Tina Ramos: Leading Roland’s Track Team to New Heights

In the heart of Roland, Oklahoma, Tina Ramos has taken the reins as the high school girls’ track coach, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for nurturing young talent. With 24 years of coaching under her belt and a fresh start at Roland, Ramos is poised to lead the team to greatness.

With a roster boasting 14 girls, Ramos sees immense potential in her athletes. “We have a great mix of speed and strength,” she explained, highlighting the balanced composition of her team. Seven freshmen and sophomores mingle with seven juniors and seniors, creating a dynamic environment ripe for growth and development.

Despite the challenges of a short season, Ramos has set high expectations for her team. “Improvement every meet is key,” she emphasized, aiming to qualify for the state meet in multiple events. 

Among the standout athletes is Haven Freeman, a sprinter with remarkable speed and potential. “Haven is as quiet as they come,” Ramos remarked, “but she’s the sprinter every coach love having.” Freeman’s prowess in the 100, 400 and 800 relays makes her a formidable asset to the team, showcasing her versatility and determination.

Despite limited preparation time, Ramos and her team have made the most of every opportunity. “We jumped right into working on relay handoffs and specialty events,” she noted. With invitational meets serving as valuable preparation for the regional and state competitions, Ramos ensures her team is ready for the challenge.

Amidst the excitement of the season, Ramos acknowledges the challenges her team faces. “Trying to squeeze everything in during a short season” presents a hurdle, but the girls’ dedication and commitment to success outweigh any obstacles.

For Ramos, success lies in strategic placement of her athletes and a relentless pursuit of improvement. “Every point scored puts us closer to the top, and the top is where we want to be in every meet.”

Reflecting on her own journey in track, Ramos draws inspiration from past triumphs, including winning a state championship both as a runner (1990) and as a coach (2008). “Track is a season in which many memories are made, and I look forward to making many, many more with our athletes here at Roland.”

As Ramos instills her athletes with the values of hard work, perseverance and dedication, she leaves them with a simple yet powerful message: “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the extra. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”