Yuma high wrestler defeats adversity and brings two state titles to Criminal territory

Some people work for it, others hope for it and some fight for it. 17-year-old Jonathan Ruiz fought for it. In a time of adversity he broke Yuma High Wrestling’s 21-year drought of no state titles by becoming a state champion. How he did it through the tough circumstances he faced is beyond inspiring.

Now he wants to take his talents to Senior Nationals in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

His goal is to raise $4500 to be able to take other kids from Yuma high as well to compete in this competition.

He starts off with a pause “it was tough….”

The 2X State Champion is far from ordinary.

“He was embarrassed because of his shoes or clothes but in the same breath he would be like but im not going to stop, ima get going and show everyone what I can do,” shared his mother, Mayte Garcia.

2017 was the year where he showed everyone what he can do.

Coach Welsing shares he is a strong kid with perseverance.

“He goes, coach im gonna pin him….And I said I have no doubt that you are Jonathan and sure enough he cradled him and pin him and became the first state champ for Yuma high in twenty-one years”

But the journey was rocky, in 2016 17-year-old Jonathan Ruiz suffered the loss of his grandfather and to top it off, lost his home… All at the same time while trying to become the first State Champion for the criminals in years.

“There were some times where I can see it in his face he just wanted to give up…Didn’t even want to come to school,” expressed his mom.

But he didn’t give up, Wrestling was Ruiz escape from a harsh reality.

“It was something that could take my mind off of it…..”

The family became homeless and found refuge at the safehouse in Yuma until they were ready to get back on their feet.

“Well it was rough but my mom pushed me, she said it doesn’t matter what you are wearing it doesn’t matter if your shoes are ripped….I don’t want to cry”

With the help from the shelter, the family was able to overcome their gloomy season.

“We were able to be in our place by Christmas, so he opened his new shoes for Christmas, and that moment ….just to see the look on his face that he wasn’t going to have to wrestle with tight shoes anymore that don’t fit him ….”

The 2X state champion also helped lead the Yuma High criminals to their first state title in 55 years, and it doesn’t stop there the senior wants to go to nationals in Virginia beach and compete with his teammates.

“Grind til you shine”

To help get Jonathan to nationals click the link is below:

https://makeachamp.com/jonathanruiz