HR0720 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0720 LRB100 16159 ALS 31280 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of cross country coach Joe Newton, who passed away on December 9, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Joe Newton graduated from Parker High School on Chicago's South Side in 1947; he attended Northwestern University on a track scholarship and earned his bachelor's degree; he stayed at Northwestern for a fifth year to complete his master's degree; he was drafted into the United States Army in 1952; and

WHEREAS, Joe Newton began his career as a physical education teacher at York High School in 1956; he assisted with the track team before being named head cross country and track coach in 1960; he won his first state cross country title in 1962; and

WHEREAS, Joe Newton created a running culture at York and in the Elmhurst community; this culture was known as "The Long Green Line," which was also the title of a 2008 motion picture based on the team; he was the first high school coach to be named to an Olympic coaching staff, and he was in charge of the marathon runners at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea; and

WHEREAS, Joe Newton moved to Arizona with his wife, Joan, in the summer of 2000; he continued to return to Illinois each August to begin a new cross-country season; he wrote four books on running and was named Coach of the Year 20 times by the Illinois Coaches Association; and

WHEREAS, Joe Newton retired in 2016 after leading York to 28 state cross-country titles, 12 runner-up trophies, and four awards for third place; he earned 44 podium finishes in 57 seasons, along with the state title for track in 2000; he attributed his success to a strong and caring coach-athlete relationship; he rejoiced in the successes of his runners and shook each team member's hand after every practice; he believed the most important aspect of coaching was his relationship with his athletes; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Joe Newton and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Joe Newton as an expression of our deepest sympathy.