Dutch Fork senior distance runner Niki Klasnic talks about competing in four events at the Diamond Hornet Invitational and season plans. Klasnic met future teammate at Wofford, Emerald's Shelby Harris.
scrunners: Competing in three events this past weekend and two wins, was this a planned strategy in preparation for the end of the season?
klasnic: I actually got to run in four events but it was really a last minute plan because the race was rescheduled and we had so many people missing that day. My coach picked me to fill in the open spots because i was older and had more experience racing than the other girls on the team.
scrunners: How would you rate your day and team?
klasnic: I was really surprised that I raced as well as I did that day because I ran so many events, but I was really happy with how it went. Our team did really well under the circumstances. We were missing a lot of people and I think when we have our full team we are going to do really well.
scrunners: What did you think of the competition?
klasnic: Since the meet was canceled the week before a lot of teams we were expecting to be there were competing at other meets. However, Ridge View was there and their team is always competitive. I was also excited to meet one of my future teammates that i will run with at Wofford -- Shelby Harris, from Emerald.
scrunners: What are you looking to achieve by the end of the season?
klasnic: I would really like to get my mile time down a lot by the end of the season because it is my favorite race. I'm hoping to make it to state in the mile and the two mile. I would also like to see our 3200-meter relay team get to state.
scrunners: What did you think of the meet atmosphere?
klasnic: I really enjoyed the meet. It was great weather and we got to go home early because the races went ahead of schedule. I also really liked the way our new coaches keep everything fun, but still competititve so we can enjoy the meets.
scrunners: As the season progresses, are you looking to focus on a certain event?
klasnic: I'm looking forward to running faster in the mile because its the event that i enjoy the most. I'm also looking forward to our 3200 relay team getting better because the relays are fun since it's a group of girls and the whole race doesn't depend on one person.