On Sunday, December 8, 2024, local runners Martin Arredondo and Fabian Ochoa competed in the “Santa to the Sea Half Marathon” in Oxnard, finishing 42nd and 27th with plans to run in the 129th Boston Marathon. Photo credit Martin Arredondo.
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By Epi Torres

On Sunday, December 8th, former Fillmore athletes, Martin Arredondo, and Fabian Ochoa competed in the Santa to the Sea Half Marathon, a 13.1 mile run. The Half Marathon starts at the giant Santa located along Interstate Highway 101 and continues through the strawberry fields of Oxnard before heading to historic downtown Oxnard and ending at Marine Emporium Landing.
Martin finished 27th overall and captured first place in his division. In spite of taking a wrong turn and running an extra 200 meters, he ran a 3 minute personal best of 1:23:31. Fabian finished in 42nd in 1:28:18 and finished 7th in his division.
After the holidays, and a few days to recover, Martin plans to race the full Marathon in Ventura. That race is held on February 23rd with a 6:30 a.m. start time. Following the Ventura Marathon, Martin will then travel to Boston, Massachusetts and run the 129th Boston Marathon. This race is run on Patriots Day, Monday, April 21, 2025.

Courtesy FHS Soccer Coach Javier Alcaraz

December 6, 2024, Fillmore vs. Carpinteria High School

Varsity: Fillmore 4 – Carpinteria 2

Goals:

Jesus Angel Avila 3

Abe De La Cruz 1

Assist:

Abe De La Cruz 1

Jesus Angel Avila 1

League Record: 1-0

Overall Record 4-1

JV: Fillmore 1 - Carpinteria 1

Goal:

Evans Ramirez 1

Frosh: Fillmore 0 - Carpinteria 2

***

December 4, 2024, Fillmore vs. Simi Valley High School
Varsity: Fillmore 2 - Simi Valley 1

Goals:

Jesus Angel Avila 1

Abe De La Cruz 1

Assist:

Santiago Avila 1

Javier Cisneros 1

Player of the match:

Julio Ballesteros

Overall Record: 3-1

JV: Fillmore 0 - Simi Valley 2

Frosh: Fillmore 1 - Simi Valley 2

Goal:

Alex Nunez

Courtesy FHS Girls Soccer Coaches Arnold G Muñoz (JV) & Jose Luis Lomeli (Varsity)

December 6, 2024, Fillmore vs. Carpinteria High School

Varsity: Carpinteria 1 - Fillmore 0

Goals:

Assist:

League Record: 0-0-1

Non- League record: 0-0-1

Overall Record: 0-1-1

Player of the match: Elena Garcia

JV: Carpinteria 1 - Fillmore 7

Goals:

Danna Castillo - 1

Jozlyn Alvarez - 1

Mia Munoz - 1

Sophia Ocegueda - 2

D’Andra Amezcua - 2

Assists: Ava Nunez 1, Jasmine Gonzalez 2, Mia Munoz 2.

League Record: 1-0-0

Non- League record: 1-1-0

Overall Record: 1-1-0

Player of the Game: Sophia Ocegueda

Courtesy FHS Soccer Coach Javier Alcaraz

Monday, December 2, 2024, Flashes vs. Pacifica High School JV & Varsity Scores:
Varsity: Fillmore 0-1 Pacifica

Overall Record: 2-1

JV: Fillmore 0-3 Pacifica

On Wednesday, November 20, Fillmore Girls Wrestling took on the Agoura Chargers. Pictured above is Fillmore’s Celeste Juarez (grade 12) during her match where she defeated her opponent.
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By Michael Torres, FHS Wrestling Coach

The Fillmore Flashes triumphed over the Agoura Chargers in a forfeit-heavy girls wrestling dual meet, securing a decisive 60-12 victory on Wednesday, November 20th at Fillmore High School. The Lady Flashes in their second year under Girls Head Coach Michael Torres showcased their depth vs. a limited number of Agoura athletes.

Fillmore received seven forfeits while Agoura received two. A forfeit in high school wrestling occurs when an opponent in one of the established fourteen weight classes fails to appear for a match, and the other wrestler is present and ready to wrestle. The forfeiting team loses the match, while the winning wrestler receives 6 team points. Even with the discrepancy in forfeits, the Flashes athletes shined in head-to-head competition, with three standout performances that sealed the team’s commanding victory.

