Paloma Valley Athletes of Week: Arreola, Herrera, Webb

Left to right: Paloma Valley High School Athletes of the Week Michael Arreola, Cloe Herrera and Kre Webb.

Three of Paloma Valley High School's most talented athletes were honored today as the first recipients in the school's Athlete of the Week program, sponsored by Menifee 24/7.

Each week, one athlete from each sport in season will be honored for their athletic accomplishments, potential and sportsmanship. Menifee 24/7 has added this awards program to its Athlete of the Month Award, which honors one male and one female athlete from the school each month.

The first honorees are Michael Arreola, cross country; Cloe Herrera, girls volleyball; and Kre Webb, football.

Football was the only sport in which official games were played last week, and Webb made an impact right away for the Wildcats in their 61-6 victory over San Bernardino. A senior defensive end, Webb had two quarterback sacks and made five tackles (three unassisted) to help lead a dominating defensive effort.

Last year, Webb made 13 sacks for the Wildcats, who finished the season 9-4.

"I think we did more lifting and more conditioning (in the preseason)," Webb said. "That win gives us a lot of confidence. We're not scared to go out there and show what we can do."

Herrera, also a senior, was a key player on the Wildcats' volleyball team last year and is one of the team captains this fall. A member of the team since her freshman year, Herrera is confident the Wildcats can be a dominant force in the Sunbelt League this season.

Two years ago, Paloma Valley won the league title. Last year, the Wildcats finished second.

"We were kind of disappointed last year because we had won league the year before," said Herrera, whose team opens the season Saturday in the Desert Classic at San Bernardino Valley College. "A lot of teams lost some key players from last year and we think we have the players to compete for the title."

Arreola, a junior, and his teammates will open the cross country season in the Bronco Round-up invitational in Escondido on Saturday. He has been a runner since his freshman season and runs the 800, mile and two-mile during track season.

"Michael has set a standard for hard work in the month of August that is bound to pay big dividends as we begin racing in September and October," said Joe Ellett, Arreola's coach. "Each day, his effort and performance seem to improve. I believe that Michael will have a phenomenal cross country season. It is conceivable that he will be a top three finisher in our league meets.

"Michael is a good teammate. He finds ways to make the tedium of long runs more tolerable with a positive attitude and his funny comments and actions. I am really excited to see all that this young man will accomplish in cross country this season."

The athletes received a certificate from Menifee 24/7 in recognition of their efforts, as well as an Athlete of the Week T-shirt from the Paloma Valley Athletic Department.