PHOTO GALLERY The 1986 University of New Haven football captain, Greg Ortman helped guide the Chargers from a 2-8 record his freshman year to an 8-2 record as a senior. A running back at Glen Ridge High School, Ortman eventually made the transition to an outstanding receiver during his four years at UNH.
In Ortman’s freshman season he made an immediate impact in the backfield, as a flanker and on returns. He posted 882 all-purpose yards, including 409 yards on 33 returns throughout the season. On October 15, 1983 he gave a glimpse of what was to become an outstanding career when he scored his first collegiate touchdown off a 56-yard run against the University of the District of Columbia. After his freshman season Ortman’s coach said, “Greg is one of the most valuable offensive threats. He can do it all.”
One year later, the 6-foot-1 sophomore tailback was second on the team with 309 yards and two touchdowns on 89 carries. He added 216 yards on 21 returns and 70 yards on nine catches in 1984.
As a junior, #22 made his transition to the wide receiver position and found his niche. He led the team that season with 605 yards and a team-high five touchdowns on 46 receptions. Ortman helped the Chargers go 6-4 in 1985, posting their first winning season since joining the ranks of Division II in ’82. The team’s signature win of the ’85 season came against then third-ranked Towson State. Ortman grabbed two touchdowns in the second quarter before the Chargers stunned the Tigers 27-7 at Dodds Stadium.
Ortman culminated an outstanding career at UNH with a record-setting senior season. As the team captain, he led the 1986 Chargers to an 8-2 record on its way to tying the record for wins in a season. That season included the program’s first ever victories over Pennsylvania colleges and a 37-8 victory over Central Connecticut. Ortman led the Chargers with 62 catches for 800 yards and six touchdowns that season. At that time, his senior-season numbers were tops all time at UNH. Currently, he still ranks in the top ten in New Haven’s single-season record books in receptions. In just his second season at the position, Ortman earned All-New England honors as a receiver.
Ortman’s four-year totals include over 1,600 receiving yards, 129 receptions and 14 touchdowns. He’s one of only 11 Chargers to amass over 1,600 receiving yards and currently ranks eighth at UNH in career receptions and 11th in receiving yards.
Ortman also helped kick start a winning tradition at UNH. Including his senior season, the Chargers recorded five seasons with seven or more wins.
