In his office, St. Lawrence University men’s cross country coach John Newman keeps a glass mug on the top shelf of his bookcase.  The mug, sporting the New York State track and field logo, is filled to the brim with black dirt, forcing visitors to inquire about the importance of the contents.

“Tradition,” Newman says.

In the mug is a handful of the cinder track that Newman, a 1994 graduate of St. Lawrence, and his teammates and predecessors trained on before the Merrick-Pinkard track was completed in 2000.  The dirt reminds him of how far both the cross country and track and field programs have come.

Newman majored in sport and leisure studies (today’s sports studies and exercise science) with a minor in education.  The Canton native ran cross country and track, helping to extend both programs’ rich tradition for being among the best in the nation.

He returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach of men’s cross country, and became head coach in 2001. “As an athlete and coach, I developed a great sense of pride in both the University and its cross country and track programs,” explains Newman. 

Newman’s cross country squad captured its 13th consecutive conference title in late September.  His goals extend to having his team qualify for the NCAA Championship, led by senior captain Erik Donohoe.

“The opportunity to run in the national championships is something I’d like my student athletes to experience,” Newman observes. “Representing your University among some of the greatest athletes in the country would be a great memory.”