What started at Southwestern Oregon Community College, a small school located in Coos Bay Oregon- our story begins. All student athletes were required to report to campus a week before all students. Maricela was playing basketball and Rickie was playing baseball. After a quick introduction through a friend and Rickie's smooth bravery to ask for Maricela's number during bowling night, the beginning of forever was established. Fast forward to New Years Eve of 2012, Rickie asked Maricela to be his girlfriend (and Facebook official). After Rickie's first year of college, he made the decision to move back to Washington as Maricela stayed at SWOCC for another year of school and basketball. This became the true test of Rickie and Maricela, as they were now committed to make their relationship work through long distance. After 2 years of countless plane rides and long 7 hour car trips back and forth to Oregon, Rickie decided enough was enough and broke the news to his parents that he was moving to Grants Pass Oregon to finish college and be closer to Maricela. Rickie graduated from Southern Oregon University and popped the big question in front of both families and asked for Maricela's hand in marriage... SHE SAID YES!