Ethan (Mario) Martinez-Ratliff '24 Recruiting Profile

For the average kid, breakfast is in the morning, lunch is at noon, and dinner is when mom says so…

But for me, every second of the day is a dream, a dream to run fast.

I can’t run fast without FAMILY because I wouldn’t have any legs.

I can’t run fast without WORK because laziness doesn’t move.

I can't run fast without SCHOOL because the smart guys will calculate a way to run faster.

As a student-athlete, I have learned to build morals and components that mold me into the young man I am today.

1. Sacrifice is needed to pursue a successful career.

2. Time is precious, time cannot be wasted. 

3. Success is built from failure.

4. Lack of focus can be fatal.

5. Competitors never slow down.

6. Always set a new goal.

I’ve learned to incorporate these six morals as my motivation in practice, training, and race day.

It might seem odd but running fast isn’t all I do on the track, it’s how I live my life. 

I REACT with no hesitation.

I PUSH through my hardships.

I DRIVE through failure.

I LIFT through negativity.

I FINISH with everything so I know when I cross that finish line, nothing was wasted.

My name is Mario (Ethan) Martinez-Ratliff and I’m from the small city of Pueblo Colorado. I’m an 11th-grade honors student attending Pueblo Central High School and Pueblo Community College. I’ve tried many sports throughout my High School career and none of them compare to track/ field. My love for this sport is unconditional and irreplaceable. The main goal is to compete at the NCAA Division I track and field level. But for now, I’m working every day to stay healthy and get myself a spot at the Colorado State Track and Field Championships at Jeffco Stadium. I would write more but I gotta get back to work…Thank you for reading!