrious coaching career, Newton accumulated an impressive array of accolades, including a staggering 28 Illinois state cross country titles and a single track state title.
A testament to his enduring legacy, a feature-length documentary was produced about his remarkable life and achievements, cleverly titled The Long Green Line, in homage to his team's iconic nickname.
Tragically, Newton passed away on December 9, 2017, at the age of 88, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire generations of athletes and coaches.
Notably, Newton's impressive resume boasts an array of notable achievements, including serving as an assistant manager in charge of marathon runners for the U.S. team during the 1988 Olympics, a distinction that made him the first high school coach to hold such an honor.
Throughout his career, Newton received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious National Cross Country Coach of the Year award a remarkable four times.
In addition to his coaching prowess, Newton was also a prolific author, penning four books that focused on the intricacies of training and motivation, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to shape the world of athletics.
