Josh Ortiz was one of the Sharks' few beams of light in an otherwise bleak 55-26 loss to North Port last week. He pulled in touchdown passes of 19, 23 and 13 yards, despite getting pretty banged up in the process (ask to see his nasty ankle bruise). He's hoping to go back for more against Naples Golden Gate tonight. After running some laps after practice Wednesday, the sophomore went one-on-one with staff writer Emily Nipps.
Where are you from?
I'm 100 percent Puerto Rican. I was born in Nyack, New York. I have no idea how to spell that. Then I lived in the Bronx, to Broward County when I was between 7 and 8. Then to Spring Hill.
Do you speak Spanish?
No, I don't speak it. I understand it. My mom and grandma speak Spanish to me sometimes, but mostly they all talk to me in English. I can read Spanish, and I know it in my head, but when it comes out of my mouth, it goes blubble-bluh-bluh.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Let's see ... Anywhere? I'd like to live in China. China, because I love General Tso's Chicken. It's like a Chinese chicken. Like fried pieces of chicken with a special sauce. I'd like to live in China just so I can eat all of the types of chicken they have there.
You know you have to speak Chinese to live in China, right?
Oh, man. I do?
What's your favorite school subject?
I like to study history. I just like learning about past stuff. Math, I have a hard time with. But I'm always paying attention in World History.
What's your favorite period in time?
I would say the Medieval times. I remember I used to like the whole knights-in-shining-armor thing, and I used to play with toy swords. Knowing what it's all about makes it even cooler.
What's your family like?
I have a 12-year-old brother, Gabriel, and we live with my mom. She's a single mom. I'm pretty close with my brother, but we both go our opposite ways. He's into skateboarding and bike-riding and all that stuff. I'm more into sports and hanging out with my friends.
Okay, I think we're about done. Thanks, Josh.
Wait, can I change one of my answers? I don't want to live in China anymore. I want to live in California. They have a bunch of cool parties out there.
