Central Valley High School grad Ozzie Ramos helped the Seattle University men's soccer team punch its ticket to the NCAA Division-I Tournament this past weekend.
The Redhawks received an automatic bid after edging out the San Jose State Spartans 2-1 in the Western Athletic Conference championship game on Sunday in Las Vegas.
"I'm happy with how the season's turned out so far," said Ozzie, a senior defensive midfielder. "But we're not done."
Ramos and his teammates gathered in the Seattle University Student Center Monday morning to watch the NCAA Tournament Selection Show.
"There were a lot of people there," Ozzie said. "They announced our opponent pretty fast. Everybody was excited."
A total of 48 schools earned invitations.
"It's a great feeling being one of the teams competing for a national championship," Ramos said. "This is what we've been talking about doing since August. We have a tight-knit group on and off the field. It's a brotherhood. It's been a lot of fun."
Seattle University (14-3-4) will face host Washington (12-6-1) in the opening round this Thursday at 6 p.m.
The Huskies finished third in the Pac-12.
Seattle University lost 2-0 to Washington in non-conference play on Sept. 24.
The Huskies snapped the Redhawks' 21-game home winning streak.
"It will be great to get revenge," Ramos said.
Ramos will not compete in the NCAA tourney game because he was assessed a red card during the WAC finals.
Ozzie logged 37 minutes of playing time before being ejected from the contest late in the opening half for fighting. San Jose State's Omar Lemus also picked up a red card.
"I was pushing players away from my teammates and made contact with someone's face," Ramos said. "That was enough to get a red card. I can't do anything about it. It happened. I can only learn from it."
Ramos will be rooting from the stands when Seattle University battles Washington tomorrow at Husky Soccer Stadium.
"I'm not going to be able to have any influence on the field," he said. "I know whoever is going to replace me will do as much stuff I'd do on the pitch if not more."
Ramos has been a member of the Seattle University men's soccer team since his junior year.
Ozzie transferred from San Diego State.
"Being a part of this university and program is a privilege," Ramos said. "It's great being a part of a winning culture. You're constantly being pushed by your coaches and teammates. I'm making the most out of the experience."
