The Lincoln-Way West boys track and field team is setting its sights on a historic season, with aspirations of securing a team state championship. The team’s ambition is fueled by a strong senior class and a committed roster.
Head coach Joe Strain, now in his fourth year, has been guiding this group of seniors since their freshman year. “These guys all started with me,” Strain said. “They’ve risen through the program together. They’ve seen what it was and what it’s become, and there’s a lot of ownership in that—it’s theirs.”
According to Strain, the team culture emphasizes positivity and support among athletes, celebrating individual progress regardless of varsity status. “Every time someone sets a personal best, that’s something to celebrate,” he said. “Whether it’s a miler dropping 10 seconds or a sprinter shaving off one, our guys are cheering each other on. Celebrating each other’s accomplishments has brought a lot of fun into the program.”
Senior Ryan Stiglic said that the team’s primary objective is clear. “The goal is to win team state,” Stiglic said. He noted the program’s growth over the years and highlighted the strength of this year’s roster: “This year, we’ve got a really strong roster—over 80 guys who all want to win.”
Senior John Kennedy expressed his specific aim within school history. “My goal is to go for the 4×800 record,” Kennedy said. He mentioned that they recently achieved the second-best time in school history and are now targeting the top spot.
Seniors Austin Rowswell and Brendan Vlasak also shared their motivations for the season. Rowswell said, “Winning team state and bringing home a trophy is the biggest goal.” Meanwhile, Vlasak expressed his personal ambitions: “My goal is to make state and set personal and school records.”