LOWELLVILLE OH- Lowellville track standout Drew Modelski joined the latest “Running Wednesday” episode on YSN for a candid interview about his passion for the sport, his relentless work ethic, and his goals for the season ahead.

Coming off a state championship in the 4×400 relay last year, Modelski described that first taste of victory as motivation to take his training to the next level. “Last year for me was kind of like a stepping stone,” Modelski said. “This summer, I started a new program with my dad and some of my coaches, doing a lot more endurance work. While everyone else was playing football, I was lifting more, just getting ready for the season.” That preparation has already led to big results. At a recent county meet, Modelski captured wins in the 100, 200, and 400 meters, though he admitted to being a perfectionist about his times. “I’m always very hard on myself. I always think I could do better,” he noted, citing windy conditions and an ever-present drive to improve.

A major part of Modelski’s routine is a grueling weekly interval workout: “One of my workouts with my dad would be 16 200s…Every week you drop a second and drop a 200. That was a workout you would really dread—but you had to do it,” he explained. Mental toughness, Modelski said, is just as important as physical training. After falling short of his own standards last season, he’s fueled by a sense of “vengeance.” “If I don’t work at it, I’m not gonna see results,” he said. “I have to obviously keep doing workouts, get faster, more endurance, stay in shape, and be ready for state this year.”

He credits his coaches and parents for their support and guidance. “Every single one of [my coaches] are important to me…If I’m down after a bad race, they’ll coach me back up,” Modelski shared. “My parents, both very competitive, always push me to be better every day.” Outside the track, Modelski is a multisport athlete and a strong student. He plays basketball in the winter for fun and conditioning and plans to study biochemistry in college with the aim of becoming a physician assistant. The recruitment process for college track programs is underway, and his sights are set on running at the Division I level. With districts and regionals approaching, Modelski knows what’s needed of him: “I’m really going to have to lock in—get my sleep, eat right, stay away from people who are going to distract me.” For now, he remains focused on this season—and driven to help his team and himself reach new heights on Ohio’s biggest stage.

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