Just a little reminder of this rave review we received in the Chicago Sun-Times last summer. It’s close to cross country season again and we want to get you excited and ready to watch The Long Green Line again or for the first time.

From the Chicago Sun-Times

THREE STARS – ‘THE LONG GREEN LINE’ SUN-TIMES – AUGUST 15, 2008

Running is hard. It takes a healthy body and disciplined mind to overcome the physical and mental obstacles to cross the finish line. “The Long Green Line” paints the picture of the 2005 York Dukes cross-country team combating myriad obstacles to add to its already-impressive resume. Along the way, it provides a wide array of compelling figures and story lines to get wrapped up in.

The documentary, directed by Elmhurst native Matthew Arnold, follows the high-school squad from the beginning of the season to the capture of a remarkable 25th state title in Peoria. At times moving, at times jovial, it captures the drama and camaraderie born out of a local dynasty striving to add yet another piece of hardware to its trophy case.

But the real story — the film’s unequivocal star — is the Dukes’ incomparable coach Joe Newton. The master motivator is a spry, cunning 76-year-old savant who comes off nothing short of larger than life. It’s captivating to watch him coddle those who need to be coddled and deliver tough love to the ones who better respond to harsher criticism. He brings a tried and true set of values that help mold the team into better citizens and tougher competitors.

As directed by Arnold, a former member of the York Dukes, the film is a healthy reminder of how sports can mold young men and women into better people. Arnold and his team succeed in presenting several examples of runners reaching individual goals. From the Dettman twins, senior co-captains overcoming health issues for their fourth straight state title to the wide-eyed and raw freshman Joe Kiolbasa, we’re reminded that hard work pays off.

“The Long Green Line” serves as a refresher course in how team sports can provide priceless life lessons and tug at the heartstrings when done right.

By: Kyle Koster