Andrew Hartley Payne, a 1927 graduate of Foyil, won the 1928 transcontinental footrace from Los Angeles to New York City, covering 3423.5 miles in a world-record time of 573 hours, 4 minutes, and 34 seconds. Known as Andy and called the greatest long distance runner in the history of competitive running, he also won in the 880 and the mile with a time of 4:45. He practiced by running to Foyil School, 5 miles from the family farm.