Author: Emily Phillips
Formed in 1915, the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) membership has changed many times over the years. At various points, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, Chapman College and San Diego State were members.
However, since 1991, SCIAC has included eight institutions: the five original SCIAC schools of Occidental College, California Institute of Technology, Pomona-Pitzer Colleges, University of Redlands and Whittier College, joined by California Lutheran University, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges and University of La Verne.
According to the conference, Occidental and Redlands are, however, the only institutions to have uninterrupted membership in SCIAC.
Each week the SCIAC staff honors one male and one female athlete as the SCIAC Athlete of the Week. Occidental’s own Eric Kleinsasser (sophomore) was named the SCIAC Male Athlete of the Week for Cross Country on Oct. 21 after winning the 2009 Multi-Dual Meet by more than eight seconds, and again on Nov. 4 after placing first in the SCIAC Championships, cutting 20 seconds off his first place finish last season.
Kleinsasser won both of these races last season as well, and has earned the SCIAC Runner of the Year award for the second consecutive season.
“The sophomore harrier finished the 8K course in a time of 25:43.47, more than 19 seconds ahead of the next closest finisher,” reported the SCIAC Web site on Kleinsasser’s SCIAC Championship run.
Kleinsasser’s run made SCIAC history, completing the course in the 11th fastest time. All ten runners who finished ahead of him on that list went on to become All-Americans, proving the unique capabilities of the young Tiger.
Along with his great successes, the Weekly’s interview with Kleinsasser reveals his love for the sport, as well as the humble nature of this Tiger athlete.
Oxy Weekly: How do you feel being chosen as a SCIAC Player of the Week?
Kleinsasser: I really appreciate that the SCIAC takes the time to select athletes to recognize each week. It is motivating to know that the conference pays attention to all of the collegiate sports and cares about how athletes perform.
Oxy Weekly: How would you describe your role on your team?
Kleinsasser: RJ Infantino [junior] and I are the men’s captains for Cross Country this season, but we, along with much of the team, are relatively young. Rather than having an individual with an outstanding position as team mentor, on this team I see RJ and myself learning and getting experience along with the rest of the guys – we are building up experience and growing together.
Oxy Weekly: How did the 2009 men’s cross country season go?
Kleinsasser: Although our conference standing is not where it was last year, we are optimistic that as the team gets more experienced and builds on our positive dynamic, we will have the opportunity to improve and really make a statement in upcoming seasons.
Oxy Weekly: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Kleinsasser: As far as goals, I am aiming to qualify for the National XC meet again. It was a really great experience last year and I would really like to be able race having done it once already.
Oxy Weekly: What other sports or activities are you involved in?
Kleinsasser: I’ve always liked to say that running is my default sport because I am completely uncoordinated and can’t seem to hold my own in anything else – although I do really enjoy hiking and biking and other such “long distance” activities. What I like about cross country, though, is that beyond just competition and training, it is sort of a lifestyle, and it is one that I enjoy embracing and being a part of.
Oxy Weekly: What is your favorite sports team?
Kleinsasser: As far as college XC teams, I’m rooting for Oregon. For individuals, my favorite is Meb Keflezighi after his out-of-control win at the New York marathon last week. I’ve heard Meb speak a couple times and he is very inspirational.
Oxy Weekly: Favorite quote?
Kleinsasser: Although it doesn’t really have anything to do with running, one of my favorite quotes, from comedic genius George Carlin, is “the reason the mainstream is thought of as a stream is because of its shallowness.”
Oxy Weekly: Tell me something interesting about yourself.
Kleinsasser: Interesting Fact? I have never drank a Coca-Cola.
Kleinsasser remains undefeated in SCIAC cross country meets in his career.
Other recent Tiger SCIAC Athlete of the Week award-winners include Phoebe Merritt (first-year) of women’s cross country, Scott Saunders (senior) and Alex Wertheimer (senior) of football, and Austen Oliver (junior) of men’s water polo.
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