At 115 pounds, Celeste Juarez (grade 12) delivered a dominant win, pinning her opponent in the second period and putting the Flashes on the board early. Naomi Bonilla (grade 10) followed suit in the 130-pound weight class, executing a first period pin to continue the momentum. Alexa Martinez (grade 12) in the 155-pound division, also secured a pin in the second period, further boosting Fillmore’s lead.

Other Fillmore wrestlers, including those who won by forfeit, contributed to the lopsided score. Coach Torres shared his pride in his team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of strong preparation. “We’ve been focusing a lot on foundational techniques, and it showed tonight. Our girls that competed went undefeated, all winning by pin, and I’m proud of each of them for their efforts. Unfortunately, we still have a couple of holes in our lineup, and we are missing girls in the 100 lbs. and 110 lbs. weight classes. It would be great to have representatives in every weight class.”

The FHS Girls Wrestling Team will next compete in their first tournament at Pacifica High School, Saturday, Nov. 23 and will return to team action at Del Sol High School in Oxnard on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The next home meet will not be until Wednesday, January 8th vs. Channel Islands.

Full results: Fillmore Flashes 60, Agoura Chargers 12. Fillmore: 115 lbs: Celeste Juarez win by pin, 120 lbs: Delilah Cervantez win via forfeit, 125 lbs: Jasmin Contreras win via forfeit, 130 lbs: Naomi Bonilla win by pin, 135 Natalia Herrera win via forfeit, 140 lbs. Team Co-Captain Emma Torres win via forfeit, 145 lbs. Karina Vergara win via forfeit, 155 lbs: Team Co-Captain Alexa Martinez win by pin, 170 lbs. Candy Aguila win via forfeit, 235 lbs. Ava Manzano win via forfeit. Agoura: 100 lbs: Allison Park win via forfeit, 110 lbs. Haley Ruiz win via forfeit.

Courtesy FHS Boys Soccer Coach Javier Alcaraz

Thursday, November 21, 2024, Non-league Fillmore vs. Royal High School:

Varsity: Fillmore 5 – Royal 0
Goals:
Jesus Angel Avila 2
Abe De La Cruz 1
Jesus Canchola 1
Christian Ramirez 1
Assist:
Diego Magana 1
Hector Hernandez 1
Abe De La Cruz 1
Jesus Canchola 1
Goalkeepers Shutout
Julian Medina
Anthony Cabral
New Overall Record: 2 - 0
JV: Fillmore 0 - Royal 0
Goalkeeper Shutout
Jose Zaragoza
Overall Record: 1 - 0 - 1
Frosh: Fillmore 4 – Royal 0
Goals:
Brian Inostroz 1
Nathan Hernandez 1
Alexander Nunez 2
Assist:
Juan Esteban Rondon 2
Nathan Hernandez 1
Overall Record: 1 - 1
Goalkeeper Shutout:
Jonathan Rodriguez

Courtesy FHS Boys Soccer Coach Javier Alcaraz

Thursday, November 21, 2024, Non-league Fillmore vs. Royal High School:

Varsity: Fillmore 5 – Royal 0
Goals:
Jesus Angel Avila 2
Abe De La Cruz 1
Jesus Canchola 1
Christian Ramirez 1
Assist:
Diego Magana 1
Hector Hernandez 1
Abe De La Cruz 1
Jesus Canchola 1
Goalkeepers Shutout
Julian Medina
Anthony Cabral
New Overall Record: 2 - 0
JV: Fillmore 0 - Royal 0
Goalkeeper Shutout
Jose Zaragoza
Overall Record: 1 - 0 - 1
Frosh: Fillmore 4 – Royal 0
Goals:
Brian Inostroz 1
Nathan Hernandez 1
Alexander Nunez 2
Assist:
Juan Esteban Rondon 2
Nathan Hernandez 1
Overall Record: 1 - 1
Goalkeeper Shutout:
Jonathan Rodriguez

Pictured (l-r) are Flashes Jacqueline Olivares, Miley Tello and Melanie Flores during their meet at the CIF Prelims at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California. Photo credit Angel Laureano, FHS Alumni Cross Country runner.
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Fillmore Flashes Runner Omar Heredia. Photo credit Angel Laureano, FHS Alumni Cross Country runner.
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By Epi Torres
On Saturday, November 16th, Fillmore athletes competed at the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division 4 Prelims at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California. Athletes competed over a new, challenging 3-mile course with two major climbs, and a finish on the track.

