In the fast-paced world of track and field, stars like Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles dominate the spotlight, their names etched in glory. But what about the unsung athletes who sacrifice everything for a shot at recognition? Michael Newman made sure their stories were told. A beloved voice in the community, he gave these athletes the audience and support they deserved. Sadly, that voice has fallen silent. Newman’s passing marks the end of an era, leaving fans and athletes alike with heavy hearts and a legacy that will never be forgotten.

A cherished member of the DyeStat team, whose passion for Illinois high school track and cross country made him one of the sport’s most respected record-keepers, passed away unexpectedly Saturday at 63. Being a proud alumnus of York High’s long Green Line and North Central College, Newman’s dedication to the Illinois running community was unwavering. Being the founder and database manager of DyeStat, Mike predominantly covered the local athletes and teams with the care of a family.

Revealing his unforeseen passing, his brother Daniel shared on social media: “With great regret, I sadly inform the group of the passing of my brother Michael Newman, suddenly this morning. Mike was a member of the 1978 York HS AA Cross Country State Champion team under the legendary Joe Newton. In college, he ran at North Central College in Naperville, IL. Besides his children, Matthew and Meghan, Cross Country and Track were his life passions.

Daniel further added, “He was the Founder and Editor of Illinois Cross Country Track and Field (ILXCTF.com) and the National Director of DyeStat TFX. He was a familiar figure in the Illinois HS Cross Country and Track community through his reporting and work with Dye Stat and Runner Space. He is survived by his son Matthew (Stephanie), daughter Meghan, Mother Mary, and two brothers (Daniel and Thomas).” A beloved figure in Illinois track and cross country, Mike’s passion and dedication left an indelible mark on the community he cherished.

The family has remained silent on the cause of his death, and it’s best to respect their privacy. Trained under the legendary coach Joe Newton, Mike shared a lifelong bond with York. He frequently drove to York High to watch summer workouts, staying closely connected with both coaches and runners. Former York runner Eric Dettman, now head coach at Portland’s Lincoln High, recalled several encounters with Newman: “It was mid-July, and I went to a York workout. As I’m sitting there watching, here comes Mr. Newman.”

Dettman never imagined that it might be the last time he would see Mike. Reflecting on his work, Dettman said, “He was paramount to the collection of data and had an ability to promote our sport in a way that it so desperately needs at this point.” Newman left a lasting impact on countless Illinois high school athletes through his meet coverage, interviews, rankings, and in-depth analysis.

He was even an illustrative figure for Athletic.net, which is essentially a part of the Runnerscape. Speaking two words for his legacy, RunnerSpace founder and CEO Ross Krempley said, “Michael’s legacy is measured in the athletes he celebrated, the stories he preserved, and the standards he set. Michael Newman was the heart of DyeStat TFX as the National Director for over 14 years.”

He further gave his condolences to the family, “His passion for stats, and the athletes behind them, was unrivaled in high school XC and track & field, especially in Illinois. We were blessed to have him leading our stats team each and every day. His contributions to the sport as a statistician, storyteller, and caring colleague will be missed dearly . We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him.”

His passing has deeply affected the sports community, which cherished his stories and always anticipated more. As Dyestat and Daniel Newman shared the news, fans from across the country voiced their sorrow and tributes.

Track and field community mourns the loss of  Michael Newman

If you visit his Instagram, you’ll see young athletes pushing themselves to leave a mark in history. Newman understood the importance of highlighting these talents early, giving them a platform to be recognized. His passing will undoubtedly pause this vital work, as his family mourns his loss—and so do the fans. One wrote, “RIP Mike Newman, one of the best and most dedicated persons to cover athletics. Very kind and personable.”

Reflecting on his work, Newman once said, “The passion that you see in these kids, it’s wonderful to watch. You see the good moments and the bad moments, but seeing kids race when they’re a freshman and see how they develop through four years. Or interviewing someone for the first time as a sophomore and it’s awkward, but as a senior, they’ve grown mentally and physiologically. It’s fun to go to a meet and be in the atmosphere, especially during cross country.” Selfless in his mission, Newman’s goal was always to provide young athletes a platform to grow. Fans recognized his impact: “Forever the goat, helped give so many Illinois athletes the recognition they wouldn’t have got from other platforms.”

His dedication resonated deeply within the community. One emotional fan shared, “Nobody better than Mike. His passion spoke through his words and care about the IL running community. He will be so very missed.” Another added, “Huge hole in the running community. Newman was a great champion of the sport and an icon to the kids. He also was a good friend and it was strange to not have him at KLM yesterday. Thank you to you and all carrying on the work.”

With a heavy heart, the track and field community bids farewell to one of the most dedicated men in the sport, who always gave young athletes a chance to rise. His legacy will live on and be cherished.