The graduating class of student/athletes of 2018 from Cloverdale High School will be remembered for their many accomplishments, both on the field and in the classroom.
The athletes selected in this issue were among the shining stars of their class and all had one thing in common; they represented their school and teams with tremendous talent, dedication and sportsmanship.Â
Although there were too many seniors to list, we congratulate all of the athletes for their accomplishments and pay tribute to a few with words and pictures.
Versatility – James Wirt was the epitome of a natural athlete in a great multi-sport varsity career in football and baseball, emerging as a team leader in each sport. A weapon on the gridiron as the Eagle’s starting quarterback, Wirt was equally effective whether passing or running the ball. He was just as good as a shortstop on the baseball diamond, helping the team with his bat and glove.
Talent – Camryn Figueroa was among the best athletes of her graduating class, excelling in volleyball and basketball. A strong outside hitter in volleyball, Figueroa was a force at the net in helping the Eagles reach the NCS playoffs. She had few peers on the basketball court, where she averaged over 20 points per game and led Cloverdale to a league co-championship.
Production – Jordan Persons enjoyed a brilliant high school basketball career in multiple varsity seasons with the Eagles, helping his team with court savvy and great all-around ability. Among the team’s top scorers and rebounders, Persons was an all-leaguer each season in leading the Eagles to the NCS playoffs. He was also a standout tennis player, excelling in doubles.
Athleticism – Jaedyn Jenkins used her natural talent to excel on varsity volleyball and basketball teams during a distinguished career at Cloverdale, infusing each program with energy and leadership. Jenkins was a defensive specialist and valuable member of the playoff bound volleyball team, while spending multiple seasons in helping the basketball team to an NCL 1 title.
Heart – BJ Grady was a weapon on the gridiron in multiple varsity seasons with the Eagles, excelling as a versatile slot receiver. Grady, who also played defense, was a threat every time he carried the ball in helping Cloverdale reach the postseason. He showed his athleticism during the spring in lettering on the varsity baseball team.
Strength – Shaye Stewart was a big contributor to volleyball and basketball teams during a solid high school sports career, with team success closely following. A middle-blocker on the volleyball team, Stewart was a key player on a playoff-bound squad. She was just as good with a basketball in her hand in helping the Eagles to a league pennant.
Determination – Ross Sceales was a standout on varsity football and basketball teams during his tenure at Cloverdale, excelling in both sports. A two-way star on the gridiron, Sceales was equally comfortable catching the ball or making a tackle. He was even better on the basketball court as a consistent scorer and rebounder.
Leadership – Alma Beltran was a team leader on and off the field during a sparkling three-year varsity softball career, helping the Eagles reach the playoffs each season. Along the way she was a reliable designated hitter with a knack for the big hit, achieving a share of immortality in winning league and North Coast Section titles this season.
Tenacity – Christian Chavez will be remembered as a gifted athlete who stood out on the varsity gridiron and basketball court at Cloverdale, making big contributions in each sport. A sure-handed wide receiver with a knack for the big play, he helped the Eagles to an NCS playoff berth. He was just as strong in hoops, where he starred as a point guard and consistent scorer.
Character – Eli Arreola was the ultimate team player during an impressive multi-year high school sports career, making the most of his seasons on varsity football and basketball squads. He was a versatile receiver/defensive back on the gridiron, making big plays on both sides of the ball. Arreola was just as strong with a basketball in his hands as a reliable scorer and defender.
