Remembering The Life of Mike Newman

The State of Illinois received the tragic news of Mike Newman’s passing in his home on saturday morning. Mike was the founder and owner of ILXCTF, which provided extensive coverage of Cross Country and Track & Field across Illinois. He ran at York High School, where he was an all-state cross country athlete, before competing at North Central College. After spending 25 years in management while living in Ohio, he returned to the sport in 2008 through Illinois Top Times. From there, he worked with Dyestat and Runnerspace, dedicating himself fully to covering the sport. Mike truly cared about cross country and track & field in Illinois, devoting his life to advancing the careers of runners, creating interest, and sharing the amazing stories this sport has to offer.

In 2018, Illinois Running News was born. The idea came the day after the cross country state meet, but the spark was lit the night before at a McDonald’s in Chillicothe. There, I sat down with Mike Newman and my teammate Christian Knowlton to talk about the landscape of Illinois running and how much Mike loved his work. That conversation ignited the fire that became Illinois Running News. Without Mike, I would have never started down this path in covering the sport. Everything I’ve been able to do in this space traces back to that moment and to him.

Many people have their own memories and perspectives on Mike Newman. The following are quotes gathered from the community talking about Mike Newman amid the news of his passing. He made an impact in so many people’s lives. Thank you, Mike, for everything you gave to this sport and for advancing it in the ways only you could.

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"I have been at a complete loss for words since hearing the news about Mike. His words and coverage of Illinois Cross Country and Track and Field left an indelible mark that won't soon be forgotten. His coverage and knowledge was second to none. I will greatly miss my friend and our near daily banter back and forth of all things Illinois running. He always wanted to share and help grow our sport and let anyone who would listen know how great the athletes and coaches in our state are. My condolences to his family in this time of great loss. Mike, we will keep your memory alive and continue help spread the love of Illinois XC and TF." - Roland Hopkins (ILXCSpeedRatings Owner)

"Michael's life was positively transformed by running in HS and he never forgot it.  Personally, he found success as an athlete and ran for two of the greatest running coaches in history - Mr Newton at York HS and Al Carius at North Central College.  In his years after college, he would have the state meet scored before the officials did.  His post college involvement in Illinois running was part time, but he was so passionate about the sport that he eventually pivoted and left a successful career to dedicate his life to cross country and track.  During his HS and College days, his coaches tried to make cross country cool.  With the creation of his website, social media platforms, on site interviews, and weekly video shows, he also made cross country cool.  A meet became more special if Michael Newman was there.  He helped to promote athletes and gave them a chance to share their thoughts, hopes and dreams on various digital platforms.  Michael was mentored by hall of fame coaches and he became a hall of fame promoter.  He connected with so many in our sport and will be greatly missed.  Personally, he was a good friend and he would come to our Monday practices during cross country.  He would share his thoughts, encourage the kids and the coaches, he might time one of our groups.  He made his usual Monday appearance on Labor Day and we enjoyed his stories and talked about the upcoming season, in particular the meets he intended to cover.  I am grateful we had such a wonderfully simple time together.  I am sad that we won't be able to do that anymore." - Charlie Kern (York Head Coach)

"Mr. Newman wore many hats, serving as an ambassador to our great sport. Regardless of what role, is undeniable and unapologetic love for cross, country and track and field, especially in Illinois was inspirational.

He had a positive impact on generations of IL XC runners and their families, capturing forever moments with grace and deep knowledge of the nature of the sport." - Pat and James Sheridan (York Assistant Coach and Former York Captain in 95 and 96)

"Newms, as his York and NCC brothers called him, was an icon. He was the OG of the internet reporters. His context was revolutionary and his interviews were legendary. The coaches respected his insights and the athletes ‘really made it’ when they got a Newman interview. I have had countless current team members and parents, alums and former parents reach out today. There’s a big hole left with his passing.

