Our Journey
About Frog Empire
A wrestling club born from a lifelong dream — built to empower the next generation.
Our Story
Redefining the Way We Teach Wrestling
Frog Empire Ithaca Wrestling Academy was born from a lifelong dream. Since the age of seven, wrestling has been more than just a sport — it's been a defining force in Julian's life. It instilled discipline, resilience, and a mindset that anything is possible through hard work.
His journey took a transformative turn at Cornell University, where he pursued not just national wrestling success but also academic development, earning minors in Business and Leadership. Through years of intense training, mentorship, and growth, he developed a deep passion for coaching and helping others unlock their full potential.
Opening a wrestling club has always been his vision: to create a space where kids believe in themselves, build confidence, and learn life lessons through the sport. That vision became reality when Empire Wrestling Academy reached out and offered their support in launching this Ithaca-based expansion.
Mission
Children Are Powerful
At Frog Empire Wrestling Academy, we believe every child holds the power to change the world. Through elite coaching, unwavering support, and a relentless belief in their potential, we help young athletes discover strength — on the mat and in life. Our mission is to build confidence, character, and champions by giving every kid a chance to rise.
What We Build
More Than Wrestling
Strong Wrestling Skills
Technique-first coaching from athletes who've competed at the highest levels. Every practice has purpose.
Mental Toughness
Wrestling teaches you to push past limits. Our environment develops the mental grit that carries into every part of life.
Physical Fitness
Our training develops full-body athleticism, endurance, and strength that makes wrestlers better at every sport.
Community
Frog Empire is a family. Athletes support each other, coaches invest personally, and everyone belongs.
Ownership
Julian Ramirez
Cornell University athlete, minor in Business & Leadership. Julian has been wrestling since age 7 and turned that passion into a mission to develop the next generation of champions in Ithaca.
✉ jramirez@frogempire607.com
Diego Jaramillo
Manages day-to-day operations and supports the coaching staff in creating a world-class training environment for every athlete.
John Degl
Owner of Empire Wrestling Academy. Business partner and supporter of the Frog Empire mission. John helps drive operations and the long-term vision for the academy.
Shana Leone
Part of the core Frog Empire ownership team, helping to build a club where athletes and families feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
Coaches
Sal
Cornell-trained and deeply committed to athlete development. Sal brings high-level technical coaching to every session.
✉ sjones@frogempire607.com
Josh Antoine
Head coach of Ithaca HS, Josh is committed to developing every athlete's technique, mindset, and competitive edge.
Current Cornell University wrestling athletes who bring a living, breathing example of what elite training looks like. Your athlete trains alongside some of the best collegiate wrestlers in the country.
Cornell Athlete
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Cornell Athlete
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Cornell Athlete
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