Charli Ramirez-Oliva in Boston, where he became the first athlete to compete on an indoor track from the City of Rancho Cordova, taking 1st place in both the 1-mile race and the 800 meters. Photo courtesy of Josh Gruver

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - In the world of Cordova High School athletics, a freshman standout is making headlines not just for his exceptional performance on the Cross Country course but also for his commitment to academic excellence. Charli Ramirez-Oliva, a rising star in the Cordova community, has left an indelible mark in both realms during the recent Cross Country season.

Amid his inaugural year at Cordova High, Charli demonstrated a remarkable balance between academic and athletic pursuits, maintaining an impressive 3.5 GPA. This achievement not only underscores his dedication to scholarly excellence but also serves as a testament to his ability to manage the demands of both the classroom and the cross-country course.

On the Cross Country field, Charli showcased his exceptional athletic prowess throughout the Cordova season, securing noteworthy placements in key competitions. Notably, he claimed the 6th spot at CIF SJS Sub-Sections and an impressive 5th place in CIF SJS Division 2 Sections. His notable times of 12:05.9 at the Sac Joaquin Sub-Sections and a personal record of 12:25.0 at the CIF Sac Joaquin Sections Championship highlight his commitment to excellence and his significant contributions to the Cordova cross country team.

Cordova High Cross Country coach Josh Gruver (left) and Cordova athletes representing Fifty East Elite from center to right: Dru O’Neel and Charli Ramirez-Oliva. Photo courtesy of Josh Gruver

However, Charli’s success extends beyond the boundaries of high school competition. As a member of the USATF Club Cross Country under Fifty East Elite, he has consistently made waves on the national stage. His achievements include a stellar 2nd place finish at the Pacific Association USATF Championships and a triumphant victory at the USATF Region 14 Championships, earning him a well-deserved spot in the upcoming USATF XC Junior Nationals.

Charli’s dedication to his sport reached new heights when, after completing his final exams, he embarked on a whirlwind journey. From Louisville, Kentucky, where he represented the City of Rancho Cordova at USATF Junior Olympic XC Champs. After completing his final exams, he hopped on a red-eye flight to visit his Mother in Pennsylvania. Following this visit, he drove six hours to Boston University in Massachusetts, where he became the first athlete to compete on an indoor track from the City of Rancho Cordova. Representing the Fifty East Elite Club, he not only participated but emerged victorious, placing 1st in both the 1-mile race in 5:10 and the 800 meters in 2:15, setting new personal records.

As Charli returns from his impressive winter racing tour, his eyes are now set on the upcoming spring season, where he is ready to bring his newfound experience and prowess to the Cordova High School Track team. The Cordova community eagerly anticipates the continued success of this remarkable athlete, both on and off the field. Charli Ramirez-Oliva has undoubtedly proven himself as a rising star and a true embodiment of the Cordova spirit.