By Michael Newman

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Elmhurst, Ill -- York High School announced that Charlie Kern will be the new track & field coach at the school beginning of the 2014-2015 season. Kern replaces longtime coach Stan Reddel who retired in May after leading the Dukes to the IHSA 3A Boys State Championship in Charleston.

Charlie has been a teacher at York High School for more than a decade. He also was an assistant cross country and track coach at the school until 2006. York won eight state championships in the ten years that Kern was as an assistant. He also has a 6 week summer running camp for children in fifth through twelfth grades.

On the camp’s website ckrunning.com, Kern states his credo:

I believe running changes lives. Running shows me my limits are further than I imagined; that hard work is a reward in itself; and that perseverance, stamina, and endurance develop with patience, discomfort, and time. Running allows me to foster relationships with those who are equally interested in self-improvement. Running gives me confidence and makes me feel powerful. Running makes me a better me.

Kern becomes the fourth Head Track Coach in the legendary program since 1934 (Clarence D. East, Joe Newton, and Stan Reddel).