Two Socorro ISD high school athletes dominated the 2023 UIL State Wrestling Competition in February 2023 in Cypress, Texas.
Erica Cobos from Americas High School and Gavin Ramos from Montwood High School took home the 6A state wrestling championship titles in their weight class after competing among dozens of student-athletes from across Texas.
Upon their return from the state meet Cobos and Ramos were celebrated at their campuses with heartfelt congratulations and festivities.
Cobos, a junior at Americas, said the enormity of winning the state title hadn’t settled in until she walked into her school and was greeted with celebration by her peers, teammates and campus.
“It made me realize that I did it, I really did it,” Cabos said. “There was a lot of days when I felt defeated but at the end it was all worth it.”
She has been wrestling since she was in the eighth-grade, and placing second at state during her sophomore year lead her to pursue more intense training, but her coaches believe it paid off.
“Erica has set the standard high,” Devonte Cook, head wrestling coach at Americas. “There is no disputing it now, she is number one in the state of Texas.”
After her state win, Cobos went on to become a national champion. In March 2023, she won first place in the 225-pound weight class at the 2023 Girls Folkstyle National Championships in Omaha, Nebraska.
Ramos, a junior at Montwood, has been wrestling since the age of 6, and has competed at state the last two years. He was thrilled about earning the state championship in the 150-pound weight class.
“It felt great winning the state title,” Ramos said. “Accomplishing my goal lets me know I put in the hard work that I needed to. I feel great representing SISD and am thankful to everyone who supported me.”
He showed superior strength winning the state title this year after suffering an injury last year.
“I’m extremely proud,” said Oscar Norez, head wrestling coach at Montwood High School. “Gavin is one of the hardest working kids I know. He enjoys the process, which makes the difference, and his work ethic is phenomenal.”
Overall, eleven SISD students represented the district and the city of El Paso at the 2023 UIL State Wrestling competition, where they demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and talent.
Published March 31, 2023
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