2004 OUTLOOK: Should be one of the Broncs' long distance threats, specializing in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. COACH’S COMMENTS: “Americo was a very solid runner for us both in cross country and track last year. I'm looking for him to improve and be an integral part of our success.”
2003 XC: Was the Broncs' second runner at their first big meet of the season, finishing 40th at the Lobo Invitational. Came in 11th as UTPA won the UTSA Invitational, and finished as Texas-Pan American's fifth runner at the NCAA South Central Regionals. 2003 TRACK: Ran 5000 meters indoors in 17:00.65 at the Houston Indoor Opener January 25th........Ran 5000 meters outdoors in 16:53.57 at the Angela Procter Open March 29th. 2002 CROSS-COUNTRY: Started out of the gate quickly as he was the Broncs first finisher at Corpus Christi in his freshman debut. Ortiz cruised to an 8th-place finish covering the four-mile course in 22:36. A leg injury kept him out of the next meet, but he returned to the line-up with a 12th-place 22:07 effort in the Broncs victory at San Antonio. Helped the Broncs to a runner-up finish at the Independents Championships with a big surge over the final mile that saw him move up from 21st to 9th-place to earn All-Independents status. PREP: Ortiz was North’s Athlete of the Year during his senior cross-country season as he led his team to district and regional championships. Set a personal best of 16:18 for at the South Regional of the Footlocker National.

PERSONAL BESTS

5000m........................16:53.57