VYPE: As a standout sophomore wrestler and baseball player, which sport is your first love?

Eli Ramirez: My first love would have to be baseball. It was the first sport that I started to competitively compete at. When I started playing baseball, I automatically fell in love with the game.

VYPE: How have you managed to make such a blazing start to your career?

ER: I have trusted my work ethic and continued to try and get just a little bit better everyday. My parents and my brother have played a huge role in motivating and pushing me to become better.

VYPE: And you’re a captain on the wrestling team. Why do you think your teammates trust you with such a responsibility?

ER: I believe my teammates trust me to be a team captain because I am a hard worker and I will keep everyone accountable. I also think they trust me because I am easy to talk to and very open-minded for anything one of my teammates may need to talk about.

VYPE: You pitched an incredible two games in the state tournament last year as a freshman: 44 strikeouts in only 20 innings. What gave you the confidence to help your team to a state championship?

ER: My preparation as well as my teammates and my coaches gave me confidence during the state championship games. . . I had a partial tear in my left pec[toral] from wrestling. Our athletic trainer here at Duncan, Amanda Woods, helped me tremendously throughout my recovery.