To most, 400 meters is hardly recognizable as a quarter of a mile; however, it is much more to senior track star Elizabeth Drab and her fellow teammates. Drab has worked tirelessly in perfecting her form, whether it be diving or running, both of which she has advanced onward to State Finals, She competed among Illinois’ top runners last year in the 400-meter dash, taking 1st place and running a new personal best of 55.10. Earlier this year she competed and won gold at the USATF Hershey Youth Indoor Championships in New York.

Now a new track season is underway, and Coaches Kelli Wosick and Wayne Edelman are expecting successes of the same proportion from their team. Head Coach Wosick hopes to see improvement from last year, as well as keeping practices enjoyable.
“We’re going to keep the practices fun for our girls, as well as teach them how to run properly,” said Coach Wosick, “in the end, it’s all about getting down to the basics and having a good time.” Both she and Edelman put great emphasis on the importance of team and community.

Coach Wayne Edelman is an esteemed coach of both the Saint Viator boys’ cross country team and the girls’ track & field team. As an avid believer in the value of sportsmanship, Edelman hopes to teach his team the values of discipline, respect and being an all-around good teammate. Last fall, Edelman coached the boys’ cross country team to their first ever win at regionals; his coaching year is already headed in the right direction.

Comprised of girls across all grade levels, the track team has proven themselves across several platforms regardless of age.
Sophomore Julia Hornberger reflects on her freshman year experience with the track team.

“It was a big adjustment at first, and I was nervous to be part of a completely new team,” said Hornberger. “But as the season went on, we all became one community and closer to one another.”

A humble runner and helpful mentor, Elizabeth Drab is seen as both a leader and a friend.

“She examines my running form so that I can improve as a runner,” said Hornberger. “I know I can talk to her about life outside of track, too.”

Not only has Drab proven herself as an athlete, but she has also proven herself as a leader.

Her message reaches everyone, from her fellow seniors to the new freshman runners.

“I want my teammates to know that pushing yourself will get you the best results possible,” said Drab.

Like her coaching staff, Drab is a strong believer in making the most of the sport.

“I want to teach my teammates to keep calm, enjoy the run and have fun in the learning environment that both coaches provide for us,” said Drab

Even though track is widely considered an individual sport, the Saint Viator girls’ track team is proving otherwise. Season after season, the team has shown what it takes to be runners, teammates and friends.

“I love running,” said Coach Edelman. “I’ve been coaching kids to run for over 40 years. And with kids like these, it makes every year better.”