Senior Erin Statz is a two-time All-American in track, a 2012 All-American in cross country and was just recently named the D-III National Athlete of the Week for cross country.

Although these are impressive accolades, Statz said she couldn’t have done it without help.

“I’m just happy that finally all my work is paying off because it is hard work, and it’s nice to be recognized for that,” Statz said. “But I know I couldn’t do it alone. The girls are amazing, and it’s great coaching.”

With success comes stress, and last season Statz felt that when she was sidelined for the entire year with an injury. She said the key for keeping up her morale was staying involved in what she loves.

“Well, I couldn’t run with the team because I was red-shirting,” Statz said. “I still tried to be around the team and coach the girls and stay integrated with the team and everything.”

Assistant coach Rich Maleniak, who works closely in training with Statz, expressed excitement for her return and said it was easy to keep her on track.

“She was pretty self motivated,” Maleniak said. “She was hitting the cross training pretty hard. It wasn’t really that tough to keep her in shape. She’s looking like she is returning to form like she was a couple years ago when she was an All-American.”

Head coach Joe Sweeney said Statz’s personality was one thing that never wavered.

“She always brings a lot of energy to workouts,” Sweeney said. “We have an expression, ‘total team person,’ and that’s what she is. She’s really a great leader. I don’t think she ever has a bad day. She always seems to be really up for every workout, and that’s what you like to see in a leader; that’s really valuable to us.”

Now that her injury is in the past, Statz said she is looking forward.

“For cross country, I want to be an All-American again and hopefully top 15,” Statz said. “Team goal is to qualify for nationals, which I think we can do.”

Andrew Frentz can be reached at fren2218@stthomas.edu.