The girls were led by Jessica Orozco back from an injury that has kept her from racing this season. This was Jessie’s 3rd race of the season. She finished in 27th place in 20:45.8. She was followed by Jacqueline Olivares 38th in 22:09.2, Miley Tello 44th in 22:33.1, Diana Santa Rosa 45th in 22:34.5. Melanie Flores 46th in 22:34.7, Jannet Vega 73rd in 25:03.4, and Michelle Setty 87th in 27:01.1. In the team competition, Fillmore girls were 6th. They did not advance to next week’s Finals.

Fillmore’s only runner in the boy’s division was Omar Heredia. Omar’s courageous attempt to qualify for next week’s finals, saw him lead the first two miles of the race before he was caught by the chase pack. Omar finished in 19th place in his best time on this course of 16:51.8. Omar did not advance to Finals.

***
Fillmore Alumni Run Regionals

Fillmore’s Camilo Torres competed in the NCAA Division 1 Regionals held on the Colfax Golf Course in Colfax, Washington. Camilo ran a 10-kilometer race (6.2 miles) in 32:55.1, placing 163rd. In the team competition, Cal State University of Northridge finished in 28th place.

On Saturday, November 16th Nataly Vigil of Cal Lutheran University ran in the NCAA Division 3 Championships in Milo McIver Park in Oregon. The race was run over a 6-kilometer course (4.97 miles). Nataly finished in 94th in a new personal best time of 24:03.4. In the team competition, the Cal Lutheran team finished in 20th.

On November 13, Flashes Boys & Girls Wrestling hosted an intra-squad scrimmage meet to prepare for the upcoming season. Above is Christine Panopio vs. Skyla Sandoval.
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On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, FHS Boys & Girls wrestling competed in their 1st annual intra-squad scrimmage. Above is Naomi Bonilla vs. Delilah Cervantez. Inset, Tony Lemus vs. James Alcantar. Photo credit Yoseline Cruz.
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Courtesy Michael Torres, FHS Wrestling Coach
November 13, 2024— The Fillmore High School Flashes boys and girls wrestling programs hosted their 1st Annual intra-squad scrimmage meet, offering family and fans their first glimpse of both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers on the mat.

One girls wrestling highlight of the evening came during a match between first year wrestler Naomi Bonilla (grade 10) and three year veteran Delilah Cervantez (grade 11). Despite her inexperience at the high school level, Bonilla displayed remarkable technical prowess, before ultimately defeating her teammate.

“Naomi showed why we’re so excited about her future,” said Girls Head Coach Michael Torres. “She’s going to be someone to watch. It shows that we’ve got a nice mix of experienced leaders and newcomers. That can be a recipe for success in this sport.”

In the boys’ division, newcomer Jesse Cavasos (grade 11) made an impressive debut, showcasing an aggressive style that caught the attention of both fans and coaches. The first-year junior showcased a combination of quick takedowns and strong top control.

Veterans Emma Torres (grade 12), Gonzalo Landeros (grade 11), and Tony Lemus (grade 11), demonstrated why they remain the program’s cornerstones by showcasing their skills and abilities.
Looking ahead, the Flashes will open their regular season next week with a home meet vs. Agoura High School on Wednesday, Nov. 20th and the following week will be away at Del Sol High School in Oxnard on Tuesday, November 26th.

Full Results: Emma Torres over Karina Vegara (dec.), Naomi Bonilla over Delilah Cervantez (dec.), Christine Panopio over Skyla Sandoval (pin), Jasmine Contreras over Jacqueline Lomeli (pin), Tony Lemus over James Alcantar (tech. fall), Jesse Cavasos over Darius Montoya (pin), William Maryon over Angel Rangel (pin), Gonzalo Landeros over Brandon Morales (dec.), Emiliano Castanon over Brennan Ballard (pin), Isaac Rivera over Thomas Torres (pin).

Courtesy FHS Boys Soccer Coach Javier Alcaraz

Monday, November 18, 2024, Fillmore vs. Foothill Tech. & Del Sol.

