Ramirez competes at state; Cole looks forward to next year
By John Earp
Olivia Ramirez represented Jal High School at the state cross country meet last Saturday at Albuquerque Academy. This was Ramirez’s second year to qualify for the state meet. As a freshman, Ramirez will set the standard for JHS Cross Country in the next three years, according to Coach Joe Cole. Cole said Ramirez’s performance was a little off at last week’s meet, and she did not end up with a better time than she had had the previous year. In 1A/2A, Ramirez placed 79th out of 132 with a time of 25:00, while last year she ran the same course in 22:40. Cole says, “It was the same course. She wasn’t putting all the things she could into it.”
Ramirez said, “On Saturday I felt nervous when starting and a little bit disappointed after because I didn’t get a good place, or time as I did last year. I love running because it’s good for my body, and keeps me in good shape for other sports, it also helps with stamina and it’s good for your breathing.” Ramirez says she plans on running in the future so she can get better and maybe one day win or place at state.
All in all, Cole says the team had a good season. He said, “Basically, the plan for next year is to build the program up. I’d like to get at least 10 runners, even if I have to start with the eighth graders.” He says Ramirez knows what she’s doing, and will be a role model for next year’s team.