A strong work ethic and a love for what she does has taken senior Viola Schaffer from a walk-on to one of the top runners on the women's cross country team.

"I liked running from high school," Schaffer said. "I felt like I had more potential and I wanted to work at it and see where I could go with it. I think that it was one of my best choices."

UA head coach Dave Murray described Schaffer as someone who is willing to go above and beyond what is asked of her, having an attitude that says more is better.

"If you want an example of hard work, it's Viola," Murray said.

"I just enjoy going out running," Schaffer said. "I think that is why I end up running more mileage."

The hard work has paid off. Schaffer redshirted her freshman year in 1992 and had a successful first year in 1993. She ran second for Arizona at the NCAA Championships, finishing 74th overall, and contributed to the team's 12th-place team finish. 1994 was her break-out year, placing fifth at both the Pacific 10 Conference and District VIII Championships. She went on to take 21st at the NCAA Championships. Last year, she never finished below fourth during the regular season. She took sixth at the Pac-10 Championships and 11th at the District VIII Championships. Schaffer took 29th at the NCAA Championships last season.

An injured foot has slowed Schaffer this year, but she has still been able to perform well. She took seventh at the team's first meet in Brea, Calif., 39th at the Mountain West Classic in Missoula, Mont., and 11th at the Murray Keatinge Invitational in Orono, Maine.

"Everyone wants their senior year to be their best year, so I was looking forward to my senior year," Schaffer said.

Schaffer said her improvements have come because she has gained more experience and because of the UA coaches. Schaffer said she has matured as a runner and has learned how to race better from her experience.

"I think that it is a natural progression," Schaffer said.

"She has come as far as anyone I have seen," Murray said.

Schaffer has also had her share of success on the track. During the 1994-95 season she set the school record in the 10,000 meters and placed fourth in that event at the NCAAs. She is a two-time All-America.

Schaffer, who is the team captain, is not quick to call herself a leader, however.

"We have a really good group of girls, so it is fun to stick together with them," Schaffer said. "I don't look at myself as a leader, but I try to answer their questions because I have been around longer."

Schaffer moved to Tucson from Hungary six years ago when her mother received a job to do research at the UA. She attended Catalina High School and lettered twice in track and cross country.

Schaffer's hard work carries over to the classroom. She is an electrical engineering major and has a 3.91 GPA. Last year she was one of 10 female student-athletes named to the GTE/CoSIDA Fall/Winter Women's Academic At-Large Team for District VIII. Schaffer is looking to go on to graduate school at UA. Running will still be a part of her future, but she is not sure at which level she will compete.

When not running, Schaffer likes to do outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. She also enjoys baking in her free time.

Schaffer said she hopes the team will place well at the Pac-10 Championships, maybe even taking home the title. She also wants to help the team to qualify for the NCAA Championships. For herself, she would like to become an All-America in cross country.

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