Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Lukas Wolf

Distance running has boomed in popularity in the past decade. It seems everyone knows someone who is running a half-marathon, 5K, or even a full marathon. There are social media clubs that get together to run weekly, t-shirts printed from various events and causes, and celebrities turning out to run and raise money for various charities. Although there has been a sharp growth in participation, it remains a grueling exercise that tests not only physical limitations, but requires a mental toughness as well. Junior Lukas Wolf has running in his blood; his leadership and grit have earned him the distinction of Oswego East’s student athlete of the week.

Lukas’ father, Mike Wolf, is the head cross country coach at DeKalb High School. Lukas, and his twin sister Becca, were exposed to the sport at an early age. Lukas’ mother, Mary Wolf, recalls Lukas running at the age of 3, and even then was someone who cared for those around him, “during his first race (a 100 meter fun run in Geneva) when he was 3, Lukas ran as fast as he could, and then stopped part way during the race for his sister to catch up,” says Mary. She goes on to add, “he didn’t feel he could leave her behind.”

Lukas has always been the type of teammate who supports those around him. Head cross country coach, Jim Milner, nominated Lukas because of his ability to consistently work hard and set an example, “Lukas is one of those guys who is always doing the right thing, even when no one is looking,” says coach Milner.

It is that kind of example that sets Lukas apart from his peers. The past two seasons Lukas has been a part of two Frosh/Sophomore conference championship teams and in two years has personal bests in the 1600 of 4:49, and the 3200 of 10:27. Despite those fast times, it is his leadership that helps set him apart. “Lukas is a leader both vocally and through his actions,” says coach Milner, he goes on to add, “[Lukas] is a great example for the younger athletes on our team as an athlete and a person.”

Lukas’ personality and leadership are evident in the classroom as well. Despite being only a junior, Lukas has already managed a score of 34 on the ACT, coupled with a 4.73 G.P.A, puts him as the number one student in the junior class. He is looking forward to majoring in engineering wherever he attends college, where no doubt he will have a pick of some of the top universities in the nation.

Anthony Holub, Lukas’ Engineering teacher, understands just what has made Lukas so successful in the classroom and how he can lend his leadership skills to classmates, “Luke has a winning personality and does not get rattled by setbacks,” says Anthony, he goes on to add, “no matter the scenario presented, Lukas works tirelessly to advance his understanding and provides unique approaches to arriving at solutions [for assignments in class].”

Not only does Lukas excel in so many areas at school, but he cares for others in his community and is committed to being an active citizen. Mary Wolf recalls a number of situations in which Lukas put the needs of others before his own, “outside of cross country, [Lukas] spent time this summer helping our older neighbor with her yard work, helped another neighbor who had a medical emergency, and thought to ask the parents if they needed help cleaning up after a recent team pasta dinner.”

Lukas is hopeful he can work into the top five of the varsity team, and the team has high expectations of trying to earn the program’s first trip downstate. Despite being only a junior, Lukas has positioned himself to have a very bright future, and attributes a lot of that success to joining the cross country team where he now considers his teammates family. His advice to incoming Wolves is, “ [to] try new things because getting involved means building new relationships.” Lukas’ distinction as this week’s athlete of the week will undoubtedly be part of a collection of a number of accolades he will collect before graduation, and we wish him and the running Wolves the best of luck on the rest of the season.