Max Orlikowski has one motivator when competing with the Rochelle Township High School cross country and track teams. That’s keeping up with his twin brother Luke, who emerged as one of the top varsity harriers for the Hubs during the recent fall cross country season.

Max has run cross country for Rochelle over the last three years, while Luke went out for the team as a sophomore after playing football during his freshman year. Both runners have grown throughout their time with the cross country team, with Luke dropping his personal-record time almost four minutes from his sophomore year to his junior season this year.

“I was convinced to go out for cross country as a way to help me improve for track,” Luke said. “I feel my stamina and endurance have improved the most. I want to increase my speed for next season. I thought I performed really well when compared to last season. Max and I pushed each other by staying with each other in practice or trying to push ahead of each other.”

Luke ran his strongest time of the season during the IHSA 2A Belvidere Regional, clocking in at 19:01.3 after running in the 20-to-21-minute range for most of the season. Max enjoyed a fast start to his cross country career with the Hubs, setting a personal record of 19:38.8 as a freshman at the Freeport Pretzel Invitational. Max has set each of his last two season records at the Interstate 8 Conference Championships, running times in the 21-minute range.

“I thought I did better this year than I did last year,” Max said. “I just try to keep up with Luke. I enjoy running and beating my personal record. I think I’ve improved in running longer distances and I’d like to keep improving in that area. I usually do long jump, the 400 and the 1600 relays in track and field. I enjoy getting better records in the long jump. I just try to stay with Luke.”

The Orlikowski brothers are both three-sport student-athletes, competing with the cross country, bowling and track teams. Not only will Luke and Max have a chance to earn varsity roles with the bowling team this coming season, but they will be key pieces of both the track and cross country teams moving forward. The brothers compete in similar events such as the long jump, the 400-meter dash and the sprint relays, sometimes in the same relay group.

“I think my strength is in the medium-distances races,” Luke said. “I compete in the 400, the 1600 relay and the high jump. I enjoy the meets and being with my teammates the most. Max and I always push each other during speed drills in practice.”