Building a varsity athletic program at a new school requires a number of multi-sport athletes, and junior DJ Ortiz is in the thick of things at young Vista PEAK Prep.
The school doesn’t have a senior class yet, but does have juniors such the 6-foot-3 , 175-pound Ortiz, who is the leading receiver for a Bison team that is on a two-game winning streak going into its season finale on Nov. 2 at Fort Morgan. The 16-year-old has hauled in 33 passes for a 435 yards and four touchdowns, all Vista PEAK bests.
In the winter, Ortiz will suit up for the basketball team and run track during the spring season.
Ortiz carries a 3.2 GPA and is involved with a technology pathway at Vista PEAK.
What is your favorite high school memory, athletically or otherwise?
The first win in the program’s history was great and being able to be around my other teammates during the big win.
What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you in sports or in life?
While blocking on a play, Coach (Lenny) Ciletti tells me to not watch the play and focus only on the guy that I have to block.
Are you a leader? If so, what do you think makes a good leader in yourself or others?
Yes. I think that leading by example and working hard every day makes someone a good leader.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions when it comes to your sport or in life in general?
No, if I did have one I would say it would be try not to overthink things and just play.
If you listen to music before a game, what gets you most ready for competition?
Before a game, most of us listen to music as a team from one of our iPods and we usually get pumped up together.
If you could pick a person living or dead to spend a day with, who would it be and why?
I would love to spend the day with Victor Cruz (of the New York Giants) so that he can help me to become a better football player.
What’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t and why haven’t you?
Lacrosse looks like a really cool sport. It seems a lot like football where you get to hit people.
Other than sports, do you have another true passion in life and if so, what is it and why?
I am really into computer science and engineering. I am in the MAYA Pathway at school, that is computer design and I really like those classes. I can see myself doing that stuff in college and beyond.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
I hope I am able to continue playing football, but if I can’t, I would like to be in the computer science field or working with computers in some way.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at 303-750-7555 or sports@aurorasentinel.com