On a personal note, he was a true friend of our program and a trusted and personal friend of mine. We shared many personal stories and we exchanged advice about XC, track, coaching and life. I will miss our weekly sometimes daily phone calls. More importantly, I will miss our talked about our families and our lives. My prayers are with his family, especially his mom and children. The last conversation I had with him ended as they always did: I love you brother. Thanks Newms! You are valued and missed dearly.” - Rob Harvey (Wheaton Warrenville South Head Coach)

“Michael Newman was one of the most passionate advocates for runners in the country. He was one of the great keepers of lists back when performances were kept by Timely Times which later become Illinois Top Times. Eventually Michael built that into a career working for Dyestat and currently Runnerspace and Athletic.net. Michael loved his Dukes of York and Cardinals of North Central College but he also loved the kids and programs that came out of nowhere and had once in a lifetime races or seasons. A kid getting interviewed by Mr Newman almost always came away beaming like they had made it to the big time. We all will have a hole in our hearts going forward that had been filled by Michael's knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for athletes throughout the nation.” - Kevin Rafferty (Waubonsie Valley Head Coach)

"We’re heartbroken to hear the loss of former teammate Michael Newman. Michael was a true staple of Illinois XC and Track and one of our biggest supporters. He always made an effort to attend our time trials and meets. Michael was a part of the 1978 York State Championship Team who ran under Mr. Joe Newton. His love for the sport was felt by those around the state and country. Thank you for everything. Once a Duke, always a Duke." - Dukes XC on Instagram

"With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Mike Newman. To us, he was simply Mike. To countless others, he was Mr. Newman - a tireless voice for the sport he loved. From his passion for York High School cross country to his dedication in ensuring athletes across Illinois and the nation had their story recorded and remembered. Mike, your race may be finished, but your impact will never fade. Your legacy will live on in every athlete, every performance, and every story you helped preserve. Rest in peace, Mike Newman. 1962-2025." - Dyestat and Runnerspace

"Mike Newman was deeply passionate about the Illinois running community. From his early days as a state champion with the Long Green Line to his years of covering thousands of runners across the state, his love for the sport never wavered. He poured his heart into his work, and his enthusiasm brought joy and recognition to countless athletes. He will be missed" - Coach Adam Palumbo (Payton Co-Head Coach and Former York Runner)

"I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mike Newman. He dedicated so much of his time and energy to high school cross country and track, and gave generously to the distance running community. I always looked forward to reading his articles and appreciated how he gave a platform to highlight exciting performances. The lives of countless young people were enriched by his involvement in the sport including my own, and he will be greatly missed." - Donald Sage (Former York Runner)

"Mike’s passing leaves a massive hole in track and xc in the state of Illinois and indeed the US. He cared so deeply about the sport and the kids that his coverage of meets always included every race, and he sometimes interviewed JV athletes alongside the state champions. His work made our sport better in so many ways. It was hard to listen to him talk or read his written words and fail to see how important our athletes were to him. He took his work deeply personally, and I along with our athletes will miss him dearly." - Dan Iverson (Naperville North Head Coach)

"I still can't quite wrap my head around the idea of Mike Newman's passing.  It's devastating to me. He has been such an integral part of our sports of Cross Country and Track in Illinois for such a long time that it is hard to imagine things without him.  We've never had a more tireless and positive supporter of our sports, and in so many ways he will simply be irreplaceable.  He loved his job, and in return so many of us loved him for what he did.

