Jim Ortiz started as an assistant coach at Saint Bonaventure in track and cross country in 2007. He returns this year after a successful 2009 season which culminated in the school’s first cross country league title since 1996 (Boys). Jim brings numerous years of experience in long distance running both as an athlete and a coach. Jim's running career began at Barstow High School, where he won multiple league and CIF championships in track and cross country. Barstow High School ended the season as the # 1 high school cross country team in the State of California, and a top 5 national ranking during Jim’s senior year under coach Don Braden. In track, Jim was a state finalist 3 years in a row and was runner up in the mile at the state meet his senior year. Jim was ranked as the nation’s top sophomore in the 3200m and entered his junior year as the # 2 ranked 3200m prep nationally. Jim was a national high school cross country finalist. As a collegiate student-athlete, Jim competed for UCLA under world renowned distance coach Bob Larsen. While at UCLA, he was a member of the NCAA champion track team. He holds the UCLA/USC Dual Meet record in the 3000m steeplechase. Jim was a four year letterman in track and cross country, Team Captain, and Most Improved Runner recipient at UCLA. Post collegiate, Jim competed for the Santa Monica Track Club before retiring as an athlete. Jim coached youth track and coached at Viewpoint High School and Simi Valley High School. Jim resides in Ventura with his wife and two daughters. The Ortiz family are members of Our Lady of the Assumption parish. |
