Jan. 4, 2012
There's nothing like a little sibling rivalry to spark winning results when it comes to sports, but when twins Angelos and Photis Karkalis hit the track together, they are determined and capable of leaving the competition - and UIC track records - in the dust.
Surprisingly, the two are not competitive with each other, opting instead to motivate each other to reach their full potential. They train and work out together. "We push each other," Angelos explained. Their methods are effective, as shown by their event times, which are very comparable and equally impressive. For example, last year as freshmen at UIC, they broke the distance medley relay record.
Prior to this accomplishment, their high school records are almost unmatchable as well. As seniors at Rolling Meadows in Rolling Meadows, Ill., Photis was a two-time state qualifier in track as well as a state qualifier in cross country. Angelos qualified for state three times in track and once in cross country.
"My senior year of high school was the best year for me," Angelos said. "I won the Indoor Prop Top Meet, which is kind of an unofficial state meet, I ran 4:14.95 in the 1600-meter run and was ranked ninth in the nation after that."
Not to be outdone, that year Photis was 10th overall in the State outdoor 3200-meter race.
After such an impressive year, their college track careers were bound to be great as well, but was it time for them to go their separate ways? And what made them come to UIC?
"We always knew we wanted to go to school together," Angelos noted. "Coach Knoedel was the first to start recruiting us in high school. He's one of the nicest guys I know, and he has a lot of wisdom. We knew we would progress here at UIC."
Finding the drive and inspiration to perform at the peak of perfection can be a difficult task for any athlete, but if Angelos and Photis want to emulate the very best, they only need to look to the head of their family dinner table. Their father, Andreas Karkalis, was a member of the national track and cross country team of Greece from 1972-1974. He was the national high school champion in 1972, and he ran the 1500 meter race in 3:44, which is nearly a four-minute mile.
The brothers both say that their dad is a big inspiration to them, and they appreciate his knowledge from being a professional runner. As far as training, he's not the typical forceful athlete father. He likes to make sure he tells his sons to be safe, not overexert themselves, and remember to take breaks.
While some families are unique to have one stellar athlete in their family, the Karkalis household has three. As quick and savvy as Photis and Angelos are on the track, they aren't the fastest members of their family. The Karkalis twins have plenty to look forward to as they continue their careers at UIC for the next two years.
