Introducing our WXXV Student Athlete of the Week, Gulfport’s Davis Ormes!

This Thursday night we’re putting a spotlight on an outstanding dual-sport athlete who’s aiming to leave a legacy not only through baseball and powerlifting, but also with his school and community involvement. Introducing our WXXV Student Athlete of the Week, Gulfport’s very own Davis Ormes!

“My older brother is four years older than me and he played, so I’ve been around the baseball field all my life and it’s part of my life,” said Davis Ormes. “I don’t think of it as a sport, but I think of it as a part of my life.”

Davis Ormes is a dual-sport athlete at Gulfport high school starting behind the plate for the Admiral baseball team since he was a sophomore. Now a senior, the roles have reversed and Ormes is shining in the spotlight in more ways than one.

“I’ve kind of been the younger guy usually. Sophomore and Junior year I was the little guy, kind of like the little brother of the team, but the roles have changed. I feel like I’m more of the leader for now and I’m the only returning starter, so I kind of have to lead the younger guys and I really want to make a legacy here. That’s a big thing for me,” Ormes said.

Ormes may not have always been the top dog on the diamond, but he’s stood out in the weight room capturing a state title his freshmen, sophomore, and junior year and aiming for a fourth this Saturday.

“I really want to go four for four. I’m three for three right now, but hopefully we end up going four for four,” said Ormes. “Having four state championships my senior year is a big goal of mine and a big goal of the teams. We’ve had a few guys that have been starting since their freshman year and they’ve also gone three for three, so we’ve been putting in a lot of work and effort towards going four for four.”

If you listen to what this guy can do, the rings should come as no surprise.

“The most I’ve ever hit on a squat is 580 pounds. I’ve benched 345 pounds and dead lifted 650 pounds, but I’m going for the 275 record this year this coming Saturday.”

Adding 60 pounds to his dead lift to break a record and become a Super 12 lifter in his final meet demonstrates just how driven and hard working Ormes is, and doesn’t just apply it to sports.  Currently involved in five other extra curricular activities for his school and church, he’s determined to leave Gulfport better than he found it.

“It all comes back to legacies,” said Ormes. “I’m big on leaving a mark not only on the field but also in people’s lives, and I want to make a positive difference and leave  a legacy. That’s a big thing that Coach Walters, our athletic director, and the student athlete leadership team talks about. We talk about leaving a legacy not just in your sport, but in the hallways too and I’ve always tried to make that a priority.”

He truly does it all, on and off the field, in and out of the weight room, and he makes it look so easy. Ormes said it’s not because of his strength mentally or physically, but where he gets his strength spiritually.

“That’s been a big part of my life over the past four years and these years to come. That’s one thing that I hold dearly to my heart and I give all glory and praise to Jesus Christ. Without Him I am nothing,” said Ormes. “He gives me the strength and willpower to do all these things in His name, and I’m just thankful for that.”

We wish both the boys and girls powerlifting teams good luck this weekend at State and looking forward to the rest of Ormes’ career at The Herb!