I checked in with Coach on 12/9/11 and he was very excited to report that he’s brought in a real “Technician” for the Flashes to learn from. I was introduced to Ian Penzato and had the opportunity to see his instruction to the Fillmore Flashes Mat Rats. Coach Penzato wrestled at Lincoln College in Illinois but was unable to make the final team due injury. When asked about his wrestling career he was upbeat and said “even though I didn’t make the final team due to a severe knee injury I am proud to say that wrestling go me to college”. For those that are unaware wrestling is THE sport back east. If you are on your High School Varsity Team people in town know who you are and they support you. The stands are filled to capacity for matches, weekly local access TV shows are produced which highlight wrestling, the wrestlers themselves and what to expect at the next match. Coach Penzato said “I hope to be able to teach the Flashes a few things and ramp up wrestling in Fillmore”. Coach Calderon continues to find a way to elevate wrestling at Fillmore High School and the addition of Coach Penzato to his staff should yield great results for the Flashes. Also on the mat tonight was Coach Ponce who is assisted by Flashes alumni and well respected wrestler, now MMA fighter, Jose “Froggy” Estrada.
When I asked the Coach who is looking solid at this point in the season Coach Cal said “Robert Bonillo is wrestling with a lot of intensity this year, he’s like a tiger on the mat, really aggressive and focused”. “Mark Zavala is our “Technician” this year and has a lot of moves in his arsenal” said Calderon. “I’m just really excited about what I’m seeing from all the Flashes wrestlers this year”. Based upon the amount of sweat on the backs of the squad at 7:15 PM I think we all should look forward to what the Flashes Wrestlers achieve this season.

12/9/11 the Flashes travel to Camarillo for the Camarillo 10 Way Tournament two day tournament. The Flashes brought home several gold medals last year and they hope to better that this season. Go Flashes!