Former Wildcat moves to Pennsylvania for his senior season

By Michael Newman

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Zach Kinne will be challenging for a state championship this fall but it will not be for Neuqua Valley and in Illinois. Kinne, who will be a senior, has moved with his family to Pennsylvania. His father Michael accepted a position in June with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Zach will be attending North Alleghany High School for his senior year.

“It’s very hard and extremely saddening for me and my family as a whole, but we have to do it for my dad’s work,” Zach said. “Hopefully you’ll see my times popping in from Pennsylvania to let you know that I’m still always hungry and gunning for faster performances.”

Although Kinne is no longer attending Neuqua Valley, his legacy will live on for future runners at the school. He was one of the reasons why his school won the IHSA 3A State Team Track and Field Championships. Kinne finished an inspiring second in the 3200 Meter Run being passed by Danny Kilrea in the final meters of the race.

“Zach is an outstanding young man.  He is a true team guy and is very coachable,” said Neuqua Valley Cross Country Coach Paul Vandersteen. “His loyalty is unmatched by few athletes I have coached. I am also very appreciative of the friendship and partnership I have had with the Kinne family. I only wish the family the best in their new home.”

Kinne was a four-time All-State runner at Neuqua Valley. In cross country, he finished 17^th in 2016 as part of the school’s 3A state championship team and fourth last year at Detweiller Park. He also finished fifth in 2017 in the 3200 Meter Run as a sophomore and then second-place at that distance last May in Charleston.

Kinne should be one of the top runners in Pennsylvania this fall. We could see him at either the Nike Cross Nationals or the Foot Locker Nationals in December. He should become one of the top runners in the nation when all the results are tallied at the end of this cross-country season.

“Coach Neff (John Neff, North Alleghany High School Cross-Country Coach) is getting a gem in Zach and a future star in younger brother Zane,” added Vandersteen. “I am not going to hide that this has had an emotional toll on me as a coach and friend to the family. However, we need to move forward as a program and do our best without him and Zane. I am excited for the guys who are putting in the hard work and look forward to a great season.”

I wish Zach and the Kinne family the best in their new home in Pennsylvania. Wonderful things are still ahead for Zach and I know we in Illinois will be following his journey. Zach is a class student-athlete that will achieve many great things in the years ahead not only in running but as well as his endeavors off the competitive field

Zach Kinne 2018 State Track & Field Championships Interview

Photo Credit: ©Laura Duffy – 2017 IHSA State Cross Country Meet