|
 |
Golf: Louisiana Golf Signs Ortego, Dibildox to 2021 NLITop-rated in-state recruit, original 2019 signee highlight golf signing class
Matt Sullivan | RaginCajuns.com
Story Links
LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Golf coach Theo Sliman announced on Wednesday the addition of two players during the 2021 Signing Period with the top-rated recruit in the state of Louisiana and the No. 9-ranked golfer in junior college signing a National Letter of Intent.
Signing with the Ragin’ Cajuns was local product Eli Ortego (Lafayette, La./Ascension Episcopal School) with José Dibildox (Sautillo, Mexico/Odessa College) – a 2019 signee – re-signing with the Ragin’ Cajuns.
"We are beyond excited to announce the addition of both Eli Ortego and José Dibildox to the Ragin’ Cajun Golf Family," Sliman said. "Both players are tremendously talented, yet more importantly they bring the utmost class and character that mirrors our programs culture."
Ortego, ranked as the No. 1 recruit in Louisiana and No. 61 nationally, posted a 71.83 scoring average in 24 rounds on the junior circuit in 2020 while earned four second-place finishes. The AES product finished second overall at the LGA Junior Amateur (70-66-71) before finishing as the runner-up at the 101st LGA State Amateur (70-73-69-68) in New Orleans.
"I am truly honored and blessed to join the UL golf team for the next four years," said Ortego. "This has been a long time coming and I couldn’t be more excited. I am proud to represent the state of Louisiana with some of my best friends and play under a coach that I aspire to be like. Coach Theo is an incredible coach and man and I am pumped to officially call him ‘Coach’. The University of Louisiana’s athletic program blew my family and I away, and it is exciting to join such a great program. I can’t wait to start competing with the team next fall and I can’t wait to have success wearing the Ragin’ Cajun logo."
A two-time LHSAA state medalist (2018-19), Ortego helped the Blue Gators capture the 2018 Division III boys crown with the youngest team ever to win a state golf title.
"It has been an absolute joy getting to know both parents Stefanie and Clay Ortego as we recruited their son over the previous years," Sliman said. "We are very excited today to have Eli join our Ragin’ Cajun Golf Family. He is one of the top players in the country and he will have a great impact on this program. It is an honor and privilege that he chose Louisiana and it excites me that he feels we will give him his best opportunity to get a great education, develop as a player and person as well as win championships. I can’t wait to have Eli on campus."
Dibildox, who started playing golf at age 4 and won his first tournament at 5, spent the past two seasons at Odessa College where he posted a 71.15 scoring average as a freshman. Dibildox qualified for both the USGA Junior and USGA Amateur shortly after originally signing for the Ragin’ Cajuns.
"Very happy and excited to become a Ragin’ Cajun," Dibildox said. "I’m looking forward to bringing a national championship to Lafayette as this is a great program with goals of becoming the best team in the nation. For me and my family, it is an honor to represent this University."
On the junior circuit in 2018, Dibildox recorded 12 top-10 finishes which included a pair of victories and six second-place finishes. He claimed his first amateur title at 15 and recorded three hole-in-ones during his golf career, with one on the par-4, 328-yard 15th hole at Club Campestre de Saltillo.
"Jose comes in with strong credentials and a seasoned resume as he has competed on a national scene during his junior golf career as well as represented his country of Mexico on the National Team," said Sliman. "I am very proud of his determination and discipline displayed over his past two years of junior college while competing for the Wranglers in Odessa. Obviously to compete in the US Amateur as a junior as well as win multiple NJCAA tournaments shows how strong his talent is … what is even more impressive is his desire to compete and passion for winning.
"Both players are going to help elevate this program to new heights and we are very excited to see the immediate impact that both Eli and Jose will bring next fall."
Follow the Ragin’ Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@RaginCajunsGolf) or check RaginCajuns.com for Louisiana golf updates.
|
