Pete Ramirez

A Life Built on Discipline, Leadership, and Heart

Pete Ramirez’s story begins in the small farming community of Lamont, California, where he grew up in a humble home surrounded by family, faith, and hard work. A work ethic modeled by his parents Eva and Antonio who toiled as a farm worker in the Mettler and Lamont area. As the middle child of three, Pete learned early the value of perseverance and responsibility. 

Pete attended Myrtle Avenue Elementary and Mountain View Junior High, where his athletic journey began. It was in sixth grade that he first stepped onto a wrestling mat, an experience that would shape the course of his life. At Mountain View, he came under the guidance of coaches Dean Perry, Manuel Ramirez, and Leon Robinson who became early role models. They instilled in him the fundamentals of sport discipline, respect, and mental toughness. Those lessons stayed with him long after he left junior high.

When Pete entered Arvin High School in 1980, he was ready to take his training to the next level. There, under the mentorship of State of California Wrestling Hall of Fame Coach, Ruben Ramirez, one of the most respected figures in the program’s history, Pete’s natural talent and relentless drive began to shine. From his freshman year, he stood out as a leader, earning the title of Most Inspirational Varsity Wrestler—a recognition that reflected his spirit as much as his skill.

Over the next four years, Pete built a legacy that would leave an enduring mark on Arvin High athletics. He became a three-time South Yosemite League Varsity Champion and a two-time Valley finalist with one Valley Championship, guiding the Arvin Wrestling Bears to their first-ever undefeated dual meet season in 1984, finishing 13-0. That same year, 

Pete placed third at the State Championships. Pete’s overall high school career record—128 wins, 14 losses, and one tie—spoke volumes about his dedication, consistency, and competitive edge.

His list of accomplishments grew with every season. He captured titles at the Shafter Cotton Classic, the Central Wrestling Invitational, and the Area Division Championships. Recognized by peers and coaches across the region, he earned a place on the Bakersfield Californian’s All Area Wrestling Team three consecutive years and was named Outstanding Athlete of the Class of 1984.

In addition to wrestling, Pete was a talented football player, contributing to the SYL Champion Frosh-Soph Team in 1980 and earning the Most Outstanding Defense Award the following year. Whether on the mat or the field, he approached every challenge with the same focus and intensity.

After high school, Pete continued his wrestling career at Bakersfield College, where his leadership and work ethic once again set him apart. In 1985, he was named Most Inspirational Wrestler and earned first-place finishes at both the El Camino College Tournament and the JC Wrestling Tournament, as well as the Most Takedowns Award.

When his competitive years ended, Pete carried the lessons of wrestling into his professional life. He has built a distinguished career in healthcare, working his way up through dedication and integrity.  During his career, prior to moving back to Bakersfield, Pete served as the Market Imaging Director for the North State Service Area, where he oversaw imaging operations for three hospitals. In that capacity, he was instrumental in improving imaging quality, efficiency, and patient experience while fostering teamwork and professional development among staff.

Today, Pete serves as the Service Area Market Imaging Director for Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital Downtown, and Mercy Hospital Southwest. In this role, he leads three major hospital imaging departments, managing more than 180 employees and multiple imaging modalities, including Radiology, MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, and Mammography. His leadership emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and compassion, values that continue to elevate imaging services and strengthen the delivery of care throughout the region. —principles that mirrored the same values he learned on the mat years before.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pete was deeply committed to community service early in his career. He was an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, where he joined a remarkable team known as the “Cancer Crewsaders.” Alongside the team he help bring together colleagues, friends, and families to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and patient support.

Pete also dedicated his time as a mentor for at-risk youth, working alongside community professionals to guide and inspire young individuals toward positive futures. His compassionate mentorship and dedication to helping others reflect his belief in giving back and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Throughout every chapter of his life, Pete Ramirez has embodied perseverance, humility, and heart. His journey from a modest upbringing in Lamont to athletic excellence and professional leadership stands as an example of what hard work and character can achieve. 

Pete has been married for nearly 30 years to his wife Debbie, whom he met while at work as a Radiologic Technologist. Together they built careers in healthcare sharing a deep commitment to patient care and professional excellence.  Their partnership reflects not only love and devotion, but also mutual respect, teamwork, and a shared passion for making a difference in the lives of others. 

In recognition of his remarkable accomplishments and lifelong commitment to excellence, Pete Ramirez will be honored as a 2026 inductee into the Arvin High School Athletic Hall of Fame. His story is one of grit and gratitude—a legacy that continues to inspire athletes, colleagues, and the community that helped shape him.