BELLEVUE, Neb. -- Bellevue University cross country coach Craig Christians announced today the signing of Lorena Ramirez to a National Letter of Intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at Bellevue beginning in the fall of 2018.

Ramirez was a four-year letter-winner in both track and cross country at Bellevue East High School. Among her career highlights were winning the individual title in her final race as a senior, taking first at the Omaha Northwest Husky Invitational.

Throughout her high school career, Ramirez posted strong personal bests in four events; 5K cross country (21:49.3), 800-meter (2:41.25), 1600-meter (5:54.42), and the 3200-meter (13:18.22).

Coach Christians on Lorena Ramirez:

"Lorena brings some solid distance running experience to our very young group. I'm excited to see where her experience and talent take her."

The cross country program kicks off their inaugural season on Friday, Aug. 31 when they travel to St. Joseph, Mo. to compete in the Missouri Western Invitational.