Livonia -- Hundreds, nay, thousands of runners have crossed the Edith Osiecki Memorial Finish Line at CHSL track championships the last 16 years.

Nary a one probably didn’t realize what the line meant, or that it even existed, or even knew who Edith Osiecki was to merit such an honor.

Except one  -- her grandson , John Walawender, a senior at Detroit U-D Jesuit.

When he finished his 800 meter race May 24 at the A-B championship at Livonia Ladywood High, running it in 2:01.27 and earning a point for the Cubs’ team total, he walked over to the scorer’s tent where a plaque was laying on a table.

He paused. “That’s my grandma,” he whispered.

CHSL Director of Athletics, Vic Michaels, explained that the award was established in 1995 shortly after Mrs. Osiecki’s death in tribute to her many years of volunteer service at CHSL track and field meets.

John’s mother, Julie Walawender, spoke of her mother’s dedication to Catholic education. She was a bookkeeper for many years at St. Scholastica Parish.

“This is the culmination of my running career,” John said. “I said a prayer for her and kept her in my mind during the race.”

It surely will remain a special memory for him as he moves on to life after high school at Creighton University in the fall, where he has been accepted into the School of Business.