West Burlington, Iowa - Preparing for cross country races is just another day for freshman Aisha Ramone (Kirtland, New Mexico/Fr.) She has the habit of making things look easy on the course. The first-year freshman has had no problems adjusting to college racing, as she has been the Blackhawks number one runner since the start of the cross-country season. She also has earned four Athlete of The Week honors throughout this time span.
Ramone has just learned that she is NJCAA Women's DII Cross Country Runner of the Week from October 10-October 16 for the fourth time this 2022 season. This four-time AOW honoree has single handedly risen up to the occasion week after week finishing as the top Junior College participant in each of her races. Her work ethic, motivation, and desire to compete is evident in her results. Ramone came into this program already a talented runner, but always strives to better herself and become the best possible athlete she can be. "She puts in the work, and it certainly shows on the course," SCC Cross Country coach Lucas Keifer said. "It's all a reflection of what she does with her time."
Ramone entered SCC as one of the top high school runners in New Mexico, but has continued to improve since arriving on campus. She entered SCC after having a stellar career at Kirtland Central High School in Kirtland, New Mexico. Ramone believes the transition to collegiate XC at SCC has been a smooth one. "The team and environment are different," said Ramone. "The girls are more mature and understand what job and work needs to be done to get the results they want." Ramone firmly believes she will succeed as the end of the season winds down, "I feel like anything can go in any direction. I am hoping to place in the top three to five at Regionals and Nationals. I'm just going to go in confident and prepare like I do in other races."
Ramone has a motor like none other and goes all out from the moment she takes off until her last stride. Her top individual time this season is 18.50. "She's a tough kid, and has to have one of the fastest finishes I've seen. If there's someone within 100 meters of her, she'll run them down," Keifer said. "She is one of the best runners in the NJCAA, and is one of the top runners at every meet. I think she has the ability to win Regionals and be an All-American at Nationals."
