Tony Ramos announces move to North Carolina

After the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team Trials, Tony Ramos stunned wrestling followers when he expressed his recent unhappiness with the Hawkeye Wrestling Club.

The former NCAA champion and three-time All-American for the University of Iowa said in a post-tournament news conference that he might be better served moving on after dropping the finals to fellow HWC member Daniel Dennis.

Ramos, a two-time World team member, announced Wednesday on Twitter that he will continue his wrestling career and accepting a coaching position at University of North Carolina.

'I am excited to announce I will be continuing my wrestling career and beginning my coaching career under Coleman Scott at the University of North Carolina,' Ramos said in a statement posted on social media. 'I am extremely thankful for being a part the Hawkeye Wrestling family and tradition over the past eight years. It was an honor for me to wear black and gold and compete in front of fans who love and understand the sport.'

Excited to start the new journey with April 27, 2016

Excited to start the new journey with @UNCWrestling #HeelStrong pic.twitter.com/81dMyopC9t

— Anthony Ramos (@T_Ram133)

Scott was a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist and lost to Ramos on criteria in the 57-kilogram semifinal in the Olympic Trials at Carver-Hawkeye Arena earlier this month. Scott responded to the post by Ramos, despite no official announcement from North Carolina.

Welcome to the family my man! We have titles to win! April 27, 2016

Welcome to the family my man! We have titles to win! #heelstrong https://t.co/FMeSb9ro6t

— Coleman Scott (@CScott60kg)

The Tar Heels tied for 35th place at the 2016 NCAA Championships in Scott's first year as head coach, scoring nine points. They finished with a 13-5 dual mark.

Ramos was a two-time NCAA qualifier, winning the 2014 national and Big Ten titles at 133 pounds when he was named UI male student-athlete of the year. Ramos was a four-time NCAA qualifier, earning national runner-up honors at 133 in 2013. He recorded a 120-14 career record with the Hawkeyes and never lost a bout in CHA until the best-of-3 series won by Dennis.

'I am thankful for the coaches who have been by my side during this journey and transformed me from a non-placer at NCAAs to a two-time world team member,' Ramos said in a statement that was also posted at www.teamramos.co. 'My ultimate goal is to be the best in the world and to do so, I am moving on to explore different styles, techniques, and perspectives to add to the foundation built during my time as a Hawkeye.

'There are some exciting things happening in Chapel Hill and I can't wait to get out there with the coaching staff and be a part of the legacy that is to come.'

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