Colorado Mesa University Athletics

Information as of 1997: Cortese came to Colorado in 1961 after graduating from high school in Rochester, New York. He played center and linebacker for Northeastern Junior College in Sterling where he was named a First Team Junior College All-American. He then attended the University of Colorado, playing football for Eddie Crowder. After graduation, Cortese was a graduate assistant, coaching the freshman team at CU. Cortese then coached football at several Denver area high schools. He compiled a 91-22-2 record as a high school coach. In 1980, Cortese came to Mesa. While at Mesa, Cortese's teams garnered six NAIA playoff berths. He earned a "winningest active coach" title in the NAIA with a percentage of .702 while at Mesa.