On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, FHS Wrestling took on rival Santa Paula in a dual meet for the Citrus Coast League Opener. Pictured is Fillmore’s Isaac Rivera during his match trying to keep his opponent down. Photo credit Head Wrestling Coach Michael Torres.

Pictured is Flashes Valentin Garcia during his match against Santa Paula in the league opener. Photo credit Head Wrestling Coach Michael Torres.

By Head Wrestling Coach Michael Torres

On Tuesday, December 10,2024- Isbell Middle School, Santa Paula, CA - In a wrestling dual meet held at Isbell Middle School, the Fillmore Flashes triumphed over the Santa Paula Cardinals.

The evening started with one lone Junior Varsity Boys’ match, where Fillmore’s Thomas Torres lost by pin to give the Cardinals a 6-0 team win. In high school wrestling, team points are given for pin (6 pts), forfeit (6 pts), disqualification (6 pts), injury default (6 pts), technical fall- a win by 15 points (5 pts), major decision- a win by 8 points or more (4 pts) and decision- a win by less than 8 point (3 pts).

The Varsity Girls’ team won in a forfeit heavy match, finishing with a 48-24 score against the Cardinals. The Flashes’ girls’ squad continues to display its depth as one of the teams to contend for the Citrus Coast League girls team title. The Citrus Coast Wrestling League features teams representing Channel Islands, Fillmore, Hueneme, Nordhoff and Santa Paula High Schools.

The Varsity Boys’ division capped off the night with a Flashes 66-12 victory.
At 132 pounds, William Maryon pinned his opponent in the first period, giving the Flashes an early lead.
In the 170-pound weight class, Isaac Rivera staged a comeback. After trailing in the match, Rivera came from behind to pin his opponent.

In the 190-pound weight class, Elijah Hodges showcased his strength earning a win by pin.
One of the evening’s most exciting moments came in the heavyweight bout, where Fillmore’s Valentin Garcia went up a weight class. In high school wrestling, athletes are allowed to move up one weight class to compete. Despite the challenge, Garcia secured a win by pin in a performance that left his teammates cheering.

“Valentin’s decision to move up a weight class shows his commitment to the team,” said Head Boys Coach Manuel Ponce. “He knew it would be tough, but he went out there and got the job done. His pin was a high point in our victory tonight.”
The Fillmore Flashes’ next two CCL home meets will be Wednesday, January 8th vs. Channel Island HS (Youth Night) and Wednesday, January 15th vs. Nordhoff HS (Senior Night) both matches are scheduled to start at 5:30pm at the FHS Gym.
For more information on the Fillmore HS wrestling schedule visit the FUSD Athletics Website.