Marysville Pilchuck sprinter a ‘tough competitor’

MARYSVILLE — Coming back from a serious knee injury can be one of the most difficult things an athlete ever has to do. Marysville Pilchuck junior sprinter Amanda Klep has done it — four times.

Klep has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in each knee twice, yet she is still one of the fastest runners on the Tomahawks track team.

Individually, Klep runs the 100 meters, in which she holds the school record, and the 200 meters. She also is a key member of the Tomahawks’ relay teams, predominantly running the 4×100 and 4×400. She also runs the 4×200 on occasion.

Klep and her teammates compete today at the 11th annual Tomahawks Track and Field Classic. The yearly invitational features 12 different teams from around Washington State.

Marysville Pilchuck coach Randy Davis praised Klep for her willingness in every meet to do whatever she can to help the team.

“She means everything to this track team,” Davis said. “She runs so many events. She is willing to do so much. If I say, ‘you are going to be a relay girl this week.’ Then she runs all the relays. She is kind of the cornerstone of a lot of good sprinters on our team. She kind of leads the pack, but she also has this great team support around her that helps make her better, too.”

Klep’s history of injuries coupled with her competitiveness and willingness to do almost any event has forced Davis to keep a watchful eye on her to make sure she isn’t overdoing herself and risking re-injury.

“The main thing I worry about with Amanda is that she does too much,” Davis said. “That’s her only drawback … she does too much sometimes because she just loves to do stuff and just loves to compete. She is just a tough little competitor and that is what makes her so good.”

Klep’s injuries started in eighth grade while playing soccer. First, she tore the ACL in her left knee. After rehabilitating the injury, she tore her right ACL in her first game back — and that turned out to only be the beginning.

She later tore her right ACL again while getting up from a chair. After that injury, it was discovered that the ligament had not been put in the right place from her first surgery.

At the end of last season, Klep’s left ACL tore again while she was crossing the finish line in a race just before the state track meet.

Despite all the injuries, Klep always has fought her way back to compete in both track and soccer.

“It’s been hard, but I have all my friends and family just supporting me and telling me not to give up,” she said. “Knowing that my friends are there for me and my family and just everyone, not even people I know. They just come up to me and tell me I should just keep going. It was hard. Right when I hear it, it just kills me and I know right away what happened. But then it’s just like, it’s happened so now I have to go back and do it again.”

That same determination has helped Klep find success on the track. When she sees a challenge, she attacks it head on.

“When I see someone in front of me, I have to get them,” Klep said. “My determination is to get in front of them.”

With her history of injuries, Klep has had to learn to know her body and heed the warnings it gives.

“There are sometimes when I’m running and I can feel it wanting to happen again, but then again I know when to hold back,” she said. “I think realizing what I’ve already been through and what can take me down … I’ve set myself to the experience of knowing what not to do.”

Aaron Lommers covers prep sports for The Herald. Follow him on twitter @aaronlommers and contact him at alommers@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.