York runners, with remarkable kick, return to the top with 29th state championship

Patrick Hill and the rest of York’s cross country runners walked by the trophy case at school every day, saw all the trophies and heard the whispers.How come you are not good?“And they are good. It’s hard to win,” York coach Charlie Kern said. York, for so many years, made winning look easier than it is. The boys cross country program under legendary coach Joe Newton won 28 state titles and 44 trophies in a 51-year span from 1962-2012.The Dukes are back on top.With six boys running personal records and one a season-best, York on Saturday in Peoria won the Class 3A title for its 29th state championship – the first since Newton retired.“It feels really good on so many levels. I’m so happy for those guys. They did something remarkable,” Kern said. “That is your dream to do your best on the day that matters the most.”Hill led the way, finishing sixth in 14 minutes, 18.7 seconds on the Detweiler Park Course.“This was our goal all year, and we knew we were capable of it through ups and downs