Before Kaarin Knudson, 47, could ever dream of becoming Eugene’s next mayor, she was already busy in Eugene, racking up awards both on and off the track at the University of Oregon. The UO track star won awards including 1999 Oregon NCAA Woman of the Year, a Two-time Academic All-American and All-American Runner. In the classroom, Knudson graduated at the top of her class with degrees in journalism and design.