Due to fewer classes and the challenge of facing any school of any size throughout the state, winning a high school state championship in Iowa was considered quite the feat until the multi-class system came about.

Newton not only had one team win a championship in the 1960s, it had two. And by the way, they won their titles in back-to-back seasons.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1962-63 championship team, Newton Senior High School will host a Champions Recognition Night at halftime of the boys team’s game against Knoxville on Friday, Dec. 21. A pre-game reception will be held in the school’s multi-purpose room at 7 p.m., and the ceremony is set for approximately 8 p.m.