Varsity: Fillmore 5 - Foothill 1

Goals:

Diego Magana 1

Jesus Angel Avila 1

Abe De La Cruz 1

Christian Ramirez 1

Xavier Lara 1

Assist:

Jesus Angel Avila 2

Hector Hernandez 1

Xavier Lara 1

Player of the Match:

Jesus Angel Avila

Record: 1-0

JV: Fillmore 6 - Foothill 0

Goals:

Alonso Arellano 2

Nathan Hernandez 2

Abraham Vargas 2

Assist:

Saul Magana 2

Alonso Arellano 1

Angel Garza 1

Record: 1 - 0

Player of the Match

Abraham Vargas

Frosh: Fillmore 0 - Del Sol 11

Record: 0 - 1

Player of the Match

Edgar Manzo

Pictured is Flashes number #22 carrying the ball as he looks ahead to fellow Flashes for a clear route for him to advance. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Pictured above are Flashes JV players taking down a Cardinal during Friday night’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Above are the Fillmore and Santa Paula High School Marching Bands performing during last Friday’s halftime show, a longtime tradition for both schools to come together and perform. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Above are the Cardinals and Flashes JV and Varsity Cheer Squads during their halftime performance. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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On Friday, November 1st, Fillmore Flashes and Santa Paula Cardinals met for the 114th rivalry game, a longtime tradition of the two towns. Fillmore’s JV defeated the Cardinals 24-7; Varsity fought hard but lost to Santa Paula 7-31, ending the 2024 season for the Flashes. Until next year Santa Paula! Info courtesy https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/fillmore/fillmore-flashes/football/schedule/.

Pictured is Melanie Flores a first-year runner for Lady Flashes Cross Country team. She has trained and improved throughout the season. Her team will battle for the 1st place title in the Citrus Coast League on Thursday, November 7th. Photo credit Kim Tafoya.
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Freshman Erick Taver
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Written By Epi Torres

On October 25th, the Flashes Cross Country teams traveled to Walnut, California to compete in the 76th running of the Mt. San Antonio College Invitational. This is the biggest cross country meet in the Nation and is run over a challenging new 3 mile hilly course. This course is also the venue for Southern Section Division Prelims and Finals.
Fillmore’s first athlete to compete was Erick Traver. Erick ran as the lone freshman on the team and placed 29th in 20:38.
The second race for the Flashes also saw one Fillmore competitor. Sophomore Alexander Nunez place 71st in 21:31.
The Junior Varsity girls were led by Marbella Arroyo Tapia. She placed 18th in 26:10. She was followed by Natalie Perez 24th in 27:31, Michelle Setty 28th in 28:23, and Jannet Vega 34th in 28:55.

Vincent Alonzo led 3 Fillmore athletes in the junior varsity boys race. Vincent placed 60th in 22:22. He was followed by Alexander Diaz 91st in 23:46, and Gabriel Lagunas 93rd in 23:58.

In the girls varsity race, Diana Santa Rosa was the top runner for Fillmore. She finished in 48th place in 23:03. She was followed by Jacqueline Olivares 67th in 24:16, Melanie Flores 69th in 24:18, and Janessa Corona 78th in 24:44.
In the varsity boys division, Fillmore ran two athletes. Omar was Fillmore top finisher on the day, placing 8th in 16:59. He was followed by Damian Castaneda 88th in 19:09, Jordan Hernandez 158th in 21:18, Aaron Cordero 171st in 21:55, and Andres Moreno 190th in 24:19. Omar was the only medal winner for the Fillmore teams.

The Flashes Cross Country teams will now prepare for League Finals on Thursday, November 7th at Lake Casitas in Ojai. This meet will start at 2:00 p.m.

Pictured right is Flashes Varsity tackling a Dos Pueblos player in last Friday’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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On Friday, October 24, 2024, Fillmore Flashes varsity football took on Los Pueblos High School. The team played hard but fell short losing 31-19. Overall, the Flashes are 2-7, 1-3 in league. This week the Flashes are ready for longtime rival Santa Paula Cardinals at home for the 114th meeting, on Friday, November 1, 2024. JV begins at 4pm, Varsity at 7pm. Gates open at 3:30pm. Let the Rivalry Continue! GO FLASHES!!

