Friday, March 25, 2011

MACON, Ga. – The Atlantic Sun Conference announced the hiring of Manuel Ortiz, Jr. to be the league’s Coordinator of Soccer Officials, effective immediately. Ortiz brings a wealth of assigning and refereeing experience to the A-Sun and currently serves as the referee coordinator for the Southeastern, Big 12, Southland and Sun Belt Conferences.

“This is a great opportunity and I feel that in a short time…we can continue to develop and improve the referee pool so that [the Atlantic Sun] will be considered a top league for officiating,” stated Ortiz of his new position.

An Executive Board Member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) since 1997 and newly elected President of the NISOA, Ortiz brings first-hand experience as a coach, referee and assignor to the A-Sun. Ortiz holds certifications as a United State Soccer Federation National B License Coach, a NISOA Clinician, NISOA National Assessor and is also one of five NCAA Regional Advisors to the National Coordinator of Officials.

“Manny’s experience at all levels of soccer officiating is a welcome addition to the Atlantic Sun,” A-Sun Commissioner Ted Gumbart said. “We are extremely proud to have such a qualified individual assume the role for the A-Sun and look forward to working together to build our officiating program.”

As a referee, Ortiz officiated seven NCAA Final Fours from Division I to III levels as well as six NAIA National Championships during his 16 years of refereeing. He reached as high as a national referee for the NISOA and USSF a title which he maintained for 16 and five years, respectively.

During the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA, Ortiz served as the referee venue director for Dallas and worked as the Dallas Cup International Soccer Tournament Director of Match Officials for 15 years.

“I would like to thank Commissioner Gumbart for this opportunity as it is an honor to be a part of the Atlantic Sun family and I look forward to working with the coaches, referees and A-Sun office,” added Ortiz.

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The Atlantic Sun Conference is an 11-member league committed to Building Winners for Life. The A-Sun stands for achievement with integrity in both the academic and athletic arenas, with a focus on the balance between the two for our student-athletes. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun boasts five of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun includes a blend of the most prestigious and dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, Campbell University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.