For Harlingen High cross country runner Edward Ramos, the show goes on.
After qualifying for the UIL Regional IV-6A meet two weeks ago, Ramos followed it up with a 13th-place finish at regionals to secure a spot at UIL 6A cross country state meet to be held at Round Rock this Saturday.
It not only marked a first for Ramos, but it also marked the first time a runner in the Cardinal program qualified for the state championships since 2009.
And while the accomplishment itself is satisfying for Harlingen head cross country coach Efrain Ambriz, seeing Ramos develop into the athlete he is today is priceless.
“Edward has been with us since he was a freshman and has come a long way,” said Ambriz. “To see him progress this far and to ultimately reach what is the ultimate goal, which is state, makes me proud.
“It’s the first time somebody here makes it to state since 2009. It is a big accomplishment but we’re trying to set a precedent so runners can see that it can be achieved and they can follow.”
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with the senior to try to get to know him a little better.
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Q: How did you first get into cross country?
EDWARD: I first got into cross country my 8th grade year. My coach at the time invited me when she saw how my 7th grade track season went.
Q: You’re the first Harlingen High runner to qualify for the state cross country meet since 2009. How do you feel about that?
EDWARD: I feel excited, shocked and surprised that I made it. I knew it (regionals) would be a tough race, but I managed to pull through it.
Q: It’s your senior year. What are you going to miss most about your time at Harlingen High?
EDWARD: I am going to miss practice the most because practice was where I would see my teammates, and we would joke and laugh around. That’s what made my days better.
Q: What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are at?
EDWARD: Pushing my limits to hit a new personal record. My coach would always tell me to pick up the pace during a race and that’s what hurt the most. Picking it up while you were at a max and pushing that mindset was always a great obstacle to overcome.
Q: Is there a pregame ritual you do before a race?
EDWARD: Before each race I always wonder how the race will go or end. I just have the mindset to finish the race with all I’ve got and have no regrets or what-if situations. I also do a little personal prayer after our team prayer.
Q: What’s the best advice you would give to the future athletes on the fence about getting into cross country?
EDWARD: Don’t let anything bring you down. Always push your limits, and trust in the coaches and their workouts. They know what they’re doing to help you become a better runner and a better person. Turn your dreams into reality.
Q: Anybody in particular that you would like to thank?
EDWARD: I would like to thank my coaches, teammates, family and friends that supported me throughout my high school career, and believed in me that I could make it every step of the way. I want to give a big thanks to my coach and teammates for pushing me, and giving me advice on how to run the races. We were always there for each other on our bad days and good days, and we became closer like family. I wouldn’t have wanted to train with any other coach or team than the ones I have now.
