| I can’t talk about Dominic’s wrestling journey without first talking about the many influences he’s had on his path. Dominic has been blessed with gifted coaches, a strong and supportive family, and many friendships and rivals along the way. When I look at who Dominic is now, I attribute his determination, relentless drive, goal setting, work ethic, and leadership skills to the sport of wrestling and his experiences. Some of the coaches that have made a lasting impact are Jason Jones, Eron Hurley, Joe Imelli, Christian White, Joey Ghione, and of course his dad, Nacho Ruiz. These coaches and their staff gave him the skills, knowledge, encouragement, support, and tough love that became his foundation. |
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| Coach Jason showed him that wrestling was fun and that it was never too early to get involved. Having given Dominic a whistle, at the age of three, and a broom handle to chase the wrestlers through their warmup, Dominic loved every minute of it! Coach Hurley proved that the young ones could be treated just like the older ones and would be stronger for it. Demonstrating that hard work in the practice room would prove to be rewarding in competition. He instilled the belief that nothing worth having comes free or easy, and that good things come to those that work for it. From Coach Imelli, he’s learned to push himself further because no matter how much you think you know, there is always room to grow! He’s also learned the values of community, family, and loyalty and how to be a good teammate. Coach Christian brings young energy and relatable experience. He makes sure everyone is held to the same standard, and he perfectly marries old school coaching with new school vibes. Coach Joey has shown Dominic that he can reach for more. Sharing his skill and passion for wrestling, and helping Dominic make adjustments to take his wrestling to the next level. His dad has been there from the beginning, supporting, pushing, coaching, and parenting. He is the backbone of the family and makes it all possible. |
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| Dominic is equally fortunate to have had the unwavering support of his family. His older brothers, Isaac and Jacob, have paved the way. They have shown him what this journey can look like. They are his biggest fans and at times, his harshest critics. I believe Dominic’s internal strength, grit and belief in himself comes from them. He is blessed to have his Auntie (Heather Ruiz) who is always there to take pictures and cheer him on, not just in the local competitions but she travels to do all of this (for him) as well. He is supported by lots of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The Ruiz’ have had to save blocks of seats over the years! I also need to give his friends a mention. They are amazing! Thank you for traveling to State and booking rooms. These moments and memories are priceless! |
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| Dominic began wrestling in 2010 at the age of five. He started with the Damonte Ranch Mustangs. Looking back, we were so very lucky to be surrounded by such a talented group of wrestlers and amazing families! Dominic’s core practice group consisted of his brother–Justin, Brady Dixon, Michael Kiker, and Gabe & Gary Smith. They were a feisty bunch and always pushed each other. Many outstanding wrestlers, State Champs, and future Collegiate wrestlers came out of that room and set a great example for Dominic. When I asked Coach Hurley what he had to say about Dominic, he said, “I had the pleasure of coaching Dominic from a very young age. He was always serious and determined to do his best. Being the older of the “Ruiz littles” he always had a partner in Justin and it made both of them better! He has been a great wrestler from the start.” |
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| After his time with the Mustangs WC, Dominic was apart of a small group of Spartan wrestlers and then finished his youth wrestling with the Spanish Springs WC. In his early years, Dominic rarely finished at the top of the podium. Dominic’s December birthday meant he was usually wrestling older kids, and I would often tell him that that would prepare him for high school wrestling. It wasn’t until his middle school years that I really saw him begin to develop a style and wrestle with confidence. Fortunately for Dominic, Coach Gresko took a liking to him and took him on some summer wrestling trips with Porter. Coach Gresko expanded his exposure to wrestling and helped to better prepare him for high school. He believed in Dominic as Dominic was starting to believe in himself. |
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| Dominic wrestled under the Sierra Wrestling Association (SWA) for nine seasons from 2010-2019. He wrestled in Nine State Competitions, Six Regional Tournaments, and many Local-National events. His last two seasons in the SWA, he found growth and success, earning his one Triple Crown Title in 2018 and was voted the 8th Grade All-Stars “Team Captain” for his class of wrestlers. Around this same time, Dominic started refereeing for the SWA and giving back by coaching up younger athletes in the club. Dominic continues to be a presence in the youth club to this day, attending practices and tournaments and helping to coach the youth wrestlers. He has also spent several seasons coaching at the middle schools. He works well with kids of all ages! |
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| In 2020, Dominic joined the HS wrestling program at Spanish Springs High School. Unfortunately, his Freshman year was a lost season due to the pandemic. But, since his Sophomore year, he has continued to develop and improve. He steps onto a mat like a warrior ready for battle with no concern for who his opponent is, or what their record is. He becomes laser focused on what HE will do and HIS game plan. He wrestles without fear of loss but when loss comes, he holds his head high knowing that sometimes you just get beat by a better wrestler. In his mind, you make adjustments and move forward. I asked his high school coach for a few words and here is what he had to say about Dominic. |
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| “I have been blessed to coach in this area for a bit of time, and I have seen many individuals come through the SSHS program. They have all brought one thing or another to the program, school, and community. Dominic Ruiz has contributed in all phases. Of course, it is easy to see that he has been a very successful wrestler, leading to his State Title. But he has done so much more than that. He is a multisport athlete that loves to compete. He is what every coach wants, as he toes that line and turns on that switch, when he steps into competition. He does not shy away or backdown from a challenge. He has grown into a leadership role and holds kids accountable. |
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| If that was all you knew of him you would say that’s a good kid, but his character, as tough-nosed as it is, on the mat, is amazing to be around off the mat. He is an excellent student, participates in school events and has given back countless hours to the youth wrestling program. He is easy to smile and joke with and is great to kids around him and has always been respectful. My 5-year-old son tells me “I pinned Dominic,” which I always laugh because Dom lets him wrestle with him. He is a great kid, with a great family, and I look forward to what he will do his Senior year.” (Coach Joe Imelli) |
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| In 2023, Dominic joined a club, Silver State Wrestling Academy (SSWA). Under Coach Joey Ghoine, he hopes to gain skill, fine-tune some of his current skills, and correct some missteps. Most of Dominic’s losses this past season were by 1-2 points, and he wanted to address that. Coach Joey was the one to nominate Dominic for this honor and here is what he had to say about Dominic, “I nominated Dominic because of his rapid growth within the past couple of months. Dominic has been a role model within his high school program as well as SSWA. He fully embraced the coaching staff and culture in the room. I am excited to see his growth continue.” |
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| In Dominic’s words, “Wrestling has taught me to be a better person, and when I get knocked down, to get back up. It has also motivated me to do good in school. My coaches push me to be my best. My two older brothers have taught me so much and inspire me with everything they do.” (SWA 8th Grade All-Star Essay 2020). If you are in Dominic’s circle, you know that Dominic is funny, loyal, hardworking, appreciative and has a big heart. Many say that wrestling teaches life skills and I agree. Dominic’s mindset in wrestling bleeds to all other aspects of his life. He is not only a high school student but also takes classes at Truckee Meadows Community College. He is the 2022-23 5A NIAA Wrestling State Champion at 138 lbs. We look forward to his Senior year and beyond. His immediate plans (for the future) include on-going Greco and Freestyle training and tournaments, and he hopes to make his mark at Fargo in July. |
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