“I learned to never give up on a dream,” Ramirez said. “Coach (Manny) Gomez taught us that if you can dream it, then you can achieve it. I’m blessed to have achieved my dream, but I’m not done yet.”
The combination of TAMUK’s football and academic programs, as well as it’s proximity to Harlingen, factored into his decision, Ramirez said.
“My teammates and I formed a great bond that we shared this past four years,” Ramirez said. “We were able to impact this community and to continue the Cardinal tradition. It was great to be able to leave a legacy with this team.”
Ramirez, a safety for the Cardinal team that advanced to the 5-A Quarterfinals in 2011, led the team in total tackles with 113 in his senior season.
“The kid deserves this because he put in the hard work,” HHS football coach Manny Gomez said. “The way he has matured mentally and socially working with his peers has been whats made him special.”
“Our job as coaches is to try to get these kids to the next level. We hope to get their education paid for, whether that’s with a division one or two program,” Gomez said.
The TAMUK Javelinas are a division two football program playing the the Lone Star Conference. The program boasts seven national championships and 34 conference titles.
