JUPITER – Cristian Orth enjoys the process of what it takes to be great.
As the Jupiter Warriors team leader, he envisions a changing of the guard for his high school in a big way. This past season was proof of what’s to come in the near future.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end helped lead his team to a 6-4 record, which turned out to be Jupiter’s most successful season in more than 10 years. Though the Warriors didn’t qualify for the Class 8A playoffs, they are no longer seen as pushovers – something that Orth is proud of.
“It was a lot of fun helping the team get our first winning season since 2005,” Orth said. “I’m looking to take the next step in making the playoffs this year.”
On an individual note, Orth recorded 36 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks in 10 games played. His best game was in Week 4 against Jensen Beach, when he had 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a 94 percent overall grade by his coaches.
“Individually it was a good year for me,” Orth said. “I had played offensive line my sophomore year and missed spring due to injury. So the transition to defensive line after being out for 5 months was good thanks to my teamates and coaches helping me throughout the whole recovery process. I was 1 of 4 “Ultimate Warriors” in the summer, which means I didn’t miss a workout. I had 48 tackles including the preaseason while playing defensive tackle and defensive end.”
Orth, who is currently ranked as our No. 3 defensive end and No. 21 overall player in Palm Beach County, doesn’t have a scholarship offer at this time. But he has received some interest from the likes of FAU, Charleston Southern, and The Citadel.
Orth touched on how the process is going with these three colleges.
“I had visits set up to FAU, Charleston Souther and The Citadel. But with the dead period, obviously I can’t go to them,” Orth said. “So I’ve just been talking to the coaches from those schools a lot, Charleston Southern mostly. I’ve also been in contact with New Hampshire.”
Orth is content with how things are going right now, as far as the college recruiting process is concerned.
“I don’t really know as to why I don’t have an offer, but im not really as concerned with that right now,” Orth said. “Obviously I would love to have an offer, but I wouldn’t want one that isn’t committable. My main concern right now is my team.”
Orth’s current approach could be viewed as refreshing, given the fact we’re in the thick of this coronavirus pandemic here in Palm Beach County. As the team leader, he’s been finding creative ways to bond with his teammates through a series of workouts that can keep them all safe in these times.
“I’m holding up pretty well,” Orth said. “My teammates and I are able to get multiple workouts in a day, so it’s not too bad. My goal has always been to be a leader. I want the underclassman to be able to take things I did and use them for when it’s their time to lead the team.”
We’re going to be closely following Orth’s progress and recruiting process from now until the day he signs with a college next year.
