The transition from being a high school student-athlete to a college student-athlete
is quite different for everyone. While some decide to compete at programs close
to home, some decide that out of State schools are more their fancy.
Some athletes decide that big Division 1 programs is where they want to compete
while still others decide on DII, DIII, Juco, or even Ivy League programs.
Everyone that takes the next step and competes at the collegiate level has a
different, unique story, but some of the experiences and lessons along the way
are universal. Running at the collegiate level is a commitment with sometimes
very different experiences from what runners experienced in high school. Our goal
is to share those experiences and offer a glimpse into the life of the collegiate athlete
irregardless of the size, quality or affiliation of the school.

Raul Ramirez
Colonial High School, Orlando
Freshman, Young Harris College, Georgia

Raul Ramirez graduated from Colonial in 2013 after competing for one of the best
programs in the State under the direction of Coach Rene Plasencia. Raul enjoyed
great success at the high school level culminating with his runner-up finish in the
4A 1600 Final to fellow team-mate, Andres Arroyo.

Raul looked at different schools and ultimately decided on attending and competing
for the Young Harris College Mountain Lions in the Peach Belt Conference.
"Founded in 1886, Young Harris College is a private, baccalaureate degree-granting
college located in the beautiful mountains of north Georgia.

DistancePreps.com - What's the biggest difference in training versus High School?

Raul - Since I am training for 8K now, the mileage and workouts are much longer. The mountains at Young Harris make it much more difficult, but they add more of a challenge.

DistancePreps.com - How's the adjustment going from living at home to being out
of State attending school at Young Harris College?

Raul - It was kind of tough at first being so far away from home, and not getting to see my family, but eventually I started to meet to new people and that made it easier to adapt. But I do really miss my Spanish home cooking!

DistancePreps.com - How is the team at Young Harris College? You seem to be consistently
one of their top runners.

Raul - The team is good. We have a really young squad, 4 out of our top 7 are freshman. It is also good to have my old teammate again, Cody Decker. We help each other push the team and ourselves. I trained hard not to just be a top runner on my team, but a top contender against other great runners.

DistancePreps.com - Any hints or words of advice for seniors looking to run in college?
 

Raul - College is a lot different from high school. It takes a lot more hard work and dedication not only to your running career, but to your academics as well. So, always stay confident and strive for any goals you have set for yourself.

Raul is having a great year for the Mountain Lions. Most recently he was named the Peach Belt Conference runner of the Week.