Lawrence’s Josh Janusiak ’19 leads the field at the Gene Davis Invitational at Appleton’s Reid Golf Course. Janusiak won the race, one of four individual titles he claimed in 2017.
“Josh shows everyone what you can really be here at Lawrence if you do things right, if you have a plan and you follow it,” Fast said. “He’s a normal guy who’s very committed to being successful and committed to doing what he needs to do to be successful.” The total package Janusiak brings to his office, those cross country courses and college tracks scattered throughout the Midwest, isn’t lost on his teammates. Joe Kortenhof ’20, a two-time all-conference cross country runner, said Janusiak isn’t a “conventional, cookie-cutter leader.” “He is here for the community and the memories that he makes with his team,” Kortenhof said. “This is the main thing that Josh brings to our distance program at Lawrence. He truly cares about each and every one of us and has our best interests in his heart. Josh doesn’t care how fast or slow you are; he cares about who you are as a person. In my mind, this is the most important part of being a leader.” 44
WINTER 2018
Pardon the pun, but Janusiak is a leader his teammates follow every day as he sets the pace in workouts. Janusiak knows he’s pushing them, but that doesn’t mean he will ever leave them behind. “It’s important to communicate with all these teammates about their worries, but it’s important to encourage them when they’re having a hard time in a workout or doing a workout really well,” Janusiak said. “I really like to be an encourager and talk to people specifically. I like to hear about their life and want them to be happy on the team.” Fast points out that is typical of Janusiak. He learns, he listens, he pushes, he inspires. “He knows what he needs to do, and he does it,” Fast said. He sure does.