Congrats on your Graduation, Connor.

Connor Chadwick struggled to run just a short distance when he joined York High School’s cross-country team as a freshman almost five years ago.

He was born with cerebral palsy, wore casts on his legs as a little boy and then leg braces night and day until just before he started high school.

None of that fazed Joe Newton, the legendary coach of the York Dukes, who have won more state championships than any other high school team in the country.

“We take anybody that walks,” Newton said.

Some of the freshman he recruits with gusto will turn out to be all-state runners. And a few, like Connor, one of several York runners featured in the 2008 documentary “The Long Green Line,” will become an inspiration to their teammates.

“He’s like their hero,” Newton said.

Supported by his coach and family, cheered on by teammates at the finish line and powered by his own determination and hard work, Connor worked his way up to 10-mile training runs and 8-minute miles.

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