Running is a passion for USU’s Dorius
Utah Statesman: Why did you choose USU?
Stacie Dorius: At the time, I had three brothers who were up here going school, and our family is really tight. They had a really good program. The coach is really relaxed. It was just a perfect fit for what I was looking for.
US: What do you enjoy most about running?
SD: The sense of accomplishment, personal accomplishment. With track and cross country, you see your times and you can actually see and notice your improvements. And also the relationships you build with your teammates, and how you build off each other with those relationships.
US: When did your love for running develop?
SD: It all started in high school. I played soccer and that’s what I loved, and then I just started doing track because one of my brothers did it and it just went from there. At first I didn’t like running very much. I wasn’t sure about running in college, and my mom said, “Just try it for a year. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it.” So I did and really liked it.
US: What are your hopes for the remainder of the season?
SD: Conference championships, definitely. They’re here at the American West Heritage Center. The boys and girls plan on taking that. And also going to regionals and nationals, too. Utah State hasn’t ever done that, so we’re making history I guess.
US: Talk about your favorite meet during your time here at USU.
SD: My favorite course, we’ll say, is in Oregon. They have a course at Prefontaine, who is a running legend. Everybody is like a running guru. It’s really fun to run in front of that crowd.
US: What have you thought of your time at USU in terms of individual growth in cross country?
SD: Lots of learning, and now I notice how much easier it is to run. With the base from freshman year to senior year, things just kind of come easier as you know what to expect and your body is ready for it.
US: What’s your favorite thing to do besides run?
SD: It used to be soccer, but now it’s mostly hanging out with my family. Two of my brothers are still here in the valley, and we just always play. And I just got married this summer, so I guess playing with my husband.
US: What’s the weirdest thing you do with your free time?
SD: I have a garden – at our little house we have a little garden. But I think the weirdest thing I do with my free time is go running. If I have free time and I’m just like, “Oh, I think I’ll go for a run,” which is dumb because I’m always running. But sometimes it’s going to run just to relax, not for a workout.
US: Do you have any premeet rituals?
SD: I always call my grandma. My grandma Marie has these prayers that, I swear, go straight to heaven and so whenever she prays it helps me relax. She loves it too when I call. And I always eat a banana.
US: What’s your favorite type of music to run to?
SD: I kind of changes. Country’s good and I like hip hop. There have been a few runs with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It just depends on the day.
US: Who’s your hero?
SD: It could go anywhere from my dad. I’ve always looked up to him – he’s a hard worker and just never gives up on anything. My coaches are definitely people I look up to. Coach Reeder is one of those people that you never want to disappoint, but he also understands my style of running and how I’m best disciplined so that he doesn’t ever damage, but he’s always lifting up.
US: What ice cream best describes you and why?
SD: Vanilla. I always like vanilla, pretty plain but can go with anything. Anything thing that comes you can go with and just take with ease.
– erin.wadsworth@aggiemail.com