Most importantly for me, he was a good man and a friend.  I will be forever grateful to him for all he did for the girls on my teams, and for my own two daughters in particular.  When I called Catie to tell her the news, she was as heartbroken as I am.  The positive impact he had on Illinois high school athletes all over our state is immeasurable.  I don't think he ever had any idea how many lives he touched.  Wishing you Godspeed, Newms, thank you for everything you gave us." - Mark McCabe (Hinsdale Central Head Coach)

"I think what I could say is that Mike’s passion for Illinois high school track and field and cross country is unmatched by anyone. He gave up a lot to give back to the sport he loved. He’s going to leave a big hole in the cross country and track seasons in the future." - Bob Geiger (Illinois Prep Top Timing Owner and Former Illinois Top Times Owner)

"I will say that Mike is the last of the good old school reporters in our sport. He paid attention to detail and never wavered from it" - Tony Jones (Milesplit IL Editor and Former Colleague)

"Mike was incredibly passionate about the sport of cross country. He dedicated his life to the coverage, support and advocacy of distance running. He lived and breathed for the start of every fall season. May he join the long green mile in heaven and may the York Dukes forever honor his legacy" - Laura Duffy (Former Runnerspace Photographer)

"I have never known a more pure servant to the sport we love than Michael Newman. So much passion and positivity for the athletes and coaches. A huge blow" - Chris Quick (Palatine Pack Owner and Former Palatine Head Coach)

"What I will always remember about Mike, before any of his content, his work, or his coverage, was his unrelenting and unabashed affection for all the people close to him whom he loved. He talked openly often about his daughter and his son, his York and North Central brotherhood, and everyone who ever donned a uniform for an Illinois high school. He took an unbelievable amount of pride in what Illinois preps accomplished and it was his lifeblood all the way to his death. He never discriminated who was worth writing about or talking to. There is no doubt that was a fixture in our community and he leaves a void and cannot ever be filled." - Raymond Lewis (Former Milesplit IL Contributor)

"Huge hole in the running community. Newms was a great champion of the sport and icon to the kids. He also was a good friend and it was strange to not have him at KLM yesterday." - Jim Dickerson (Hinsdale South Head Coach)

"This is hard news. Mike Newman was funny, passionate, a valued colleague. He made my T&F and XC coverage immeasurably better, generously sharing his knowledge and insights. I can't imagine not seeing him dashing around at state, making sure every kid got their spotlight. RIP." - Mike Clark (Sports Reporter for Sun Times)

"There are not too many athletes that can claim they were on a state championship team and a national championship team. Mike could claim both. I would run into Mike at meets and while we were both busy, if I ever wanted to know the answer to something, I knew Mike was one of the guys that would be able answer it.

As a former runner, I loved what he was doing for the sports of track and field as well as cross country. He spent his professional life shining a light on athletes that are extremely hard working and many times, are not getting the coverage they deserve. He was changing that. While he is no longer here, his legacy will live on and his work will never be forgotten.” - Dan Chamness (The College Report)

"Mike was a good friend and a great man. He was the cornerstone of running and covering running in the state of Illinois." - Dave Behm (Milesplit IL Contributor)

"Horrible news. One of the best guys in the sport. Absolutely loved talking with him when I would see him at meets. The XC world in Illinois lost a good one. Prayers to his family during this time." - Trae Cotner (Springfield Head Coach and Milesplit IL Contributor)

"Thoughts are with Mike's family. He was a great IL high school running journalist. We'll miss him tremendously" - Brian Weiss (Triad Head Coach)

"I’m so sad about Mike Newman’s passing. He was so knowledgeable, helpful and I always considered him a friend. He dedicated more than 50 years of his life to Illinois running. No one has done more for our sport. Rest in peace, Mike." - Mike Garber ( Chatham Glenwood Head Coach)

"Mike Newman was such a positive influence on the sport of Cross Country and Track in the state of Illinois. He will be missed for the impact he made to grow our sport. Prayers to the Newman family in this difficult time" - Jake Peal (Civic Memorial Head Coach)

"OMG! Shocking news! Michael was and is the epitome and definition of pure passion for our sport and life itself. A terrible loss! Sending powerful prayers!" - Tom Cuffe (XC and Track & Field Jack of All Trades)

"Had the pleasure to work alongside him at the state meet this year. Such a genuine man who truly loved the sport. Will never forget the impact he’s made." - Ryan Krake (Central_il_xctf Owner)

