John Ortolani
John Ortolani
  • Induction Year:
    2024
  • Sport(s):
    Men's Lacrosse
  • Year of Graduation:
    2009
  • Status:
    Student-Athlete
Bio

HALL OF FAME SPEECH

John Ortolani '09 is one of the toughest competitors to ever wear an Endicott men's lacrosse uniform. 

Ortolani was relentless at the faceoff X in his three years with the program (2006-08) as he compiled 529 faceoff wins and 368 ground balls in 58 games.

He still ranks first all-time in faceoff winning percentage (.690, min. 500 attempts), fourth in ground balls, and fifth in ground balls per game (.634) at the time of his induction.

As a senior, Ortolani finished second among all NCAA Division III faceoff specialists with a .689 winning percentage (261-380).

The two-time CCC Champion and All-Conference/All-Region honoree produced the longest professional sports career of any student-athlete at the College.

Ortolani's eight-year career in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) spanned four teams (Boston, Rochester, Florida, New York) and featured an All-Star Game appearance in 2014.

He is the first Gull to ever play in a professional all-star game and is believed to be the only student-athlete in College history to compete professionally in two different sports.

Ortolani accomplished the feat when he entered the pro ranks of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in 2009.