Sunlake High School wrestler John Ortiz has qualified for the Cadet National Duals Championships next month in Daytona Beach. He will also represent Team Florida in the Cadet and Junior National Championships in Fargo, N.D., in July.
But, to get to both events he needs to raise money to help finance the trip. His fundraising goal to offset the cost of both trips is $1,100.
“I have coached in two different states and three different countries and the main reason why many kids do not go to nationals is because it is so expensive," said Jason DeRosa of Wesley Chapel Wildcat Wrestling. "It is very expensive, but also a wonderful opportunity for the kids to experience wrestling at its best in the largest tournament for juniors and cadets."
Find out what's happening in Land O' Lakesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Ortiz brought home a sixth-place medal from the state finals this past season as a sophomore. As sophomore year winds down and summer vacation looms even closer, Ortiz has done anything but coast to the finish. Just the opposite, John has been wrestling with all his heart.
“There’s a mantra in high school wrestling, ‘summer wrestling makes winter champions.' John is following that script,” said Sunlake wrestling coach and athletic director Rus Schenk.
Find out what's happening in Land O' Lakesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He wrestles with The Wesley Chapel Wildcat Wrestling Club when not competing for Sunlake and that is where he has been successful in qualifying for the national tournaments. Head director of the club, Jason DeRosa is high on the young wrestler as well.
“John is a very committed athlete who I can depend on to succeed on and off the mat. Our club is new and therefore small, but John is one of the few members that I can count on to show up three times a week and work incredibly hard to improve every aspect of his wrestling skills,”
Ortiz has been quite busy this Spring/Summer with the club.
The results:
- 2011 Father Divine Greco Roman Tournament- 1st Place--- April 16th
- 2011 Florida Greco Roman National Team Qualifier- 1st Place---April 30th
- 2011 Florida Freestyle National Team Qualifier- 2nd Place-----April 30th
- 2011 Florida Greco Roman State Championships- 2nd Place---May 16th
- 2011 Florida Freestyle State Championships- 2nd Place ---May 15th
Just making the National Team is a great honor for John, but he is thriving to be an All American. John will be competing against the top three kids in every state with the goal of placing in the top eight of the nation. This is the most competitive and difficult tournament of the year. The training will intensify as July 18 comes closer. John will represent Team Florida when he wrestles Greco Roman on July 18-19. He will also wrestle Freestyle July 21-23.
Donations to help John with the trips can go to the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association:
- Online donations -http://floridausawrestling.org/Login.htm?ms=m15
- Mailed checks -FAWA Inc, 4446 Hendricks Ave 356, Jacksonville, FL 32207
- Phone -877-872-FAWA (3292)
- Email: info@fawa.us
