State Track Runner Erik Ramon Recounts His Success

Erik Ramon takes the hand off from Zach Zembraski in the 4x4 at Aubrey High School on April 9, 2015. (Photo by Annabel Thorpe/ The Talon News)

©The Talon News | Annabel Thorpe

Erik Ramon takes the hand off from Zach Zembraski in the 4×4 at Aubrey High School on April 9, 2015. (Photo by Annabel Thorpe/ The Talon News)

Brayden Ratcliff, Reporter

Moving to a new school senior year is a challenge in itself. Not only adjusting, but excelling in a new atmosphere is an incredible feat.

Erik Ramon moved to Argyle this year from Guyer. Dedicated to working hard in sports, Ramon has made himself a leader in the school’s athletic program. He contributed to the state qualifying football team in December. Now, Ramon has his sights set on state track.

“Moving was pretty smooth with the help of the coaches and all the teammates I’ve had this year,” Ramon said. “The only real difference between the schools is the size of the two.”

Coming from an active family, Ramon was encouraged when he decided to pursue sports.

“My family really pushed me into athletics,” he said. “It’s always just kinda been my family’s thing. We used to play basketball, baseball, and football with each other.”

Having competed as a Guyer athlete, Ramon is not new to being successful in his craft.

“At my last school, we went to Texas Relays, and we did really well at track,” Ramon said. “I also got to be a part of the two state championships for football at Guyer.”

Participating in football has helped Ramon in his successful track season.

“The coaches really instilled hard work in football,” Ramon said. “They taught us not to quit. That really helps in the 4×4 whenever it is coming down to the final stretch.”

Ramon believes his team has benefited him greatly.

“This year, we’ve had a lot of success in the 4×2 and the 4×4, and now our 4×4 is making it to state,” Ramon said. “Going hard in practice, running a lot, and a good coach really has helped us this season. This is probably the biggest success I’ve had my whole track career.”

Preparing himself for the competition he will be up against, Ramon is optimistic about the challenge.

“There’s going to be some fast teams, so it is going to be interesting,” Ramon said. “We are going in as third place, but I think everyone is pretty confident that we will do well. With not as many races to run this track meet, we should all be pretty fresh.”

Ramon credits his coach to his team’s success this season.

“The persistence of Coach Chancellor is what really got me involved in track here,” Ramon said. “I wasn’t going to run before he convinced me to do it, so I owe it to him. Without him, I don’t think we would have even been close to going to state.”

Placing dedication as a priority has pushed Ramon to excel in this track season.

“Track has taught me that even though some things are going to be a lot harder than you want them to be, you just have to keep going and finish,” Ramon said. “Putting in the time to practice really makes the difference, and you never know what is going to come out of the small things.”

The 4×4 team placed forth in the state meet in Austin this past week.

“We ran well but we were pretty disappointed that we didn’t medal,” Ramon said. “I feel like I grew a lot closer to the people that went down there. It feels really good to end my senior career by going to state.”