During his youth, Lucas Stefaniak always knew he was fast, especially when he played soccer. His speed led him to joining the track program as a sprinter in seventh grade. A year later, Stefaniak took the advice of his father, Kamil, who ran hurdles in high school and college in Poland, and tried hurdles. In his first meet, Stefaniak took first place, and his successful hurdling career was underway. Now, three years later, Stefaniak is a state champion.