Bringing it Back Home: Jacob Ramirez Becomes Grand Prairie’s First State Champion

Jacob Ramirez didn’t just win a state championship this weekend—he changed the history of Grand Prairie High School.

The junior captured the 6A state title at 285 pounds, becoming the first state champion in school history. His path to the top wasn’t simple or smooth, but it was decisive. After suffering losses at both the district and regional tournaments, Ramirez entered the state bracket with unfinished business. He opened the tournament by defeating one of his top competitors in the first round, then avenged his district loss in the state semifinals on his way to the title.

When the final whistle blew, the moment carried the weight of everything he had worked for.

“I did it,” Ramirez said. “All the hard work and sacrifices I made for this sport have finally paid off. I made everyone on my team proud, including my coaches, teammates, and my family.”

The belief that a state title was possible took shape last season, when Ramirez finished fourth at state.

“When I went to state last year and got fourth, I knew work had to be done,” he said. “I was close. I knew I could make small adjustments and work harder, and I knew I could get on top of the podium.”

Those adjustments showed up clearly this season, especially in his conditioning and pace.

“My cardio and speed,” Ramirez said. “And my ability to score in moments when you need the points the most.”

Behind that growth was a group of teammates who pushed him daily in the room.

“Jimmy Garza, our 190, pushed me every day to make sure I wasn’t a typical heavyweight,” Ramirez said. “Rafael Peralta was always pushing me and making sure I got to practice on days when I was exhausted—I’m proud to call him my brother and team captain. Brady Golden is a teammate everyone needs. He sets the tone in the mat room and makes sure everyone works hard no matter what.”

At Grand Prairie, support extended well beyond the mat.

“Really all my teachers and administrators believed in me,” Ramirez said. “Ever since freshman year they saw my potential and knew I could be Grand Prairie’s first state champ in athletics. The reason I wrestle is to make sure I make everyone at Grand Prairie High School proud.”

His coaches helped prepare him for the biggest moments of the season.

“Coach B, Coach Hall, and Coach P made sure I was mentally and physically prepared for state,” Ramirez said. “They knew my capabilities and were confident I could go far in this tournament. Without Coach B I would not be here, and I am forever grateful for his help and patience with me.”

The toughest test of the season came at the district finals, when Ramirez suffered his first loss after an undefeated regular season.

“That was my first loss of the year,” he said. “My confidence was low in that moment. But I had no choice but to train hard for regionals and get ready for the next week. No one is going to feel sorry for you when you’re low, so you have to get up after you get knocked down and keep moving forward.”

That response carried him all the way to the state podium.

“The people in the stands might not see all the hard work that me, my coaches, and my team have done for this exact moment,” Ramirez said. “But I’m glad the people in the stands were watching the big boys move.”

At home, the support was constant and deeply personal.

“My dad is my superhero,” Ramirez said. “Every day we talked about how practice went or what I could’ve done better. He drove so many hours to get me to practices even when he was tired from work. All he wanted was for me to get better, and that’s why I cried when I saw him after I won the title.”

He also credited his mother for holding everything together.

“My mom has always been patient with me and my dad when it comes to wrestling,” Ramirez said. “She’s an educator, and when I see her come home from work, cook dinner, and take care of my little sister Karissa, I know she’s the glue of our family and a big reason I succeed.”

Now a state champion, Ramirez sees this moment not as an ending, but as a beginning.

“It’s only the beginning,” he said. “I want to be a two-time state champ next year.”

And for younger wrestlers watching, his message is clear.

“Hard work beats talent when talent refuses to work hard,” Ramirez said.

He closed with a statement that perfectly captured the moment—for himself and for his school.

“Grand Prairie, I’m bringing back home a state championship.”