Port Townsend High junior Mi Amada Lanphear Ramirez took her wrestling pedigree to the next level in April, taking part in the U.S. Women’s National Freestyle Tournament in Spokane.

Competing in the 20 years and under, 50 kilogram division (approximately
110 pounds), Lanphear Ramirez finished with a 3-2 record against the best female grapplers in America.

The junior wrestler faced top-level collegiate athletes in her first-ever freestyle competition, which took place on April 15.

“She went 3-2 and was one win away from being in the Top-16!” said Steve Grimm, coach of the East Jefferson Rivals wrestling program. “She wrestled amazing and proved she can compete with the best in the nation.”

Lanphear Ramirez lost her first match by points 13-2 to Anaya Falcon of California, then won her second match by pin over Rachel Epling of Utah. The EJ star won her third match by pin over Nevada’s Sofia Ambranson, also earning her third pin of the day in her fourth match against Lorianna Piestewa of New Mexico. 

Her fifth and final match was a 12-0 loss by points to Nevada’s Jenavi Alejandro.

Considering the number of college recruiters in attendance at the Spokane tourney, Lanphear Ramirez is making her mark for her collegiate future.

“Mi Amada’s name is now out there on the national level with another year to get even better and more experienced,” Grimm said. “She is pursuing her dream to wrestle at a top college after she graduates. This was a big step towards that goal.”

Lanphear Ramirez had a spectacular 2022-2023 wrestling season, finishing third in the state for the 115-pound weight class. Beyond having superb skills, Lanphear Ramirez has ascended into a leadership position for the Rivals wrestling program after first starting the sport in 2021. She has been named as team captain for EJ’s upcoming 2023-2024 season by Grimm.

“Mi Amada competing at the national tournament wraps up our competitive season for this year,” Grimm said. “What a great season we have just concluded.”

Lanphear Ramirez has also taken on a coaching role for the middle school wrestling team, operating as assistant coach for the up-and-coming grapplers.

With 26 grapplers at the high school level and 28 grapplers with the middle school, the Rivals wrestling program had more than 50 students working hard and committing to the sport this year. While the wrestling offseason is official, it won’t be too long before the athletes are back on the mat.

“We are going to take a break for spring sports, then offer the kids opportunities to get back in the weight room in May,” Grimm said. “We are going to prove the saying that summer wrestlers makes winter champions.”