Ortivez makes history

by Dreama Ortivez
DENVER — La Veta senior Adam Ortivez made history this past weekend as he claimed the school’s first wrestling championship. Ortivez went into the tournament as the number-one-ranked 2A wrestler in the 138 lb. weight class.
This journey started 14 years ago when Adam first stepped on the mat in the Pee Wee program. Ortivez has wrestled in several youth state and national tournaments. He also finished as a runner-up in the first ever middle school state championships in 2008. This was Ortivez’s fourth trip to the state wrestling tournament. As a freshman he placed fourth, he did not place as a sophomore, and as a junior he took third place.
This year marked the 22nd year since a La Veta wrestler has reached the state finals. Ironically, the last wrestler to reach the finals was Adam’s father and current coach, Ron Ortivez Jr. in 1990. Ortivez was determined to fulfill his longtime goal of being the first State Champ in La Veta.
Last Thursday Ortivez began his dominant performance by pinning Travis Hill of Akron in 1:22. He then continued by defeating Nick Williams of Hayden by a major 14-4 decision. In the semi-finals, Ortivez used precision and speed as he pinned Dalton Randolph of Dove Creek in 1:58.
With the first three victories accomplished, Ortivez advanced to the State Championship Finals. The final match was a rematch of the 2A Region 2 Championships. The match-up between Ortivez and Fowler’s Jake Millberger is a testament to the quality of athletes from our region. Ortivez defeated Millberger for the 138 lb. crown, 5-1.
Adam started his wrestling journey with his older brother Ron Ortivez III and was able to finish his high school career with his father and older brother in his corner coaching him for his finals match.
When asked what it felt like to become a state champion, Ortivez replied, “It feels unreal and you don’t know how to embrace all of the emotions that come at once. I would just want to thank my coaches, teammates, family, and friends for the support and encouragement throughout the season.”
Coach Ortivez stated, “That victory represents an end to the struggles we have had at the State Tournament. It could not have happened to a more deserving, hard-working, and dedicated young man. I am very proud of Adam, not as his father, but as his coach.” I would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support of La Veta wrestling throughout the season and especially at the State Tournament”
Ortivez finished his high school career with a record of 129-16. Ortivez hopes to continue wrestling at the next level.
Congratulations Adam!