Clifford's best bet

By Rhonda Gilmer

Daily Sports Writer

At some time in life, people realize what they are best at.

Katie Clifford-Jazwinski always wanted to play basketball.

But somehow running became a much greater aspect in her life. Running reflects many of her life changes: being a team leader, proving herself as a cross-country powerhorse, and inspiring her teammates.

After three years of collegiate competition, Clifford has gained a better sense of motivation and effort through running. Although early on she faced many trials and errors, she has brought herself to that higher level of running.

Kamikaze Clifford

As a competitor, running has changed her whole direction in life.

Freshman year, Clifford had a different outlook on running.

"When I first got on the team it was hard for me to adjust because I was always used to being the No. 1 runner," Clifford said.

"Then I come to a team where people are just better than me, and it was just hard for me to learn to deal with that."

Accepting that there are other great runners was her first step in her experience as a collegiate runner. Knowing that she was not the only great runner out there, Clifford put herself into a different zone of running.

"She's very focused and hardworking. She will run as hard as possible for the team," senior Lisa Ouellet said. "You can count on her to give it everything she can." This dedication is what makes running one of Clifford's special qualities.

While not all athletes experience their share of bloopers, Clifford has. During a practice her freshman year, Clifford stepped over the formation line, and in a hurry to keep in sync with the other runners in her group, she tripped Ouellet, her teammate.

"I just remember all the other runners were really mad at me," Clifford said. Pushing yourself is one thing, but hurting a teammate is another."

From then on, she was called "Kamikaze Clifford."

Team Leader

As a senior on the team, Clifford is expected to accept her leadership role. What makes her different from other team leaders is that she quietly leads by example. Others describe her as a runner who inspires them through her determination as well as motivation.

"She is the most mentally and physically tough person I've ever run with," sophomore Jane Martineau said. "She's just so hard-core about everything, and that is awesome. It really sets the tone for us as a team."

This is hard to believe considering how Clifford was freshman year on the team. "She was the most absolute quiet person you could have ever imagined," Ouellet said. "She never said a word, and just did what she was told."

Clifford has managed to carry that quietness through her senior year, but what's different is that she not only shows dedication, but she is also someone to look up to for younger runners on the team.

The Michigan women's cross country team provides an environment where Clifford can compete on this higher level. The dynamics of the team are best described as a group of workhorses.

Clifford has already proven herself as a workhorse so far this season, winning the Miami Invitational and Spiked Shoe Invitational. Her efforts carried the Wolverines to first-place titles at both meets.

Tying the Knot

For many years Clifford has been immersed in a running atmosphere. Clifford's older brother Steve was a runner and since her freshman year of high school, Clifford has pushed herself to be the best on her track and field team. Cross country is her new field of expertise.

This past summer, another cross country family member became a part of her family. Clifford became Clifford-Jazwinski, through marriage to Bob Jazwinski. Her husband has been a part of her life for years. He is not only her husband but former high school cross country coach as well.

Due in part to his effort, Clifford is a cross country runner today.

"He was pretty much my main mentor in high school -- he got me to love running," Clifford said.

In addition, to this change one of Clifford's beloved teammates served as her maid of honor. Ouellet, the unlucky one who was tripped by Clifford freshman year, served as her bridesmaid.

"Being in that wedding was one of the best experiences ever," Ouellet said. "They complement each other well."

In a way, Clifford is a runner for life. This past summer Clifford and her husband spent the summer training together.

"My husband and I went out to Colorado for two weeks, and I got some good training out there," Clifford said.

Clifford's future goals include competing in the Big Ten Championships in hopes of not only being the best runner on the team, but also to prove herself as one of the better runners in the nation. It's up to her to take on that next step, and continue on that higher level.

So far running has been the start of Clifford's many life changes.

Chasing her dream to become a runner was the hard part - now it's time to show people what she's best at.

Courtesy Katie Clifford

Katie Clifford (right) poses for the camera with her bridesmaid Lisa Ouellet after a meet last season.