BY SAPNA PATHAK

Wili Brehm knew it was bound to happen. One day he’d have to step down as leader of Pembroke Academy’s track team; someday someone would come along and shine brighter than he did.

After spending four seasons as a Spartan, two as team captain, Wili left this year’s Class I club in younger sister Allison’s hands.

The sophomore responded with her most successful season to date.

“I was still the big dog and she was just a little freshman,” said Wili with a laugh. “She knew I was the big brother and I was the captain and a jokester, so I’d make little comments to get under her skin a bit at practices. To see her be so good so fast, I’m not surprised. I saw she had the talent from our first day together.”

At this year’s track and field Meet of Champions, on June 2, Allison competed in the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash. She placed third in the 100, finishing in 12.91 seconds, and fourth in the 200 with a time of 26.26.

For her accomplishments, Allison has been named this month’s “Super Shoes Athlete of the Month.”

While Wili takes a more lighthearted attitude when reminiscing about the siblings’ lone season on the same team, a more serious Allison said it was training together that set the foundation for the young sprinter’s career.

“I liked having Wili there last year. I was the only person (from Pembroke Academy) at states and Meet of Champions this year, and I wished he’d have been there,” she said. “He was always there at practices, so I couldn’t slack. He really sort of helped guide me in that first year.”

At last year’s M of C, Allison took second in the 100, while Wili finished his senior season running the 200 and 400, placing third in the 400.

Spartans head coach Greg Steelman was all smiles when speaking of the two Brehms, especially the younger one.

“She’s a wonderful competitor,” said Steelman at this season’s M of C. “To see her have this success so early in her high school career, it’s just been great. Her brother took a little more time to develop, but she’s gotten there faster than he did.”

So while Steelman and Wili optimistically look ahead to the next two seasons, Allison, also a member of PA’s varsity girls soccer team, said her recent successes only make her nervous.

“The hardest thing is knowing I want to do better,” said Allison. “But because I started off so well I’m scared I won’t be able to live up to that and do any better. I really want to run in college, but I’m really nervous I won’t be able to get any better.”

She might have her doubts, but that’s where Wili comes in.

“She came in ready and physically mature,” he said. “She’s so much stronger than the others out there, so she’ll have that to build off of. We’re not on the team together anymore, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be pushing her.

She’s going to be so good. I know it.”

(Editor’s note: The Athlete of the Month receives a $50 gift certificate courtesy of Super Shoes.)