In a sport full of tough individuals, Montezuma-Cortez High School senior Justice Ramos ranks among the toughest.
A 152-pound three-sport athlete who qualified for the state tournament each of the last three years, Ramos fought through a painful knee injury this season to finish fourth at Regionals and lock up a berth at state.
Ramos, who played football this season and qualified for state in track last year, forfeited his final match at regionals due to his injury.
“It has been pretty rough, but I’ll see what I can do,” said Ramos, when asked about his injury. “My goal is to do my best with what I’ve got.”
Ramos (25-14) will open the state tournament against Eaton High School’s Rusty Lohr (30-8) on the afternoon of Feb. 19. The winner will face either Colorado Springs Christian High School’s Connor Craddock (27-5) or Mullen High School’s Connor Hart on the morning of Feb. 20.
“The first couple of (state tournaments) you are pretty nervous,” said Ramos, explaining that experience could work to his advantage. “It’s crazy up there in the Pepsi Center, but I’ve been there, so I’ve just got to take care of business.
Off the mat
Favorite music: Country
Favorite book: Eragon
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Dream job: Engineer
Influential people: Parents and coaches