De la Discus
By Tina Fischel Staff Writer

Riki de la Puente (Sr.) was inspired to start throwing by her brother when she was young. She threw in middle school and became a record holder in seventh grade. Now, she excels in both the discus and shot put events as a member of University High School (UHS) Track Team.

De la Puente was almost convinced to try hurdles, but decided that her love for throwing was too strong. She has since stuck with her decision to focus on shot put and discus. It’s the momentum that appeals to her, she said, “I just love the feeling of being peaceful and then becoming very explosive at the end.”

De la Puente, who is a DHH student, knows she can depend on teammates Louisa Raitt (Fr.) and Corina Ramirez (So.) – Who De la Puente says are eager to learn sign language in order to be able to communicate with her better. The three girls together to improve each other’s throwing when Coach Chad Smith (Athletics Dept.) is not around to coach them.

De la Puente plans to continue throwing in college but is also interested in teaching, coaching volley ball, physical therapy andperhaps even video production. She finds Mrs. Hali Kessler (Visual Arts Dept.) and her class to be deeply inspirational.

De la Puente also names her parents and Tammy Rosas (DHH Dept.), who has been interpreting for de la Puente for the past three years, as mentors. De la Puente said Mrs. Rosas has helped her increase her patience and maturity level as in improve her sign language and throwing abilities.

Mrs. Rosas calls de la Puente “a funny girl with a good heart, natural talent, and commitment to her sport and her team. She is a very teachable athlete who takes and applies instruction and criticism without attitude.”

That commitment is apparent to anyone who knows de la Puente. She lives in Southern San Clemente and leaves home before 6:30 a.m. everyday to attend UHS, and returns home at 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. each evening. She also finds time to help her mom out with her volleyball club and enjoys hanging out with friends, sleeping, reading, and surfing in her free time.
tfischel@uhsswordandshield.org