Chavez, Richard Named Heritage High Athletes of the Month

Tim Richard receives his Athlete of the Month Award from Larry Nemelka of REMAX/Diamond Realty. Chelsea Chavez (below) was also honored.

Wrestlers took center stage representing Heritage High School sports in February, and two of those standouts have received the Menifee 24/7 Athlete of the Month Award, sponsored by REMAX/Diamond Realty.

Senior Chelsea Chavez, who competed in the CIF girls state meet last year, repeated that feat this year, competing again in the state meet in Visalia. She has advanced further than any other wrestler in Heritage's brief athletic history.

Senior Tim Richard finished fourth in the Sunbelt League finals at the heavyweight division but didn't stop there. Taking advantage of an alternate's qualifying position in the CIF finals the next weekend, he placed fifth and earned a spot in the Masters meet.

Richard didn't make it to the state meet, but he added to the strong reputation the Patriots are building in the sport of wrestling.

Chavez and Richard received a certificate from Menifee 24/7 and a Target gift card from Larry Nemelka of REMAX/Diamond Realty.

Heritage Athletes of the Week: Richard, Bonilla, Magana

From left: Tim Richard, Evelyn Magana, Josue Bonilla.

The final group of Athletes of the Week from Heritage High School's winter sports class represent the finest in accomplishments at the school and is deserving of recognition from Menifee 24/7.

Senior wrestler Tim Richard displayed his determination in the postseason, making the most of a fourth-place finish at heavyweight in the Sunbelt League finals. Earning a place as an alternate in the CIF finals, Richard got a chance to compete and placed fifth, qualifying for last weekend's Masters meet.

"I didn't do that hot at Masters, but I'm just glad I made it to there," Richard said. "That was my goal."

Richard, who wrestled all four years at Heritage, hopes to attend an art institute after graduation.

Sophmore midfielder Josue Bonilla was one of the leaders of the Patriots boys soccer team. Heritage struggled in league play and didn't make the playoffs, but Bonilla helped build the foundation for future success.

Junior Evelyn Magana was one of the main reasons the girls soccer team showed a big improvement over last season. She looks forward to contributing to further success next season with her versatile talents.

"I play every position on the field," Magana said when asked her position. "My favorite is defense. I like seeing the look on the other person's face when they can't get through me."