Rigo Del Real scores athletic, academic recognition.
Editor’s note This is the second of two stories featuring a local athlete being recognized by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
CALIPATRIA — One week ago today, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame — Walter J. Zable/San Diego Chapter recognized the talents of high school football players from throughout the CIF San Diego Section.
The event marked the 45th anniversary of the San Diego chapter honoring players for their outstanding effort on the football field and in the classroom.
This year the NFF celebrated 25 high school student athletes and a pair of college players, with two of the honorees coming from the Imperial Valley.
Earning the NFF title of Scholar-Leader Athlete were Calipatria High’s Rigo Del Real and Imperial High’s Keenan McDonald.
Del Real, a 19-year-old senior, was nominated by Hornet head football coach Mike Swearingen back in December, who felt Del Real was the ideal candidate for the award.
“His GPA was off the charts and his athletic (abilities) speaks for itself,” Swearingen said.
“He was a running back for us this past year, when all of a sudden we were in a bind and needed a guard. I told him I thought he’d help the team be more successful at guard and he unselfishly moved over and did a great job for us.”
For his efforts, Del Real earned All-Manzanita League First-Team Offense honors, while maintaining his 4.13 GPA and helping the Hornets reach the CIF San Diego Section Div. V playoffs.
A three-year letter winner for the Hornets, Del Real said he enjoyed the experience of meeting the other players and talking to the two college players, who competed for the University of San Diego and San Diego State University last season.
“It was a little nerve-racking being there and coming from such a small school, but I really enjoyed being there and representing Calipat,” Del Real said.
Del Real said he is undecided on his post-graduation plans and is deciding between continuing his education and joining the military.
The 5-foot-8 Hornet said while his time in a football uniform has likely come to an end, he’ll value the memories from his senior season.
“My favorite moment was the Axe Game and being able to take it back,” Del Real said. “Also all the work we put in and just bonding together like a family.”
Del Real credited his athletic accomplishments to his coaches, his academic performance to his parents and his overall character to Calipatria.
“It’s small, but it’s really great,” he said with a smile.