Richard J. Chesney

• Post by: mcalibrary
• January 11, 2024
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JOSEPH JAZZ DIMINICK MALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE

Unlike most of the past recipients of this award who excelled in the more traditional sports like football, basketball, wrestling, baseball and track and field, Rich Chesney made his way to the head of the class by way of the soccer field and cross country course. Being the top ranked male in the class of 2005 has also played a role in his being named the Joseph Jazz Diminick Male Scholar Athlete by the Ed Romance Lower Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Chesney has excelled for the Red Tornado soccer team for four years, serving as captain in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. As a junior, Rich led the Tornadoes to a 9-10-1 record in only their fourth year of existence. He scored 29 goals and chipped in with 13 assists for a total of 71 points. Both numbers established single season marks at MCA. As a senior last fall, Rich added 21 goals and 18 assists, giving him a career total of 55 goals (a school record) and 35 assists and a total of 145 points (also a school record) in his career. His efforts earned him News Item all star honors in 2003 and 2004; being named Soccer Player of the Year in 2003 and Offensive Soccer Player of the Year in 2004. He was also named a Schuylkill League All Star as a junior and senior.

Chesney was also named a Schuylkill League All Star following his junior and senior seasons with the Tornado harriers. He finished 12th in 2003 and 11th in 2004 at the Schuylkill Interscholastic All League Meet and medaled with an 11th place finish at the 2004 District IV Meet in a time of 17:56; qualifying for the PIAA State Championship Meet.

In addition to his 98.8 GPA, Richard ranks 4th in his class of 114 at MCA and has posted an 1120 on the SAT’s. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Interact Club and was recognized by “Who’s Who Among American High School students”. He has participated in the Science Olympiad, the Envirothon, and has volunteered in teaching elementary students and as a coach of u-14 AYSO soccer.

Rich has been awarded a Vickroy Scholarship at Lebanon Valley College where he plans to pursue a doctorate degree in physical therapy and also play intercollegiate soccer. He is the son of Richard S. and Shirley Chesney of Kulpmont.