Life of Riley: Following one of the nation's most coveted recruits as Star-News journalists are given access to follow Dietrich Riley into the ESPN studio in L.A.
Our many thanks to ESPN's director of public relations Crystal Howard who allowed Star-News photographer Sarah Reingewirtz and myself to capture every moment of Dietrich Riley's big day as he announced Wednesday on ESPNU that he would sign with UCLA. From Dietrich Riley's arrival to ESPN studios in Los Angeles to the moment he walked out of the interview room, we captured it all. Also, many thanks to Dietrich's mother, Marika McWhorter, who played an instrumental part in letting us be part of the process, not just in the last few weeks, but since Dietrich's rise a few years ago, granting interviews and giving us insight into the life of Dietrich Riley and what turned him into the young man he is. Our many thanks to St. Francis coach Jim Bonds who answered my calls even when he was screening them the last couple weeks because, well, you know why. Riley's high school season doesn't end, however. He's on the basketball team where the Golden Knights celebrated Senior Night on Wednesday. After that, Riley moves on to track before putting on jersey No. 4 for the UCLA Bruins. This truly is the beauty about covering high school sports, watching athletes you covered throughout their career and watch them go on to do bigger and better things. I can't count how many current pro athletes I've covered in my nearly 10 years as a sportswriter. To be able to watch TV or look from the bleachers, and say, I covered that kid. Simply the best.
Below: Dietrich Riley meets well over a dozen relatives and coaches as he arrives at ESPN followed by a camera crew from EA Sports which is doing a documentary of Riley. To Riley's left is his grandfather Samuel McWhorter and uncle Tom Short to his right.
Below: Dietrich checks his earpiece one more time before the door closes and is moments away from going on the air to announce where he'll play college football.
Below: Family reacts to Dietrich's decision to play at UCLA. From left, Dietrich's mother Marika, grandmother Margaret McWhorter, uncle Darron McWhorter, and St. Francis football coach Jim Bonds. Only five members of Riley's party could follow Riley to the fourth floor. Fortunately, Sarah and I already had received clearance, so we were not included in the five members Marika had to choose from. It was tough because Dietrich had so much family there. But the five chosen were a good call. Gotta have mom and grandma, of course. Darron practically raised Dietrich, getting him so into football and taking him to practice since almost the very beginning. Also part of the group was Kenneth Edwards, Dietrich's cousin who is like a brother to him. He is not pictured.
Below: Dietrich exits the interview room and is greeted by cheers and applause. He gets hugs and handshakes from everyone there. After, our fine host gave us a look at the SportsCenter set. It looks smaller than on TV.
Below: Riley gives grandma a big hug and a kiss. It was funny because we were all crammed in the elevator on the way up, and she looked at me and said, 'I know you. You're the reporter who writes all those articles. You're good.'" I was flattered, of course. She's a big fan she says.
Below: Dietrich is elated and glad it's all over. He stressed the recruiting process was overwhelming and plenty fun, but at times it was a bit too much. He turns on his cell phone as soon as he's done hugging everyone and of course his phone is blowing up. Text messages and phone calls up the ying yang. He gets a call from UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel and says: "You look good on TV buddy. You put on the right hat" before the call cuts off near the elevator.
Below: Dietrich is embraced by his fellow coaches. The EA Sports crew is outside with camera pointing at Riley. It's a bit of a commotion because our Sarah is snapping away as the crowd eating nearby looks on and are happy, too. Two women who I have no idea who they were started taking pictures on their Blackberrys, then shook hands and congratulated Dietrich. Maybe they see a star on the rise.
Below: If a picture's worth a thousand words, well, here it is ....
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
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Congratulations to Deitrich and his family. He's done well and made good friends along the way. His degree from UCLA will be a benefit in whatever he decides to do after football, and the best part is he won't be in debt! The stories about Deitrich's path to college ball have been great. The only disappointing part is that some adults forget that this is a teenager we're talking about; instead, of criticizing the coverage or the player, they should be supportive of any young person working hard and doing well. Congrats to every high school senior who is going to college on a scholarship in their respective sport! Well done!
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Tommmy, Fred is at www.insidesocal.com/tribpreps. You're welcome, dude.
I wish the kid all the luck in the world, now please go so Mig can focus on another issue way too much and ignore the Pas sports as a whole.
FRED, WHERE ARE YOU!
Congratulations. Always remember what got you there and keep doing it. Now the hard work and a lot of fun is just beginning.
Miguel,
You are missing a great basketball season!
Great article Mr Melendez
Sometimes good journalism is not merely reporting the news, but rather reporting a story. The article/blog was the story behind the decision making process of one recruit. In a world where "news" has become 15 second soundbites, it was nice reading a story.
I disagree with Wow's comment. On Tuesday, the LA Times ran a lengthy story on Riley ( with photo) about the tough decision he would be facing on signing day. Today's Times summarizes the results of the signing day recruitment in So Cal and again, Riley's photo is included in the article.
He is an outstanding player that deserves it. Miguel did a great job!!!
GREAT JOB ON THE COVERAGE MM, CONGRATS TO D ON SIGNING WITH THE BRUINS! GO BRUINS!
*JUST TO COMMENT ON ALL THE ''HATING'' CAN YOU GUYS STOP SHOW SUCH BITTER-NESS ITS REALLY PATHETIC. CONGRATULATE THE MAN AND WALK AWAY. YOU DONT HAVE TO SIT IN FRONT OF YOUR SCREEN AND READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE IF IT BUGS YOU. THANK YOU.
Miguel,
You managed to capture both facts and emotion, in word and photo. Real nice insight into the tunnel and a tribute to those loyal and supportive of D Riley
I only wish more of our young people were blessed with that kind of bond and support in their teens.
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Wow that was way to much coverage for one player. You act like Pasadena has never had a top sports recruit.
Excellent job on this story, Miguel. You obviously worked hard to get this kind of access. This sort of in-depth coverage is what really works on blogs like this. Keep up the good work.
I remember back in my day when it was A BIG DEAL to sign & for it to be noted in the paper , now a full spread article , ESPN & EA Sports ?!?! Well I hope this kid has a GREAT carreer @ ucla , but NOT TO GOOD.
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