Robbins, Willingham Are Paloma Valley Athletes of Month

Swimmer Shane Robbins and track athlete Damatria Willingham have been honored as the Menifee 24/7 Athletes of the Month from Paloma Valley High School, sponsored by Photos DLite photography studio.

Robbins, a junior, had an excellent season in his first year with the swim team. He had personal bests of 23.7 in the 50 freestyle and 53.3 in the 100 freestyle, setting the standard for swimmers for years to come.

"During Shane's freshman and sophomore years, he played water polo in the fall and baseball in the spring," said his coach, William Ackerman. "This was his first year swimming competitively. Shane has had a positive impact on the entire swim team. His work ethic is unsurpassable.

"By training hard every day, his times improved rapidly and by the end of the season he had set school records in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 individual medley and is on two record-holding relay teams. We’re counting on Shane to be a leader again next year and look forward to coaching him."

Robbins said he is excited about the chance to compete in both water polo and swimming again next year.

"The biggest challenge is enduring the workouts," he said. "It's not so much training and skill as it is conditioning. I'm really looking forward to next year."

Willingham won Sunbelt League titles in the 100 and 200 and was part of the league champion 400 and 1600 relay teams. She placed third in the prestigious Inland Empire Championships with a time of 12.15 in the 100. She also ran 25.43 in the 200.

"My favorite event and the one that I'm best at would have to be the 100, just because it's a fun, quick race and gives me the biggest adrenaline rush."

Willingham credits her workout routine for much of her success.

"I go through a series of walking stretches, then dynamic drills, and then when doing speed work, I do plyometrics and box jumps," she said. "I'm very particular with my routine as I strongly believe it is very important to have the same practice and race day routine with the exception of plyometrics, as it prepares you the best to go out and perform well."

These are the last Athletes of the Month to be honored from Paloma Valley High School this school year. Congratulations to all those who were honored.

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