Texas Rio Grande Valley Athletics

Omar Ortiz, already the most heavily scouted (by the pro scout) Bronc in many years, has earned another distinction before the 1999 season begins. His teammates elected him co-captain, along with infielder Gabe de la Garza. Star pitchers are rarely elected for one reason, they are not on the field every game.     Ortiz proved he can pitch at the highest NCAA Division I level in his first two seasons as a Bronc. He celebrated a tremendous freshman, pitching a 4-1 record (and batting .571 with three home runs among his 4-for-7 at the plate). As a sophomore, he led the Broncs in innings pitched (91.1) and strikeouts (89). His 4-4 record reflected that 19 unearned runs cost him some victories.     Ortiz, big and strong, starred for Brownsville Hanna two years. As a senior, he went 5-5 but struck out 110 with a 0.71 ERA and hit .250. Few Hs stars double their BA as freshmen in college but four swings jumped Ortiz from .250 to .571. He leveled off at .500 his sophomore year by hitting 1-for-2 as he concentrated on pitching.     Ortiz is majoring in Kinesiology, minoring in Spanish. He plans to pursue a coaching career.