Over the last 21 years, Cerritos College men's basketball coach Tito Ortiz has helped the team to 10 conference championships and was instrumental in 89 players earning scholarships. Ortiz can now add Assistant Board member of the California Community College Men's Basketball Association (CCCMBCA) to his resume.

"We realize the importance the role assistant coaches fill within our programs," James Giacomazzi, president of the CCCMBCA and head coach at Las Positas College, said. "We hope by adding four additional board seats, assigned directly to assistant coaches, we can continue to not only further the game at the California community college level, but also develop the next generation of head coaches."

Ortiz (pictured, left) has 30 years of experience and has provided a multitude of services to the Falcon staff over the years. He has spent time as a recruiter, as well as assisting with the day-to-day operations of the program. He's been part of the program for the last three head coaches and has been a staple with the Falcons since the 1999-2000 season.

Ortiz also spent time as an assistant coach at California State University, Los Angeles for three years and an assistant coach at California State University, Dominguez Hills for three years. He has been a part-time instructor at Cerritos College for over 20 years while also teaching in the Long Beach Unified School District as a middle school PE teacher for the last 25 years. Ortiz is a product of the community college system, having played at Cerritos College before transferring to California State University, Dominguez Hills. He also helps coordinate the south's annual fall showcase at Cerritos College.

"I am a product of the community college system," stated Ortiz. "Attending Cerritos College gave me an opportunity to further my education and the opportunity to coach at this level. I want to educate future assistant coaches about the hard work that is needed to be successful at this level. Also, I want to be part of the decision making that will contribute to the betterment of CCCMBCA. I would love to give back, share my knowledge, and to help the future of California Community College men's basketball in all capacities."

"The community college system in California is the largest higher-learning system in this country," added Giacomazzi. "Each year, the basketball-playing institutions develop young men who are passionate about the game, leaders on and off the floor, and quality students. And this isn't accomplished solely by the head coach. Assistants are instrumental in developing young men each season. So, it is only natural to include assistants in the decisions of the CCCMBCA."