DIXON, CA (MPG) - John Knight Middle School is working out to be a place where pride in the new school facilities and for the sports teams seem to be growing. Especially full of enthusiasm is Daniel Ortiz, the Campus Supervisor who also coaches the Girls Soccer Team.

He was thanked recently for going above and beyond for the students on the JKMS school social media site which stated he is at all the after school events and sports activities and is the last to leave after the events.

“He is coordinating all sports at JKMS plus his normal tasks. The students and parents appreciate all that you do,” the post read. Ortiz had been coaching for 15 years now with the past four at the middle school and 12 years for competitive soccer, too.

“I love soccer,” he said. “We’ve always had a team in middle school. My goal is for the girls to learn how to play the game and understand it.” Ortiz is the father of three with two of them at Dixon High and one that just graduated.

“Considering that they are coming from not playing for the past two years any sports to what they’ve accomplished is amazing.” Two years of not playing really takes a toll. In all the sports I’ve seen, there is a little downplay. They were my 5th and 6th graders and now they’ve come over here. It’s a big jump, but they are exceeding my expectations.”

Ortiz was happy with last week’s game against Oliver Wendell Holmes Junior High out of Davis which they won 7-1 and exudes appreciation for parent Heather Morales for getting the news out on social media.

“Heather Morales is a saint,” he said. “I wish every school had a Morales.” She helps get the dates, times, and places out to the other parents and the community, he said.

“I hope other parents and citizens will come out and show their support for students at their games," he added. 

They are usually in the afternoons at 4 pm. Tickets are $5 for adults, students are $3, JKMS students with ID are only $1 and children under age 10 are free. There is also a snack bar. 

There is a game every Tuesday and Thursday up until March 10. Girls play Tuesdays and boys on Thursdays. Next girls soccer game is against Harper Middle School (Davis) on March 1. The school is located at 455 East A Street.

For more information, see JKMS on Facebook or call (707) 693-6350.