Being a starting quarterback on the varsity as a freshman or sophomore isn’t something you see every day.
Unless you’re in the Strelow household, that is.
Sophomore Danny Strelow is starting football quarterback for Oak Lawn, stepping into the role during the summer after senior Tadgh Walsh went out with an ACL injury.
Danny’s freshman sister, Evelyn, was the the starting quarterback in the inaugural season of the Spartans’ flag football team.
“It’s pretty fun,” Danny said. “We’ve been playing really well this year.
“It was a big jump from sophomore to varsity, but my coach (Ryan Pattison) helped me develop and become a better player. Same with my offensive line and skill guys — they encouraged me.”
And Danny has set an example for his sister.
“I watched his games all the time, and I enjoyed watching him,” Evelyn said. “So when I got the chance to play flag football, I wanted to do it. And I wanted to be the quarterback like my brother.”
Oak Lawn’s football team went 7-2 in the regular season and is in the IHSA playoffs for the first time since 2009. The flag football team finished 6-6.
“It was definitely different from watching it,” Evelyn said of playing. “ Now that I know how to play the game, I can understand Danny better and learn from what he does in his games.”
Danny gives Evelyn advice from time to time and they have even spent time in their front yard taking turns running routes so the other can work on in-game scenarios.
“I always tell her to not get down on your teammates,” Danny said. “If you do that, they will give up on you and it’s best to keep motivating them to do better.”
Their parents, Mike and Sara, are both 2001 graduates of Oak Lawn and still have ties to their alma mater. Mike helps coach the sophomore football team and Sara is a math teacher. The two could not be prouder of their children for their success inside and out of the classroom.
“It’s been a blast and a lot of fun watching them both,” Mike said. “They’re both straight-A students.”
“It’s nice to see that some of those traditional boys sports now are getting girls involved, too,” Sara said, noting Oak Lawn has added flag football and girls golf in recent years.
The siblings also play basketball during the winter, while Danny plays baseball in the spring and Evelyn plays softball.
The flag season just wrapped up, but Evelyn cannot wait to be back out with her teammates and feels upbeat about the future of the program.
“I’m excited to see everyone grow as players,” Evelyn said. “Having this season, summer and next season, I am excited to see everyone do better and learn.”
For now, Danny still has some football to play this year. He is enjoying this ride and sharing the experience with his Evelyn.
“It’s cool that we’re both starting quarterbacks at Oak Lawn,” Danny said. “And she did pretty good, and we are doing really good right now.”