Tito Ortiz, a UFC Hall of Famer and former light heavyweight champion, has embarked on a new chapter in his life, bringing his wealth of experience to the wrestling room at Ida Baker High School in Cape Coral, Florida. Ortiz, who moved his family from California to Cape Coral two years ago, has quickly become an integral part of the local community.
Last year, Ortiz’s two sons began attending Ida Baker High School, joining the school’s wrestling team as freshmen. Seeing an opportunity to contribute, Ortiz offered to help out the team, and his presence has already made a significant impact. Teaming up with Head Coach Kasia Lapinska-Jablonski, Ortiz is helping to elevate the program, and the results are starting to show.
Ortiz’s storied career in mixed martial arts is well-documented, but his roots in wrestling run deep. As a former UFC champion, Ortiz possesses a vast amount of wrestling knowledge and skills that he’s eager to pass down to the next generation. His involvement in the Ida Baker wrestling program is more than just coaching; it’s about shaping young athletes into well-rounded individuals.
In an interview with WINK Sports, Ortiz shared his passion for giving back to the community. “Now, these kids on here, this Ida Baker team, are my kids now too,” Ortiz said. “I just want to help mold the future generation of our children. I’m just thankful to be a part of this community and to be a coach here at Ida Baker wrestling. It’s just a dream come true. Everything happens for a reason. God has blessed me with great skills and I always want to give back and give back to society in a positive manner.”
Ortiz’s commitment to the team is already yielding positive outcomes. With his guidance, the Ida Baker wrestling team is not only growing in numbers but also in skill. Ortiz’s influence, combined with the leadership of Coach Lapinska-Jablonski, is setting the stage for a bright future. The potential for more students to qualify for the state tournament in the coming years seems increasingly likely.
As Tito Ortiz continues to mentor the Ida Baker wrestlers, the Cape Coral community can look forward to watching the evolution of a program that is poised to achieve new heights. Ortiz’s journey from the octagon to the wrestling room is a testament to his enduring love for the sport and his unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of young athletes.
PHOTO CREDIT: Barry King-Getty Images