



Legendary York High School cross country coach Joe Newton will retire after this fall season.

The 87-year-old icon coached in the state of Illinois for 63 years and built his legacy at York High School, where he enters his 61st season. The Dukes have won 28 state championship titles in that time, the most for any Illinois high school in any sport, according to the Chicago Tribune. Newton has guided York to a total of 44 state trophies with 12 runner-up finishes and four third-place finishes.

Newton will share co-head coaching duties with Charlie Kern Sr., a York alumnus and longtime assistant coach.

Newton's son, Tom, organized a press conference at York High School on Wednesday afternoon to announce the news. Joe himself was not present, as he was at his second home in Arizona. Tom said that Joe will stay in Arizona and return to Elmhurst, Ill. at the end of the season for a brief visit.

The scale back in coaching duties was a family decision. Newton suffers from ongoing health issues, including severe arthritis.

"The question became, 'How are you going to do this?' How are you going to be out in the middle of a cross country race, screaming at some kid -- how are they going to know if you're screaming at them or asking for help?'" Tom said at the press conference, as reported by Mike Clark for the Chicago Tribune.

Health permitting, Newton will attend the Illinois state cross country championship at Detweiller Park on Nov. 5. The team plans to host a celebration for Newton the same weekend.

Tom Newton makes announcement at press conference at York High School:

Charlie Kern makes statement at press conference:





To read a personal take from Tony Jones of Illinois MileSplit on Newton's retirement, click here.