Cross Country is a sport where individuals run on open-air courses; runners typically run between eight and ten kilometers. Cross Country is a very demanding sport. To junior Ronaldo Ramirez, cross country means much more than running.
Ramirez previously ran cross country for Juarez-Lincoln High School during his freshman and sophomore years, but since then decided to make the change to run at Palmview High School.
“As much as I enjoyed running for Juarez, I knew that running at Palmview would make me stronger,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez doesn’t associate cross country with just running but as a way to escape.
“School stresses me out; people stress me out. Having cross country allows me to put all that behind me and take it out on the track,” Ramirez said. “If I’m having a rough day, I’ll run further than I usually do.”
Ramirez has been running for over six years and typically runs with his little sister, Dolores. Dolores is a JCECHS freshman who participates in cross country and track for Palmview High School.
“I enjoy running with my sister because we run the same sport, so it builds our connection. In fact, we have the closest connection between all my siblings,” Ramirez said.
Sibling rivalry is common when participating in the same sport, but not for these two.
“I don’t like to think of running against her, more of running for her. I get to be her mentor rather than her competitor,” Ramirez said.
His family are his main supporters, and Ramirez credits his passion to them.
“I know most kids don’t have the luxury of saying that their parents are as invested in their athletics as mine are, so I take the time to recognize them,” Ramirez said.
There is no meet that Ramirez can imagine himself at without the support from his family.