McClancy runner finds desired path

Certain college athletes look to college as a way to play a sport. For Michael Ortiz, school was the primary reason. When Seton Hill, a private Division II school in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, offered Ortiz a cross-country scholarship, the McClancy graduate jumped at the offer.
He is not completely taken care of, but the school will pick up $24,000 of an annual $31,000 in tuition. Additionally, Ortiz will get the chance to study psychology as he hopes to become a clinical therapist one day, and of utmost importance, he will be getting a chance at a new experience. The Astoria native was prepared to attend a City University this September until catching the eye of Seton Hill.
“I wanted to get out of state,” he said. “I just want to experience new things. I did not really want to stay at home. I want to go out on my own, go away and study. … I was not sure I was even going to be accepted to the school, but I got in, and they gave me a good amount of money to run, so I took it. I’m thankful for it.”
Ranked in the top 10 in Brooklyn/Queens and top 30 in the City Cross Country Indoor season despite battling through a few nagging injuries, Ortiz should be a vital component to the track & field program at the school, too. He is adept in any middle- or long-distance events. “Michael will help strengthen our top seven,” the school’s cross country/track & field coach Tim Creamer said. “His achievements in high school will no doubt carry over to his college career.”