Eric was a force of nature as the starting Black Tiger goalkeeper from 1998 to 2000. During Eric’s time in the net, the Black Tigers amassed a record of 35 wins, 10 losses, and 5 ties. 

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Eric’s career goals against average was 1.06, and is tied with fellow Hall of Famer Todd Large for the all-time single season goals against average .8. 

In 52 career games, Eric had 336 saves, earning 21 shut outs with only 55 goals allowed. During his career, Eric earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Team All-Western Reserve Conference Honors, 1st and 2nd Team, All-District, as well as 3rd Team, All-State honors. He was named one the Akron Beacon Journal’s Top 10 and selected as Team MVP.  

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After high school, Eric was recruited by several division 1 schools, but instead decided to pursue his other great passion for music while continuing to play competitively in the North Coast Soccer League with Partizan Akron FC. 

Over a decade after concluding his playing career at CFHS, Eric returned to as the Head Soccer Coach in 2012 and led the Black Tigers until turning the reigns over to his brother Dave in 2020. 

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Eric's time as head coach came during a transition time for CF. Starting off his first year with some of the lowest numbers in program history, Eric helped strengthen the program to be competitive in one of the hardest leagues in the state. He renewed the sense of pride and tradition to the program. 

Eric is currently a member of the Black Tiger faculty as a history teacher at Bolich and Roberts Middle Schools. He lives in Seven Hills with his wife Kristen, and his kids Ethan and Madelyn. 

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A note of thanks for Eric – I want thanks my parents, Barb and George Ortopan for always believing in me and pushing me to do his best. Not only did they continuously invest the financial support in me to attend camps and to participate year-round in the game of soccer. They were always my number one fan. 

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I also like to thank my endlessly patient wife and kids for supporting my passion and sharing this awesome honor with me.

And to my teammates - The accolades and recognition I received for my high school performance would not be impossible without my coaches and teammates. The game of soccer is far from an individual sport and this recognition and honor reflects the blood, sweat and tears of the Hartong Ruffnecks, who made a "Direct Restart" possible during my Black Tiger career. Coach Hartong and staff inspired a culture of brotherhood which has withstood the test of time and for that, I will always be grateful. 

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 Thanks to again to my teammates, coaches, family, friends, and to the hard-working members of CFASA for this honor.