FILLMORE, CA — On a cold and rainy March 14, 2025, the Fillmore High School (FHS) varsity boys swim team made history by
defeating their cross-town rival, Santa Paula High School (SPHS), in a thrilling meet. Ending a long drought of victories,
the Flashes boys scored an impressive 57 points to Santa Paula’s 39, showcasing resilience despite the soggy conditions at the showdown.

Ulysses Garcia led the charge, earning a total of 12 individual points with a 2:18.91 in the 200 Free Style and a 1:34:62 in
100 Breast. Garcia also contributing to the 200 Medley Relay, alongside Jesse Cavazos, James Alcantar, and Alex Diez for
another 8 points. Alex Diez shone brightly, taking 2nd place in the 50 Free Style (32.93) and 3rd place in the 100 Free
Style (1:17.88), adding another 7 points to the tally. Jesse Cavazos rounded out the highlights with a 1:34.69 in the 100
Back Stroke, securing 6 points. James Alcantar swam the challenging 500 Free style for the first time in his career and
gained FHS another 6 points. This victory marks a significant turnaround for the varsity boys, who have not won against Santa Paula in many years.

The JV boys faced a tougher battle, but secured the Win as well. Scoring 25 points to Santa Paula’s 24. Bradley Villa stood
out in the 50 back stroke, receiving 6 points. Tony Lemus added 4 points in the 50 Butterfly. Aden Astour also contributed
receiving 5 points total with 3rd place in Backstroke and 2nd in the 100 Freestyle.

The Junior varsity and Varsity girls team showed grit but fell short of a victory, JV scoring 40 points against Santa
Paula’s 52, and Varsity scoring 31 to SP’s 100. JV swimmer Bibiana Ortega led the team in points with 6 for her 50
backstroke and 6 for her 100 IM. Karla Hernandez and Rosalie McPhail took 1st and 2nd place consecutively in the 100 Free.
And first year swimmer Naylea Maldenado placed 2nd in Backstroke and 3rd in 50 Freestyle.

Varsity swimmer Kianna Toyooka had a standout performance in her 200 Freestyle, getting close to the CIF qualifying time
with a 2:37:01, and in her 100 Back at 1:27:53.

Head Coach Hannah Faith praised the varsity and junior varsity boys’ historic win, saying, “Breaking this losing streak
against our rivals is a huge moment for our team. The cold rain couldn’t dampen their spirit.” While the JV girls and
varsity girls faced challenges, the jv and varsity boys’ triumph over Santa Paula has reignited excitement for Fillmore’s
swim program.