By Mike Gincel, contributing writer
As one walks down the hallway of the Marion Bowman Activities Center or attends any home game at Saint Leo University, one figure stands tall above the rest. At 6’8”, Evan Ortiz is not that hard to miss. Behind the height is a man who has passion and drive in making sure that the information on game day is being delivered to teams, media, and fans as quickly as possible.
As the current Manager of Athletic Communications and New Media, a position he has held for four years, Ortiz does a lot for Saint Leo Athletics. He is responsible for giving the statistics of each home and away game to the public and teams, as well as updating the social media networks regarding events. Being able to do all of this while in the press box during every home event and announcing is no easy feat.
Ortiz came to Saint Leo as a transfer student from Florida College during his junior year in the fall of 2000. He graduated from Saint Leo in the spring of 2004 with a degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in Management. During this time, he was introduced to the world of sports information under his mentor and boss, Mr. Walt Riddle, former Sports Information Director, who retired in 2011. Ortiz worked for Riddle as a student assistant. Ortiz was then moved up to the role of Assistant Sports Information Director in the fall of 2003 and held that role until spring 2005. Ortiz took time off and worked with a staffing company for six months.
“That was the worst job I held. I absolutely hated it,” said Ortiz.
However, that soon changed. During the fall of 2005, the Saint Leo men’s soccer team was on a monumental run that culminated in a Southeast Regional match against Lynn University for the championship title. He went to that game and it was a moment that changed him forever.
“Walt, my old boss, made a beeline for me when he saw me and told me that he heard of a position at Eckerd College for Sports Information Director,” Ortiz said. ”He recommended me for the position.
“I knew that it was a life changing moment for me and that this could affect me forever. I said yes, applied, and became the new director over there.
He was in that position from February 2006 to August 2008, when a familiar friend called him to bring him back to the Saint Leo community. Eddie Kenny, a friend of Ortiz and the then-Sports Information Director, told him that the position of Sports Information Director was opening at Saint Leo University. Kenny asked if Ortiz wanted to interview for the position. Ortiz graciously accepted and was officially named to the position on Aug. 1, 2008.
Ortiz feels that this job is one of the best he has ever had and that he loves working with his colleagues in the Department of Athletics.
“This department is amazing,” Ortiz said. “I love the people in it and what they stand for. Everyone works towards the same goal: that goal is graduating student-athletes.”
But that is not just all for Ortiz. One of his major passions in his work is the student athletes. As a former student athlete, Ortiz feels he relates to the hard work student athletes give to their sports.
“Seeing student-athletes work as hard as they do makes me want to work just as hard at my job. You forget that the athletes work hard on the field, it makes you want to work just as hard.”
Michael Farrant, also a Manger of Athletic Communications, notes that Ortiz’ work ethic and commitment for his job is undeniable.
“He is probably one of the most caring people I’ve ever met,” Farrant said. “He always puts his heart and soul into everything he does.”
Ortiz loves that there are more and more fans at sporting events as Saint Leo continues to grow into a bigger and better school.
“I was here when everyone thought Roderick Hall was the best place to live,” he said. ”Now I park my car in a parking garage and walk on a turf field that rivals any in the Southeast region. That just scratches the surface. The change is incredible.”
He also believes that the students are a key asset to the University.
“Every single student that I have run into [seems]to represent the Saint Leo University core values: people I will be proud to call an alumni.”
Not everything is serious when it comes to Ortiz and his work. He cracks a smile every time someone mentions his height. He is aware that people do know him as “the tall guy,” having been tall throughout his life. He was nicknamed “Eeyore” by the women’s volleyball team during his first year because of his first and last initials. And while many people enjoy the occasional cup of coffee, Ortiz takes it to the next level. He brings in a 24-ounce tumbler full of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and joked that he should invest stock in the coffee company.
Ortiz is a man of composure, professionalism, passion, and a true spirit for the Saint Leo community. He does not just work for the coaches, student-athletes, and the Athletics Department; he works for the students and entire Saint Leo community. Ortiz’ spirit and passion for his job is a reminder to all to have passion and drive in all daily activities. His office is located in DeChantal Hall, but he will not be found there often. He can be found on the field, the court, or the gym, getting the broadcast system set up for the next Saint Leo home event.