Written By Epi Torres

On Friday, October 25th Moorpark College athlete Angel Garcia and his teammates claimed second place as a team at the Western State Conference Championships. This meet was hosted by Oxnard College. Angel placed 45th, in 22:52.67 over the 4 mile course.

***

Westmont at PacWest Championship
On Saturday, October 26th, the Westmont College runner Rey Laureano competed at the PACWEST Cross Country Championships at the Great Park in Irvine. Rey finished in 47th place in 26:10.6. The Westmont squad finished in 4th place in the team competition.

Written By Epi Torres

On Saturday, October 19th, the Fillmore Cross Country teams competed in the Ventura County Cross Country Championship at Lake Casitas in Ojai. This meet began at 7:30 a.m., and Fillmore competed in the small school division
The frosh/soph boys began the morning for the Flashes. Alexander Nunez was the first Fillmore finisher placing 79th in 19:54.1. He was followed by Erick Traver 96th in 20:21.40, and Nicholias Cerda 202nd in 24:46.8. Alexander was a medal winner in this race.

They were followed by the varsity girls. Diana Santa Rosa led the group of 3 finishing 48th in 21:37.4. She was followed by Jacqueline Olivares 66th in 22:43.3, and Melanie Flores 77th in 24:05.8.
The varsity boys were led by Omar Heredia who ran well and finished 21st in 16:24.8. He was followed by Damian Castaneda 98th in 18:57. Omar was a medal winner in this race.

The junior varsity girls were the only Fillmore team to run a scoring team. As a team, the girls were 6th. They were led by Marbella Arroyo Tapia 19th in 24:39.3. She was followed by Jannet Vega 28th in 25:26.6, Michelle Setty 31st in 25:54.10, Emily Soltero 36th in 26:19.9, Valerie Rodriguez 56th in 28:51.7, and Megan Robles 69th in 30:44.6. Marbella Arroyo Tapia, Jannet Vega, and Michelle Setty were medal winners.

The junior varsity boys finished the day with 4 athletes competing. They were led by Jordan Hernandez 56th in 20:29.3. He was followed by Vincent Alonzo 68th in 21:29.5, Gabriel Lagunas 81st in 22:36.1, and Alexander Diaz 83rd in 22:39.9.
The next major meet for the Flashes is the venerated Mt. San Antonio College meet. This meet is in its 76th running and will be run on a similar, but altered course. The new course eliminates “Poop Out Hill”, and finishes on the track. The Flashes will run on Friday, October 25th.

Above is Lady Flashes #9 trying to snatch the Hueneme player’s flag during last Tuesday’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Pictured above is Fillmore’s first Girls Flag Football team Seniors who were recognized at their last home game of the season. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola
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On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the Fillmore Flashes Girl’s Flag Football took on Hueneme High School for their last home game of the 2024 season. They also held their very first Senior night, wishing them the best of luck on their next adventure. The Flashes lost to Hueneme 22 – 6. Their last game was October 16, away at Channel Islands, Final score FHS 0 – 41 Channel Islands High. The Lady Flashes completed their first 2 – 19 on the season overall. Good Luck next Season Lady Flashes. Info Courtesy https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/fillmore/fillmore-flashes/flag-football/girl....

Pictured is FHS Varsity defense making a tackle against Agoura this past Friday night.
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Pictured are Flashes JV players teaming up to stop an Agoura player from advancing downfield during Friday night’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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On Friday, October 18 the Fillmore Flashes Varsity and JV hosted Agoura High School. JV lost with a final score 27 – 13; Varsity lost 35 – 38. Fillmore’s overall record is 2 – 6; 1 – 2 for League. They also celebrated Senior night and recognized three Seniors. This Friday, October 25, FHS will travel to Dos Pueblos High School to play. JV 4pm; Varsity 7pm. The Flashes are scheduled to play long-time rival Santa Paula away this year on Friday, November 1st. Info courtesy https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/fillmore/fillmore-flashes/football/

Written By Epi Torres

Cal State Northridge runner Camilo Torres ran at Highlander Invitational this weekend. Camilo led the Matadors and finished in 16th place in 24:37.5. Teammate Diego Rodriguez finished in 157th in 26:58. In the men’s team competition, Northridge was 8th.
Nataly Vigil, a member of the Cal Lutheran cross country program ran at the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational. Nataly placed 49th in 24:45.8. In the team competition, Cal Lutheran women placed 6th.