"Mr. Newman was a great man. Always willing to help out at practice, at every meet, and made every runner feel heard. He will be truly missed. His impact on the sport will be missed, but will never be forgotten. Once a Duke, always a Duke." - Mickey Vreeland (Former York Runner)

"Illinois legend, did so much for the sport, won’t be forgotten" - Colby Revord (Former Hinsdale Central Runner)

"We have many videos of him interviewing my grandson, Gavin Genisio. He had a special way with words and was definitely our favorite. Prayers for his family." - Karla Genesio (Grandmother of Gavin Genisio)

"So sad to hear this. Mike Newman was a lifelong devote to our sport and was an incredible supporter, promoter and fan of all Illinois student athletes and coaches. He will be missed greatly." - Ernest Kopp (Mascoutah Coach)

"On behalf of my former athletes @HHSbulldogsIL & current athletes at @MacombBomberXC Id like to express our most sincere condolences to the family of Mr Mike Newman of @ILXCTF. Mike had our runners attention with his passionate coverage of the Illinois running community." - Doug Bradley (Macomb Coach)

"Mr. Newman was THE ambassador for Illinois high school track and cross country. He was an even better man. I’m heartbroken." - Randy Moore (Rockford Christian Head Coach)

"Forever the goat, helped give so many Illinois athletes the recognition they wouldn’t have got from other platforms." - Robert Perry (Former Burlington Central Runner)

"Such a loss for the running community and prayers are with his family. Thank you for all his contributions to the sport over the years. He will be missed." - Kristina Novak

"No one cared more for the sport than Mr Newman. Legend" - Yusuf Baig (Former Burlington Central Runner)

"Mike was and will always be the most amazing advocate for our sports and his in depth narratives and reporting have touched so many countless lives of athletes, coaches, and the entire running community! He will be terribly missed by all but always fondly remembered! As a person, and as a media analyst and narrator, you will always be thought of with extreme gratitude!" - Troy Kerber (Aurora Central Catholic Head Coach)

"I am so sad to hear the passing of Mike Newman. Mr. Newman was such a great ambassador for the sport and elevating the state of Illinois to get much deserved national recognition. he was always such a kind man to me and supporting what we are trying to build at Lewis. RIH" - James Kearney (Lewis University Head Coach)

"Thoughts and prayers to the family of Michael Newman. State Meets and large events will surely feel different without the familiarity of seeing Mike at the events. I’ll miss our conversations about running and watching his interactions with the athletes." - George Patrylak (Edwardsville Head Coach)

"Rest in peace to a wonderful man. Thank you for always being you Mr. Newman" - Ryan Watts (Former Edwardsville Runner)

"Sending prayers, he will be truly missed!" - Casey Schardan

"Sending thought and prayers. he was truly ahead of his time. His passion is unmatched" - champagnejavy on Instagram

"I got to know Mike as a XC parent way back in 2012 when my first of 6 daughters was running XC/track. Have talked with him regularly since. No one had more passion for IL XC/track than Mike Newman. He will be missed tremendously." - ShiRuNs on X

"Will miss talking with Mr Newman. So nice and friendly. State 2022." - Mike Baxter (Milesplit IL Photographer)

"A sad day for the running community. Mike Newman was a true champion of our sport. His passion & positivity toward athletes were unmatched. Thank you, Mike, for sharing your knowledge, for uplifting countless runners, and for being such a dedicated advocate for Illinois running." - Pete Wintermute (Prospect Head Coach)

"Such a great and passionate guy with selfless energy that was a staple in so many runners careers the whole community is thinking of him and he lives on in you." - Ellie Anderson (Former Chicago Latin Runner)

"We will miss you Michael Newman. He always did the best reporting. A pillar for the running community. He lit up talking about his own state championship with the York Dukes and always supported the York boys/ girls teams. God bless him" - Paula Berger (Brooke Berger's Mom)

