She brings dedication to team of champions

As he observed the girls on his state championship North Central High School track and field squad accept their trophy in Pasco recently, coach Darren Nelson couldn’t help but think that the athlete he was happiest for was one who didn’t even compete in the meet.

That was senior Courtney Ramsey, a young woman praised by Nelson as an unsung hero, a competitor who never got a lot of accolades but certainly deserved them.

“Courtney has been absolutely reliable and so dedicated,” said Nelson. “It made me so happy to see her on the awards stand. She deserved it as much as anyone I’ve ever coached. She’s been someone for our younger girls to look up to. If all our girls have the same level of commitment as she’s had, we’ll be good for a long time.

“She’s maximized her experience here. Every race has been all-out. She’s been all Courtney, all the time. She’s scored for us occasionally, but for us, she’s been all about the other things. We couldn’t have been as successful as we’ve been without her.”

Ramsey, who during her time at NC has also played basketball and soccer, competed in the javelin, the 400 meters and the relay events during her track career.

“I haven’t always been a scorer,” she said, “but I’ve had a positive attitude and tried my best to do as much as I could. If I didn’t score, I still have tried to make it a positive atmosphere for everyone.

“My role has been to promote a team feeling. If anyone needed anything, I’ve tried to be there for them, whether it was to congratulate or console them. Sometimes it was hard because in track everyone’s so spread out, but I tried my best to make it around to every event.

“It was an unbelievable feeling to be on the stand at state. I was an alternate and didn’t get to compete, but it was an honor just to be a part of it. I loved it!”

Ramsey is headed for Washington State University next fall, where she plans to prepare for a career in pediatric nursing.

“I’ll miss sports a lot,” she said, “because I’m so used to them. I’ll play intramurals, but I know it won’t be the same. I know I haven’t been the best at any one thing, but I was raised to stick with whatever I do, and I never give up. When I haven’t been the best, I’ve always tried to find a way to contribute anyway.”