By Don Trello
The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent
Sunlake wrestler John Ortiz finished his junior year with a 47-7 record, won a district title and advanced to the Class 2A state meet in the 120-pound weight class.
The senior recently added to his list of honors when he was named the Floridawrestles.com 2012 High School Wrestler of the Year.
“I was really surprised because of all the people who were nominated that competed around the nation,” Ortiz said about his award. “It’s recognition of hard work.”
Despite his success on the mat, Ortiz was left with a bad taste in his mouth after failing to place in the state meet last season, finishing sixth at 112 pounds his sophomore year.
Sunlake athletic director Russ Schenk coached Ortiz prior to stepping down as wrestling coach at the end of last season.
“John is a great kid and very talented wrestler who could wrestle at the next level,” Schenk said. “Prior to his first match at state he was warming up, and a heavyweight guy near him got thrown and landed on his knee. … He sucked it up and wrestled hard, but lost to a kid who got second in the state.”
Ortiz suffered a torn meniscus and had surgery to repair the injury.
“I had surgery in March or April and missed two months,” Ortiz said. “I started rehabbing and everything is great now.”
Ortiz has bounced back from his injury in a big way. His record this year is 34-1 wrestling at 126 and 132 pounds.
“John’s an upper-body guy,” said Eric Rapp, who is in his first season as Sunlake’s coach. “He’s running better and moving faster. I see definite improvement in him. He’s one of the best wrestlers I have, and I’d say he is favored to win a (126-pound) state title.”
Schenk, who is now an assistant, added his thoughts to Rapp’s assessment of Ortiz.
“His work ethic has improved since his freshman year; he’s set to be a state champion,” Schenk said. “He really has turned into a team leader because of coach Rapp.”
Senior Kendrich Portorreal feels Ortiz is a valuable teammate.
“Ortiz can take it,” Portorreal said. “He’s a great teammate and you can rely on him.”
Ortiz also competes in Greco Roman wrestling after the high school season ends and finished seventh in the Cadet Greco Roman National Championships two years ago.
“Coach Schenk helped me with Greco a lot,” said Ortiz, who sat out of Greco competition last year while recovering from his torn meniscus. “I like Greco the best because it’s high intensity with a lot of throws, and I’m a crowd pleaser. (High school) wrestling is a whole new game. There’s a lot more technique.”
Ortiz started wrestling when he was 8 years old and views this high school season as the last chance to reach his ultimate goal.
“Experience is a big-time help,” Ortiz said. “The main thing about wrestling is adjusting to things and working hard. I had minor setbacks last year, but I’m hoping to be a state champ. That’s been my goal since I started wrestling.”