"ILXCTF legend. no one cared more about the sport than he did. RIP Mr. Newman" - miik3yy___ on Instagram

"Horrible news. Spoke to him Tuesday at i guess his last meet. Great Representative of the sport and love talking to and promoting kids. We were lucky to have him in the sport. He will be missed." - Bill Jochum (Thomas Jochum Dad)

"Nobody better than Mike. His passion spoke through his words and care about the IL running community. He will be so very missed" - Brett Haffner (Former Hinsdale South Runner)

"Absolute legend. Rest in peace" - Drew Rogers (Former Herscher Runner)

"My heartfelt condolences to his family, rest in peace Mr.Newman" - Be.happy.and.run on instagram

"Mike Newman was a beacon for so many Illinois high school runners. Loved reading his articles and diving into the statistics he would collect. May his soul rest in peace" - Ryan Fryer (Former Barrington Runner)

"A champion of Illinois xc and tf like no other. Illinois running would not be where it is without Mr. Newman. Thank you Mr. Newman for your passion to the sport, you will be missed." - Owen Hays (Former Lyons Twp Runner)

"He was a dedicated ambassador for IL XC and will be missed. May his memory be for a blessing." - Mary Hays

"Like so many, I saw Mike at meets and knew him only through his detailed reporting; running passion incarnate. RIP Mike." - Theagingrunnerpodcast on Instagram

"Wow! Huge loss to the Illinois high school cross country and track world. We saw him almost weekly when my kids were runners in high school. My condolences to his family" - Tracy Albrecht

"this shattered my heart… Mike was the best at what he did and truly cared for us like we were his own. rest in peace" - Rachel Hickey (Former LaSalle-Peru Runner)

"Sad morning. RIP Mr Newman. Completely changed my experience in high school XC and track" - Max Zangan (Former York Runner)

"Heard the terribly sad news that Michael Newman @ILXCTF has passed away. A colleague at @DyeStat and a man who cared so deeply, and did so much, for HS XC/TF in Illinois. RIP Michael…godspeed" - Dave Devine (Dyestat Employee)

"My condolences to the Newman family. A legend to the sport of XC and track and field. He will be missed greatly." - Michelle Koehler (Hinsdale South Head Coach)

"This is very sad news. Sincere condolences to Mike’s crew. From Day 1 of my son getting involved in the DGN XC and Track programs, Mike was always there. We’ve chatted dozens of time throughout the western suburbs, Peoria, Charleston, he was everywhere and literally new so many stats off the top of his head. I can’t imagine the running community without him. We all loved his passion and race narration and weekly write-ups. What a great guy that will be dearly missed. Thank you Mike for an unbelievable and unforgettable career." - Tom Schroder

"Very sorry to hear this... as well as being part of the great York legacy, he also is a huge part of the North Central College legacy, running for Al Carius and very connected with alums of that great program." - Steve Underwood (Former Dyestat Employee)

"Finding out the news yesterday about Mike Newman was hard. I hope you felt appreciated Mike. I had the utmost respect for you. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor you than by writing an article about you. I hope you and Mr. Newton are enjoying each other’s company." - Nick Lundin (Minooka Head Coach)

"Mike always knew the stats of every top runner at every meet he went to… He was super knowledgeable and passionate about the sport - RIP" - Ben Calusinski (Former Geneva Runner)

"I’ll never forget every week during xc season my junior and senior year waiting for Mr. Newman to post his rankings. I didn’t even care where he ranked us, I just loved reading the blurb he had bc he always had something nice or uplifting to say about any team no matter how they performed. RIP" - Ryan Hahn

"Mr. Newman taught me some of the greatest lessons I know. I am forever grateful to have met such a brilliant and kind person. He made a lasting impact on everyone he knew." - Rianna Tandon (Current Naperville North Runner)

"This is such sad news. Prayers going up for his family and friends. His passion for the sport made such a difference for Illinois track and XC. Thank you Mike." - Kristine Gorsage

