HRV wrestler Adrian Ramirez returns from Cultural Exchange trip to Japan

Incoming Hood River Valley High School senior Adrian Ramirez just returned from Japan after being a part of the Montana Wrestling Cultural Exchange team. Ramirez was able to help fill the heavyweight spot for their team and represented the U.S.A., Oregon and Hood River very well, reported HRV Head Wrestling Coach Trent Kroll. “Not only did he earn a 3-1 record on the mat, but his coaches said he was a pleasure to have on the trip with them. The team was hosted and competed in four prefectures on the southern island of Shikoku — Ehime, Kochi, Kagawa, and Tokushima,” Kroll said. During the trip, Ramirez was able to pet penguins, visit shrines, practice with chop sticks, and learn a lot about Japanese culture. “I can’t wait to travel again and learn more about the other cultures around the world. It’s great that wrestling has given me the opportunity to travel outside of the U.S. Thank you to the Hood River community for supporting me and thank you to Team Montana for welcoming me onto their team. It was a phenomenal experience,” Ramirez said.