Legendary York cross country coach Joe Newton dies at age 88

Legendary York Community High School cross country coach Joe Newton died Saturday at his home in Arizona.

Newton, 88, retired in 2016 after leading the Dukes to 28 state cross country titles in a 57-year career at the Elmhurst school. Newton led York to 45 state trophies in 61 years at the school.

A 1947 graduate of Parker High School on Chicago's South Side, Newton attended Northwestern University on a track scholarship. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952.

Newton was hired to teach physical education at York in 1956, at first assisting with the track team before being named head cross country and track coach in 1960.

"I just wanted to take a moment to let you all know that today is a sad day for not only myself and the Newton family, but all the Elmhurst running community with the past and present men of the York cross country program," Newton's son Thomas said in a statement.

Newton's funeral will be private, but the family plans to hold a memorial by early to mid-January.