"RIP Mr. Newman. You elevated IL XC and TF like nobody else. If Mike Newman was at a meet, you knew it was a big deal. Your presence elevated the experience for all the athletes. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Newman family. You will be greatly, greatly missed." - Andy Derks (Plainfield North Head Coach)

"Yorkville Running sends our deepest condolences to the Newman family. He was a pillar of our sport and it simply won’t be the same without him. Thanks for everything, Mike." - Chris Muth (Yorkville Head Coach)

"This is a tough one. XC and Track & Field coverage would never be where it is currently without Mike Newman. The passion and dedication he had to the sport was unmatched. Thank you for everything, you will be greatly missed." - Joseph Pontrelli (Lyons Head Coach)

"Thank you Mike Newman for always believing in kids and coaches and sharing your love of running with us all. Our sport is better because of you." - Nathan Roe (Wheaton North Head Coach)

"While I am unbelievably sad to hear this news, I am also so glad I got to shake his hand last week and share one last goofy moment that got shared on social media. I said it last week on Mike’s camera, and I’ll say it today…”MIKE NEWMAN RULES!!!”" - James Janota (Neuqua Valley Head Coach)

"We're saddened to hear about the passing of Mike Newman. Mike was the man who kept the wheel turning when it came to running news in Illinois. One of our athletes was able to work hand in hand with Mike as he was willing to post his videos on his website. He will be missed." - Jason Retz (St. Joseph-Ogden Head Coach)

"The Illinois running community and York Alumni lost a great one! Mike had a true passion for the sport and bleed Kelly Green. Our girls and boys programs will miss seeing him on our track and thank him for always providing all athletes a supportive, positive environment" - Lauren DeAngelis (York Head Coach)

"So sad to hear. Mike took the eternal words of Coach Newton — “You could be GREAT!! — and he ran with them. Thank you for your unquenchable fire for the sport, Mike. Peace to the Newman family." - Rhett Gustafson

"A wonderful man who had so much passion and love for the sport. Always enjoyed seeing him out on the course. Rest in peace Mike." - John Prieboy (Former Plainfield Central Coach)

"Mike was a fantastic supporter of HS XC & Track athletes, coaches, and even us officials wearing the patch. He was a true fan of the sports he covered and his presence will be missed by all." - Jesse Rocha (IHSA Official)

"Nobody had a greater passion for the sports of XC and T&F. He was a staple at every major meet for the last 20 years, a voice that promoted and celebrated the performances of so many young people over the years. He will be missed dearly by the Illinois running community." - Jeff Purdom (Plainfield Central Head Coach)

"Mike had a profound influence on many a runner and coach, particularly in Illinois. We didn’t speak much but any conversation I had with Mike left me inspired. But more than that, his presence, gently smile, and a nod of his head made me feel at home at any meet he graced." - Steven Kesler (Champaign Central Head Coach)

"Sad day for the running community. Mike was truly amazing and his legacy will forever be known across all of cross country & track and field. He will be missed." - Rebecca Effa (Antioch Head Coach)

"Very few people could match the passion and dedication that Mike brought to covering XC/Track and Field in the state of Illinois. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends." - Patrick McCabe

"RIP to an Illinois XC/Track and Field legend. Very few people had the passion for running that Mike did. Thoughts and prayers to his family." - Patrick Cunningham

"He always had something positive to say and treated my daughter Zoe like royalty. We will miss you very much Mike. RJC" - Cathy Carter

"Was so sad to hear this news. one of the nicest guys out there. Rest Peacefully Mike and thanks for all the support, love and kind words for all our athletes! You will be missed" - Brenna Simmons

"Huge loss for the running world. Mike did a tremendous job covering all schools & especially our Wildcats. He was one of the first to congratulate our XC Wildcats when they took home the state title in 23’. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends." - Marion Athletics on X