CLICK ON THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LUKAS VERZBICAS!
-Love him or despise him Lukas Verzbicas is not only one of the greatest high school distance runners to ever lace up a pair of racing spikes as an Illinois prep runner, but he goes down in US running history lore as a top notch winner. The rock star like Verzbicas was the most controversial and popular high school in his time at Sandburg which expanded several school seasons. He bucked the IHSA during the track seasons and was rebuffed. Verzbicas is credited as the high school record holder in the 2-mile at 8:29.46 as well as running 3:59.71 for the full mile, he never ran a step for his school track team at Orland Park Sandburg.
A trip down memory lane with Lukas Verzbicas-
Verzbicas did major damage for Sandburg as a cross country runner. He won two state titles: 2009, 2010. His senior season was one that will go down as argueably the best in American history. Verzbicas chased after the legendary Craig Virgin and his Detweiller 13:50.6 mark that had stood still since 1971. It was just three years prior in 2007 that another legendary runner Chris Derrick of Naperville Neuqua Valley just missed taking it down in 13:51.8 (rounded up to 13:52).
Verzbicas posing with fellow IHSA and Foot Locker greats Jorge and Edwardo Torres
Verzbicas' chase began on November 6, 2010 when he blasted out fast in the first mile that was just a few ticks past 4:30. York's Jack Driggs followed in close pursuit but those in the "know" knew he was just an irritant and backing off would be wise if the Dukes hoped to win a team title. The race was all but over at two miles as Verzbicas hit the mark in a record 9:07. The time was so fast that he could have stopped and been crowned outdoor track and field 3200m virtual champion. Lukas was still on record pace with just a half mile to go. We did not know it at the time but something wild and weird would occur. As Verzbicas hit the final straight, the massive crowd was on its collective feet. The lead race vehicle truck was still in very close proximity to Verzbicas and with the course being dry there was dust and fumes that stirred around. Verzbicas motored home in 13:54- 22 seconds ahead of Driggs. Almost immediately upon his post race interview, Verzbicas expressed his displeasure of not getting the all record. "If the fumes of the truck were not blowing in my face the final quarter-mile, I think I would have gotten the record," Verzbicas sharply struck out toward the reporters. His effort remains the #3 effort in state meet history.
"Champ" Verzbicas and manager Tony Jones at the 2010 NXN award ceremonies
Verzbicas would go on to sweep the Nike Cross Nationals and Foot Locker Nationals. The latter would be in defense against future NCAA superstar Edward Cheserek of New Jersey. In track, Verzbicas cleaned up well before moving on to college for a moment. Ultimately, he would land as a professional triathlete winning the ITU World Championship for juniors in 2011. Though he has had great athletic success, Verzbicas endured some hardships as well. He was involved in a serious bike crash in 2012 that nearly ended his life and rendered him with post-op paralysis in his right leg temporarily. He has since recovered with a renewed sense of perspective on life and athletics.
- 1 Mile (in) - 4:03.88
- 1 Mile - 3:59.71
- 2 Mile (in) - 8:40.70
- 2 Mile - 8:29.46
- 3 Mile (xc) - 13:54.00
- 5K (xc) - 14:44.20
- 5K (in) - 14:06.78
- 8K (xc) - 23:55.00
Check out Lukas' Driven series on FloTrack: Episode 1 / Episode 2
