Host Bern Rosario and Dean Ouellette
Coach Joe Newton decided he was going to make this his last year, how did you hear about the news? - Coach Kern talks about how this is not the first time Newton has talked retirement.
How has the news been received among the York community?
Are there any big farewell events planned at upcoming meets so Newton gets the Jeter/David Ortiz treatment?
The Chicago metro area has to be one of if not the most competitive metropolitan area in the country. With that landscape how hard is it for you guys to going to go out on top?
It is getting harder and harder to win in Illinois. You will be taking over a legendary program. What changes may be coming or what is your vision for the future of the long green line? - Coach Kern focuses on rest, course workload and some of the training will change because his training philosophy is a little different.
You mention rest. Some of these high school kids are not getting enough rest and are getting sick. What do you do to encourage them to get the rest they need? - Coach Kern does a great job in talking about how legacy plays into this. You can have fun doing the things you do for the next 70 years of your life. This is going to be your one time to achieve whatever you achieve this year. So let’s sell out and work on that now.
By creating this culture and legacy you have affected all those around you. Talk about how good things are right now in central Illinois. - Any one of the top 4 from our conference could win the state championship.
Do you think the reason that things are flourishing there right now is because the notoriety that York has achieved?
You mentioned your son who is one of the great runners in that area. A lot of coaches end up coaching their own kids what advice do you have for coaches who end up coaching their own kids?
With him being into running and you obviously being into running how do you step away from it at times with your son?
The college recruitment process will start soon with him. Do you see him staying around home or going away to school?
For your runners who are not your son, what advice do you give them about heading off to college with academic vs. athletic considerations?
Part of the success has been because you have a large team. With that are challenges. So can you tell us what a week may look like at York under Coach Kern. - He uses groups to organize 168 kids on the team right now. Each group has their own coach. He also talks about some of the changes he is making after Newton.
You talk about the importance of the long run. What is a long run for York.
Was there a time in the 70’s-80’s when York was doing 100 miles a week like the rumors have it?
How did the 1000 mile club really work at York over the summer?
A big part of what we do is injury prevention, so what is your strength/core/plyo routine like?
One of the reasons kids can’t handle the mileage they used to and one of reasons need more strength and core work is because kids don’t play as much. Do you agree or what do you think?
Are you going to continue the nicknames?
It seems almost like a family atmosphere, is there anything you plan on doing to keep that culture at York.