All Access with Olivia Klaus, runner: Transfer credits team for progress

Klaus transitions with new program after injury year

By: Neil Schneider/Staff Reporter

Posted: 9/30/09

It is a common occurrence for new athletes who transfer to a school to take some time adjusting to his or her new athletic program.

But, after finishing first in 19 minutes, 23 seconds, in the "5K with a View" race at Milikin, it is safe to say red-shirt freshman Olivia Klaus is trying her best to dismiss this notion.

Klaus credits her quick development with Eastern cross country to the coaching staff taking its time with her.

"It was a lot different here because I haven't ran cross country since high school. They really eased me back into distance running by helping me have really strong workouts," Klaus said. "I always try to listen and do what the coaching staff asks of me during our practices."

Klaus, a Eureka native, recently transferred from Miami (Ohio) to Eastern last summer.

One of the main reasons for her transfer was location.

"I like to be closer to home in the Illinois area, so I decided to come here," Klaus said. "Also, my high school track coach (John Stanford) went to Eastern, so he kind of sparked my interest even more for coming here."

At Eureka, Klaus won the 2007 Class A IHSA Cross Country Championship, but her success in high school didn't immediately translate to the college atmosphere.

During her freshman year at Miami (Ohio), Klaus sprained her ankle and during her rehab process for her ankle she also injured her hip, which forced her to sit out the rest of the season.

Klaus said the experience of getting injured during her first college season taught her a lesson in patience.

"The injury really taught me to listen to my trainers and not doing just what I think I should do," Klaus said. "I really had to develop a lot of patience with the injury. Patience was really the key."

Despite last season's injuries, Klaus is off to a successful fall season. She took first place finishes in her first two meets, which included the "5K with a View" race and the Panther Open. Klaus posted a time of 18:38.52 at the Panther Open.

She said even though she has found early success this season, she would like to focus on continually improving her running ability.

"It's fun to feel that you're getting better with each race, but in the grand scheme of things it's about everyone improving with each race," Klaus said.

Neil Schneider can be reached at 581-7944 or
jnschneider@eiu.edu.

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