The Texas Police Olympics may not be as well known as the World Games, but the thrill of competing with the best in the state is just as thrilling for Helotes police officer Steve Ortiz, who swept up several medals in a recent competition. Photo by Marvin Pfeiffer

Steve Ortiz doesn’t have to travel to Beijing to get a feel for the atmosphere at the Olympics.

Thanks to competing in the Texas Police Olympics the past three years, the Helotes police officer knows exactly how it feels to be part of that type of atmosphere.

The Texas Police Olympics may not be as well known as the World Games, but the thrill of competing with the best in the state is just as thrilling for Ortiz, especially when it includes a few trips to the medal stand.

Ortiz has taken his share. During his first year, he won a gold in power lifting as a member of the Bexar County Sheriff Department. This past year he joined the Helotes Police Department and continued his success with silver medals in tennis and power lifting.

At the recent Police Olympics at South Padre Island and Brownsville, Ortiz took it a step further, winning gold in tennis doubles, the shot put, javelin and high jump, while taking silver medals in the discus and long jump.

“I love it out there,” Ortiz said. “The first time I won I really got excited about competing. I wanted to do it again. It’s a great event. There are agencies from all over Texas. Most of the people I am going against are very good athletes. It’s nice getting together and meeting all the different people.”

Seeing Ortiz succeed in tennis is no surprise. He played the sport at Marshall High School. Although he doesn’t play it as often as he would like, Ortiz’s previous experience, coupled with his quickness carries him on the court.

When Olympic time draws nearer, he often works with former high school doubles partner and tennis pro Walter Garity to spruce up his skills.

“I love playing tennis,” said Ortiz, who won the Open doubles crown with Laredo’s Roberto Montante. “Every year when the Police Games come back up, he gives me lessons.”

However, making his mark in the field events was a bonus considering he had never done them before.

Ortiz was planning to compete in his other specialty (power lifting), but a bicep injury in his left arm sidelined him for the event. It also opened the door for his opportunity in the field event.

Ortiz had an idea how to compete in the long jump and high jump by watching others in the events. The throwing events were totally new, especially since the Helotes officer had never picked up a shot put, discus or javelin. Taking on new challenges was nothing new for Ortiz. Although he had not participated in football since eighth grade, he played center and on special teams for the San Antonio Ravens’ semi-pro team for two seasons (2005-06). He was smaller compared to the opposing defensive linemen on the other side, Ortiz used his quickness and technique to get the upper hand.

When it came to competing in the throwing events, Ortiz took the same gutsy approach. His preparation also had a unique twist. While working out at a local gym, Ortiz met O’Connor football and track athlete Mike Slayden, who happened to know how to throw the shot and discus.

“I have to give Mike a lot of credit,” Ortiz said. “I told him I was doing the shot put and discus and asked if he could give me a couple pointers. He was more than happy to do it. He showed me the form and technique. It’s not all about strength. It’s about form.”

The javelin was a different story since he didn’t even attempt it until the day of the meet. Ortiz proved to be a quicker learner. He got a few tips from a DPS officer and ended up getting the silver medal in the overall competition, while coming up with the best toss in his age division (Juniors, Under 30).

Joining the Helotes Police Department is an interesting story as well. While playing football for the Ravens, one of his teammates was Chris Hunley, who happened to be the son of assistant police chief Robert Hunley.

While traveling to Houston for a game, Ortiz mentioned to Chris he would like to be part of the Helotes department. Eventually, he met Robert Hunley and everything fell into place.

Being able to represent the department with a successful showing made the Olympics situation even better.

“I was really happy to get a chance to come here,” Ortiz said. “It was nice to be able to represent the department, because everyone was so supportive. It’s nice how everything works out.”