In 1978, a 5 year old girl named Jennifer Ortiz attended Briggs Elementary School. When the school was looking for a parent to coach their track team, Jennifer said," My grandpa can do it!" At that point, Ray "Grandpa" Ortiz volunteered and the history of the Pumas began!
After years competing in only SCMAF meets, Grandpa decided to have the Chino Pumas join the USATF where they competed locally with such teams as the LA Jets and the Orange County Blue Jays. In late 2005, Ronald Crockem moved here from Louisiana and was looking for a team for his young daughters to train and compete in track and field events. By early 2006, he found Grandpa and the Chino Pumas and quickly joined him in the coaching of the team. "Coach Ron" worked very closely with Grandpa and shared the same appreciation for the long and rich traditions of track and field.
Sadly, Grandpa passed away on January 13, 2015. Coach Ron took over as head coach, and will continue the legacy of the training of the youth in our community, creating remarkable athletes and honoring Grandpa and all he had accomplished.