Junior Josh Ramirez and senior Erica Veltkamp qualified for the state cross country meet on, October 31.

According to coach Julie Hilsenteger, “They are both really hard workers, they ran a lot and now have the benefit of that was making it to State.”

To prepare for the upcoming season, Ramirez dedicated most of his summer to running and even went to a running camp. “Making State hasn’t felt real! I wasn’t in favor of making it and I proved the conference wrong.” In order to prepare for the state meet he said, “I’m going light this week with coach, resting up. But I am definitely ready for the meet.” Ramirez agrees that no one saw him and Veltkamp as candidates, yet the both of them were able to push through adversity and make it to state.

“I’m really excited about going to state and I can’t believe that I made it. It’s been my goal for the past four years, and I worked really hard. I ran with the JV boys to push myself to be my best.” Veltkamp is looking forward to competing with the best runners in Oregon.