Two-time World Team member Tony Ramos announces move to North Carolina

Tony Ramos at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Photo: Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com

Two-time U.S. World Team member Tony Ramos has announced his intentions to join 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Coleman Scott in Chapel Hill, N.C. to continue his training and join the University of North Carolina staff as an assistant coach.


Ramos issued a statement through his personal twitter page and website explaining his decision and thanking the Hawkeye wrestling nation for their support over the past eight years.


“I am extremely thankful for being a part of the Hawkeye Wrestling family and tradition over the past 8 years. It was an honor for me to wear black and gold and compete in front of fans who love and understand the sport,” said Ramos in his issued statement.


The announcement comes less than three weeks after Ramos wound up in second place at 57 kg at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Iowa City, Iowa. Ramos suffered his first domestic loss on the senior level in the finals of the Olympic Trials to Hawkeye WC teammate Daniel Dennis.


In the semifinals of the Olympic Trials, Ramos and Scott engaged in thrilling battle with Ramos taking the match by criteria, 4-4.


North Carolina has not issued an official statement on the acquisition of Ramos, but Scott responded to Ramos on Twitter by saying, “Welcome to the family my man! We have titles to win! #heelstrong.”


In early March, Ramos qualified the 57 kg weight class for the U.S. to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games by placing second at the Pan American Olympic Games Qualifier. In addition to his two World Championships appearances, he won the U.S. Open in 2015 and secured international gold medals at the 2015 Grand Prix of Paris and 2014 Canada Cup.


Ramos was a three-time NCAA All-American and 2014 NCAA champion for the Hawkeyes. He is married to wife, Megan, and is father to son, A.J.

Tony Ramos statement on transitioning to North Carolina