Largest Group Ever Signs College Letters at Heritage

Ten Heritage High School seniors signed national letters of intent to accept college athletic scholarships today. Photos courtesy of kristijophotography.com

The largest signing class in the history of Heritage High School made their college athletic commitments official today, signing letters of intent in a gym full of students, family and friends.

The group of 10 seniors included six members of the Patriots football team, which posted a 13-1 record last season and advanced to the CIF Inland Division finals. Leading the way are quarterback Brett Virgil (below), who is headed to the West Point Military Academy (Army), and wide receiver Aleva Hifo, who will attend BYU.

Running back Jalen Glover is headed to Minot State in North Dakota and lineman Gilbert Hernandez will compete in both football and track at Whittier College. Linemen Quentin Asberry and Hunter Guertin committed to Western New Mexico.

"It makes you proud," said football coach Kraig Broach, whose team has established itself as a football power in the Inland Empire in the eight years of the program's existence. "You've got a number of quality kids who have an opportunity to do something in college. It starts with the kids and their families. It's exciting to see how the program has developed in the community and seeing the number of kids going on ... it's just a special day for us."

Virgil passed for more than 1,300 yards and 21 touchdowns last fall and proved to be a capable leader of the team's offense. In committing to West Point, he said he is looking to his long-term future.

"I thought about where I want to be in 10 years and this was the best decision for me," Virgil said. "Having a West Point degree as an officer is my goal. I have to go to prep school first, but I'm fine with that. I plan to play as a freshman.

"I've had a blast at Heritage. I think I had more fun than anyone else. My brother came here before me and I got to play after him. I've had a lot of fun here."

Hifo (right) was used in many roles by the Patriots -- catching passes, running the ball and playing defensive back. He said his dream was always to play at BYU and he looks forward to joining Sione Takitaki, a former Heritage player who started there last year.

"I didn't really consider other schools," Hifo said. "When they offered me (the scholarship), it was an easy decision. My cousin Sione is there and I want to follow in his footsteps. I visited him a couple times and got to see the campus. I could tell that's where I want to be."

The group also included three softball players and a volleyball player. Here is the complete list:

Alexa Valencia -- La Sierra University, softball
Alina Ponce De Leon -- Holy Family University (Pa.), softball
Madyson Camacho -- North Dakota State, softball
Noah Marcinkowski -- Adrian College (Michigan), volleyball
Jalen Glover -- Minot State (ND), football
Aleva Hifo -- BYU, football
Brett Virgil -- Army, football
Quentin Asberry -- Western New Mexico, football
Gilbert Hernandez -- Whittier College, football and track
Hunter Guertin -- Western New Mexico, football

Softball players signing letters today were Alexa Valencia (La Sierra), Alina Ponce De Leon (Holy Family) and Madyson Camacho (North Dakota State).