A Cowboy not to be forgotten

    Sophomore Noah Ortiz is now the driving force and the biggest reason to win behind the Edna Cowboys and their playoff game this Saturday, Nov. 29.
    Football players, bandmates, coaches and teachers posted on Ortiz’s facebook page and shared with each other about what kind of impact Ortiz had made in their lives.
    Athletic Director Huey Chancellor said when he started at the school last March, defensive tackle Ortiz was an athlete he recognized to be a hard worker. “When you’re new, you don’t know the backgrounds of any of these kids and Ortiz caught my eye. I was impressed with his mindset that he wanted to be a good player and he was willing to work to do it,” he said. “As the season went on I got to know him a little more as a person and he was a quality young man and a team player, he was a fun kid to coach, he loved the Edna Cowboys and was proud to be a part of the team this year.”
    Defensive lineman and senior Dylan Kallus said Noah was one of those guys that had the biggest heart that anyone could’ve ever asked for. “He was always pushing us to be the best we could be,” Kallus said.
    Band mate Jaylynn Rodriguez said on Ortiz’s Facebook page that she woke up thinking everything would be normal, and then remembered how heavy hearts now are in Jackson County. “I wouldn’t say I was best friends with him, or even that we talked regularly, but I was fortunate enough to share time with him in band,” she said. “I'll never forget at Downtown Rhythms when he was begging Joshua Partida to play the tenor solo with him and he agreed. When it was time for his solo, Josh got his trumpet up and pretended he would play, and Noah played that solo like a champ! I was so proud to see such a confidence in him that I hadn't seen during practices.
    “Although I have not lost someone dear to me before or fully understand this grieving process, my heart is heavy for this precious family and their losses. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. (James 1:2 NLT) I know it doesn't seem like anything good could come from this horrible tragedy, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that God's hand is on this and his will WILL prevail. At this time, the family will need many prayers and strength,” Rodriguez ended on Facebook.
    Former Edna band director Joshua Partida spoke on Facebook about teaching Ortiz and watching him play the saxophone. “I remember how hard it was for you to play your 7th grade region music, and I remember how easy it was for you to play your 8th grade region music. I remember your funny little sloth fingers. I remember your freshman year and all the laughs we had about girls, band, life... I remember. You made my job so easy and fun. I always said "If I had 100 kids just like you, our band would be so awesome." Although I cry often for you and your family, I remember how you lived your life and am so grateful that you shared part of it with me. I will never forget you! I will always remember...”
    Senior running back Dillon Littleton said Noah Ortiz had so much enthusiasm on the field and was always asking for more. “Not hearing him say ‘Good play, Littleton’ is going to take some getting used to because we’re not done yet, I know you will be watching over us these next couple of games,” he said. “Give us the strength and courage that we need, and rest easy, Noah.”
    Edna defensive coordinator Josh Lovelady said Ortiz always stepped up defensively and worked hard, not to mention showing great skill constantly. “I was able to work with him last year and he was an awesome player, he was real positive, and really fun. Noah was very respected by his students, and I know if I ever needed anything I could ask Noah and he could get it done.
    “He was a team player and did whatever he had to do, Noah never missed practice and was a very respective and responsible young man, he was very mature. He had hurt his ankle and still wanted to go out there and play for his team, he didn’t let that stop him,” Lovelady said.
    The Edna football team will not let this loss bring them down, in fact, they are using it to build them up. Cheer for Noah and for what he sacrificed himself for: family. There’s no doubt the students and team members have pulled together in their grief for this lost teammate.