Menifee 24/7 is pleased to honor Athletes of the Month for February at Santa Rosa Academy. Honorees were selected by the coaches of their respective sports and were recognized with a presentation of certificates and photo opportunity on campus.
Jorge Gaeta was honored for his accomplishments with the boys track team.
“Being Jorge’s coach for cross country at the beginning of last summer and the start of fall camp, I immediately knew that Jorge was the type of athlete, student, and kid you want on your team,” said coach John Hernandez. “Everything that Jorge has done since I first met him last June during cross country summer camp has been nothing short of extraordinary. The kid is tough as nails, he listens to everything you have to say as a coach, he has the biggest heart and drive of any kid I have ever coached, and his motor never stops! Jorge is simply a coach’s dream.
“Besides being an athlete that gives 110 percent in everything that he does, Jorge is the nicest and sweetest kid you could ask to be a part of your track and field family. A Gentle Giant if you will, Jorge is always thinking about others, no matter what the situation may be. Last Saturday, his 4x1600m team set a school record at the Ontario Relays Invitational and he immediately gave all the praise to his teammates.”
Unfortunately, days later Gaeta suffered a serious leg injury during practice that will sideline him for a while.
“Yet the first words out of his mouth through all the pain was, ‘I’m sorry I let the team down, Coach, is my season over?’ Even in the worst pain and situation possible, Jorge immediately thought about others, he thought about the team, he thought about his track and field family, and not himself,” Hernandez said. “This is why Jorge Gaeta was unanimously selected as Athlete of the Month, by not only his coaches, but his teammates as well. Because Jorge is everything you want in someone representing your program.”
Girls track standout Blakely Chatman “has made it a point this year to approach her sophomore season as a runner on a mission,” said Hernandez. “Last year, Blakely had an outstanding season as a freshman, leading her 4x100m relay team to CIF prelims. This season, Blakely has used the knowledge and experience she gained from her freshman campaign as a driving force to become the top sprinter in our South Valley League.
“Utilizing the many All Comers meets we had in the preseason to improve and making it into a family affair by having her younger siblings and her own mother running alongside her during these competitions, Blakely epitomizes what we mean when we say our track and field team is “family”. On Saturday, at the Ontario Relays Invitational against Division 1, 2, and 3 sprinters, Blakely proved her worth and showed that she belonged by winning a bronze medal in the 100m and setting a new school record in this event. Earlier that day, Blakely anchored her 4x200m team and helped them set a new school record as well.
“The maturity and willingness that we as coaches see in Blakely this season is remarkable! She is determined to be great and we have no doubt in our minds that she will accomplish that by the time she is done. Blakely is a huge reason why our program is where it is right now, which is why we as coaches and teammates have selected Blakey Chatman to be our Athlete of the Month. The sky’s the limit, kid!”
Zack Alberoni was honored as the Athlete of the Month from the boys golf team.
“Zack’s leadership on and off the course has surpassed most, setting the standard for effort, focus, and sportsmanship,” said coach Montoya Gunn. “As team captain, he continues to guide his teammates with calm confidence and a winning attitude.
“Over the past two matches against Paloma Valley and Tahquitz, Zack finished among the top three scorers, helping lead the team to strong performances in both events. His consistency, dedication, and example make him an invaluable part of our program. Congratulations, Zack!”
Nate Bock was selected as Athlete of the Month from the baseball team.
“Nate is a junior, but the way he carries himself, you would think he is a senior captain who has been leading this program for years,” said coach Ryan Darr. “He is the kind of young man every coach hopes to have: Steady, humble, competitive, and deeply committed to his team. He is respected by everyone in our dugout because he earns it every day. He treats people the right way. He works hard when nobody’s watching. He represents Santa Rosa Academy with quiet confidence and integrity.
“Behind the plate, Nate is the anchor of our defense. Catcher is a demanding position that requires toughness, intelligence, and selflessness, and he embraces all of it. He has worked relentlessly to improve his receiving, blocking, and footwork, and his growth this season has been impressive. More than the physical skills, though, it is his presence that stands out. He brings calm to our pitchers. He anticipates hitters’ approaches. He thinks ahead. He competes every pitch. When the game speeds up, Nate slows it down.
“At the plate, Nate hits cleanup for us, and he takes that responsibility seriously. He wants to be up when the game is on the line. He attacks pitches with confidence and has delivered in some of our biggest moments. He drives in runs, battles in tough at-bats, and refuses to give them away. He is reliable when it matters most. On the bases, he plays with awareness and instinct, always thinking and always competing.
“What means the most to me, though, is who Nate is as a person. He is coachable. He wants feedback. He holds himself accountable. He supports his teammates, especially when things are not going well. He leads without needing attention. Younger players naturally gravitate toward him because they see how he prepares and how he carries himself.”
