FCS Announces Russ Ortiz as the new Director of Athletics
Press release: 5/9/12
Mesa, AZ – Faith Christian School is pleased to announce the hiring of former MLB standout pitcher, Russ Ortiz, as the new Director of Athletics. Ortiz pitched for the Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers before retiring in 2010. The highlights of his career include playing in the 2002 World Series and the 2003 All Star game.
Says Ortiz regarding his position at Faith Christian School, “My vision for Faith athletics is to help make the whole program not only the best in their league, but best in the state. I would like to see the mindset of the student-athletes move more towards being athletes for Christ, which means they will prepare, work, and play harder than any other school. I desire to see them shaped into athletes that strive to glorify Jesus Christ all the time. ”
“I feel I can take what they have already done and achieved and continue to add to it. I feel my experience, competing at the highest level in professional sports, will help spread the vision and bring a fresh new spirit to competition.”
Ortiz desires to rally parents and alumni to support the athletic program at Faith. Parents and alumni can have a huge impact on Faith athletes. He also plans to set up a program in conjunction with Fellowship of Christian Athletes so that student-athletes will be able to see how faith in Christ and sports work together.
Ortiz encourages student-athletes to consider high school at Faith by saying, “I grew up in So Cal and went to a small school. My junior high and high school preached academics first, but sports were a big part of who we were. I watched my school grow into a powerhouse academically and athletically. I see Faith in the same way, a small school that is already a powerhouse with the Gospel message and academics. My vision is to help the athletic programs at Faith become a powerhouse as well. We are already on our way. Come and be part of something special!”
Ortiz and his wife Stacy live in Mesa with their three children. He enjoys giving back to the community he is part of.