Trojan cross-country standout earns No. 1 state ranking

Last season, Newsom anchored an outstanding boys squad, which ended their spectacular 2008 season with first-place finishes at the Best of the West Meet and the Regional Meet, while also finishing third as a team in the state meet in Murfreesboro.

"Loren is very dedicated, and he has continued to improve his times every meet," said Trojan cross-country head coach Amy Beckley.

This season Newsom is without the teammates that helped dominate West Tennessee a year ago, but the talented Trojan runner continues to improve his times, not to mention setting a school record with an astonishing time of 16:24 in the 5K at the Trinity Christian Invitational two weeks ago.

"We are not the same team we were last year, but it's kind of like Loren is taking over the spotlight of what we were able to do last season," said Beckley. "I think it's been harder for him to train because he is not getting pushed as much in practice as he was last year."

Newsom has placed first place in every local meet this season, outside of the Dyer County Invitational where the senior standout was battling bronchitis.

Despite his illness, Newsom still managed to finish second overall in the meet with a time of 17:48, which says plenty about his mental and physical toughness.

Beckley has also toughened the schedule this year, traveling to various meets out of state, which hopefully gives Newsom the challenge that will prepare him for the state meet.

"Going out of state, it's not hard to find good competition," said Beckley. "Around here, Matt Joyner from Madison Academic is his toughest competition, so we entered bigger meets so he can get where he wants to be."

Newsom might not have the supporting cast, which created countless memories over the past two seasons, but the humble Trojan has the company of his two younger brothers Hoyt and Clark, who according to Beckley only want to run to be around their standout older brother.

"I think it is fun for him to have his brothers on the team," said Beckley. "I think the guys really look up to him."

Having two younger siblings around while trying to get focused for a big race can seem a little stressing, but Newsom says despite their attempts, neither can break his focus on winning the meet.

"Last year it was a lot more fun going on trips, now it's just me and a bunch of immature kids," said Newsom jokingly. "It's nice having them around sometimes but little brothers are little brothers, and you have to deal with them no matter what."

Newsom attributes his success in the sport to Beckley, and says without her hard work and dedication, he would not be the runner that he is today.

"Coach Beckley has helped me a lot over the past two years," said Newsom. "My fastest time coming into Dyersburg was a 17:49, and within a year she has gotten me to a 16:30. She is the best coach I have ever had."

Newsom and Dyersburg will travel to Obion County on Oct. 20 for the Best of the West Meet, before traveling back to Rebel country for the Regional Meet on Oct. 27.

"I think he can win both the Best of the West and Regionals again this year," said Beckley. "Then hopefully he can have a good day at state, and accomplish his goal."

On Saturday, Newsom traveled to Tupelo, Miss. where he finished third overall with a time of 16:22, which qualified him as a National Elite Runner.

Newsom will also look to improve his fifth-place finish individually at the state meet on Nov. 7 in Nashville, and hopefully end his outstanding high school career with a gold medal.

"My goal has been to win state ever since last year," said Newsom. "There are a few runners out there that are right there with me, so I have to keep working hard and try to increase the gap."