Cross Country and York are synonymous. York is one of the most celebrated Cross Country Programs in the nation, winning 28 state championships in 53 years under Mr. Newton. Yet the second shift runners (Junior Varsity) aren’t the most celebrated runners. Still, everyone loves them for their courage and leadership skills.

Drew Douglas, senior and captain of Group 4, says he is “honored” to be a senior captain for such a prestegious program. Despite being a long distance runner, Douglas has defied all odds. As well as being a very good distance runner, he has also become one of the track teams’ finest sprinters. There is a strong belief within the running community that it is impossible to be both a great sprinter and a great distance runner. Douglas doesn’t see it that way.

“I don’t agree with that. There are plenty of guys who do the same thing as me, and it doesn’t ruin you. You just have to work harder in the offseason.” Douglas said.

On second shift, there are other runners who, unlike Douglas, aren’t meant to be the best runners. They just enjoy going out there every day and having fun.”

Group Five Captain Dan Possely, a senior, said they even sing songs to encourage the top runners.

“On long run days, it’s our job to encourage them, yet we know when it’s appropriate to speed up, so the inspiration kind of goes both ways.”

Possely is one of the more vocal leaders on the team, and he explained that “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You” from the Disney movie “Mulan” is their top hit.

“Mr. Newton gets fired up when he sees us singing,” Possely said.

“When we sing John Jacob Jinkle Heimer Schmidt, he gets out of his chair and starts dancing,” Matthew Niewiara, Senior, and member of second shift, said Mr. Newton doesn’t just single out the top runners. He instills lifelong lessons for all of his runners.

“The camaderie is definitely present throughout the whole team,” Niewiara said.

Niewiara also explained how Mr. Newton really makes sure the boys become responsible men.

“Responsibility is definitly the value Mr. Newton emphasizes the most. He always tells us that ultimately we are responsible for the outcome of every action we take.”