Senior wrestler Ramil Islamov already has the most wins in Baldwin wrestling history, but now he has a bigger goal in mind.
“My main goal is to become a state champ,” Islamov said.
Islamov is well on his way to heading back to states. He said he plans on improving on his fourth place finish from last year because nobody works harder than him.
Then after the state high school championships, Islamov has another goal waiting next year at West Virginia University, where he will continue his career.
“I want to start as a freshman,” he said. “I’ll have to work hard to get there, but I know with the coaches and teammates down there, anything is possible.”
Islamov knows that the step up to D1 college wrestling is going to be big. But he has high hopes and wants to make a statement.
“I want to be able to prove myself. I know I can compete with the best in the country, but I want everyone to know that I belong,” Islamov said.
Islamov has already come a long way in his wrestling career. He first started wrestling when he was in fourth grade.
“I got into wrestling because my dad was very big in combat sports,” Islamov said.
For the Highlanders this year, fellow senior and teammate Zach Folger said Islamov is like having another coach on the team.
“Ramil is one of those guys who is very valuable to have in the room as a teammate, especially since we are a younger team,” Folger said. “There will be times when our coach is showing a move, and Ramil steps up and shows us a different variation of the same move that can work more effectively if done correctly. Wrestling Ramil in practice is also very helpful for us because of how skilled he is.”
Sophomore Mikey Griffiths said Islamov’s success inspires the team.
“Ramil is the most accomplished wrestler to come out of Baldwin, so that is something to look up to,” Griffiths said.
Islamov wrestles and goes to the gym year-round, which sets him apart from the competition.
“Ramil is constantly working to improve his wrestling skills. He wrestles all year round with a club. This shows his dedication and love for the sport,” Folger said.
Islamov gives his praise to his family and coaches to make him the wrestler he is today.
“Definitely my mom and dad (get credit) because without them I’d be nowhere, and my club Coach Justin Watters, because he has changed the way I think and wrestle for the better,” Islamov said.
