With eight national titles already in the trophy case, COD’s track and field team has a legacy of excellence. But this year’s team is fueled by something, and someone, special. Nate Wesolek’s brother, Luke ,has cerebral palsy, a disability that affects movement, posture and coordination. Luke is also the inspiration behind Nate’s current second place national ranking in the pole vault.Merriam Webster’s Dictionary says an athlete is a, “person trained or skilled in exercise, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility or stamina.” For student athlete, Nataniel Wesolek, his training as an athlete is more than remarkable.

Nate’s passion for pole vaulting can be summed up in one simple quote, “I know I can be the best.” Since placing fourth in last years competition, Nate has been training hard with regimens that developed his explosiveness and stamina.

Training, coupled with his fear of being “average,” Nate knows he has what it takes to be the best. Nate grew up in West Chicago, where he attended West Chicago High School. During his junior year, Nate took up pole vaulting. “I love heights, and I’m an adrenaline junkie, and putting that in a competitive platform is something that I was very interested in.”

With wonderful parents and a brother that loves him, Nate has more than what it takes to become No.1.