By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
Brownsville Porter senior Victor Ramos knew for a long time that he wanted to be a college athlete someday.
He made that dream come true Friday when he signed to play football and throw for the track & field team at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota. The reigning co-District 32-5A offensive lineman of the year will be competing for the Jimmies at the NAIA level and study kinesiology.
“It felt amazing to finally sign and have it official that I’ll go to the next level for two sports,” Ramos said. “Ever since I started playing peewee football, I’ve always wanted to play at the next level. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I realized I could do it. It feels amazing to be able to represent Porter and show that kids from Porter can go out and play at the next level.”
Ramos started emailing coaches at all levels more than one year ago, sending hundreds of emails and clips to get any opportunity he could to play. He said the recruitment process was long and hard, but it was worth it. He’s excited to be joining an “up-and-coming football program” and learn about different types of throws. He’ll be competing in the shot put, discus, hammer and weight throw in Jamestown.
Porter coach Carlos Uresti said Ramos’ work ethic, size and determination will help him succeed at the college level just like he did with the Cowboys. Uresti said Ramos matured a lot from his junior to senior years, which helped him be “the anchor” for a new offensive line this season.
“From Day 1, Victor was a kid that mentioned wanting to play at the next level,” Uresti said. “He took the bull by the horns and honestly started reaching out to coaches before I did. He’s a very self-motivated kid. We’re super excited for him to continue his education with the opportunity to play at the next level. He’s a heck of an athlete, and he does well in the classroom.”
Academics played a big part in Ramos choosing to attend the University of Jamestown. He said it has a high-ranking program for physical therapy, a career he plans to join after graduation. Ramos credited his parents for instilling his dedication to his academics, and thanked his village of supporters for pushing him and helping him accomplish this goal.
“My parents have always pushed me in the classroom as well as on the field and in the ring. When it comes to pushing myself on the field, it was about helping me pay for school and to help take the load off them,” Ramos said. “My coaches have been a big part of who I am, as well as one of my old friends, Mark Rodriguez. Right now, he’s serving in the army. (I want to thank) my father, Hugo Ramos, stepmom Ana Lilia Garza, mother Laura Mendoza and girlfriend Citlali Roman.”