PINETOWN — Northside senior Holden Newman signed his letter of commitment last Tuesday to run cross country and track (indoor and outdoor) at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Holden chose UNCP for its small, family-feel campus and successful athletic programs.

“I loved the campus and it meant a lot to me that (UNCP) coach Peter Ormsby could see past my injury,” Newman said. He missed most of his junior track season. “(They) offered early while I was still recovering.”

Newman expressed appreciation for all his coaches, but especially all the support coach Bob Girani has given him over his entire career.

Newman is coming off a successful senior cross country season. He earned 1-A Coastal Plains Conference Runner of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, All East Region for the third consecutive year, and was a state-championship qualifier for the fourth consecutive year.

He finished his high school cross country career unbeaten in all four years of conference meets.

“I’m looking forward to the track season after missing my junior year,” Newman said. “I’m getting close to being back to 100% and ready to contribute to our team success.”