How to resolve AdBlock issue? Thacher improves to 2-0 versus Villanova Prep this season
Ojai Valley News photo by Holly Roberts
Jamison Lerma (left) of Villanova Prep battles for a loose ball against Thacher senior Jake Mitchell in a recent match that Thacher won 2-0.
Nordhoff wrestlers dominate against Fillmore
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff’s Armando Gomez picks up his opponent and throws him to the ground in a Jan. 22 dual meet with the Fillmore Flashes. Gomez would go on to pin his opponent and the Rangers rolled to a 54-24 win over Fillmore. Nordhoff is seeing a great deal of success on the mat this season.
Villanova Prep water polo is powered by Tully-Giles triplets
Ojai Valley News photo by Holly Roberts
From left to right, Hannah, Eva and Ida Tully-Giles have brought energy and talent to the Villanova Prep water polo team this winter.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
In 2019, the Villanova Preparatory School girls’ water polo team had a terrific season and made it to the CIF Southern Section semifinals. With a number of players moving on due to graduation, the Lady Wildcats were expecting to be in rebuilding mode this winter. That is until the Tully-Giles triplets hit the water for VPS this season.
Thacher blows by Villanova, 8-0
Ojai Valley News photo by Holly Roberts
The Thacher School and Villanova Preparatory School recently met on the pitch in a key Frontier League matchup. Above, Kate Anderson (left) of Villanova and Tea Wallmark of Thacher jockey for position. Thacher would cruise to a commanding 8-0 victory in the match to stay within striking distance of the Santa Clara Saints for the league title. VPS is still looking for its first league victory of the season. Both Anderson and Wallmark are seniors this year who call Ojai home.
Thacher boys' basketball perfect in league
Photo by Carin Yates
Thacher boys’ basketball coach Jason Carney is all smiles this season as he fields what he calls one of his most exciting teams ever. The Toads are off to an 11-3 start and are a perfect 3-0 in Frontier League play. On Jan. 11, the Toads hosted the Cate Rams and engaged in a thrilling triple overtime game which Thacher managed to win 64-59.
VPS basketball aims to raise money for cancer research
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
When Villanova Preparatory School head basketball coach Eugene Ayala grew up, he was the 14th of 16 children in his family. Some of his favorite childhood memories include watching his older brother play high school basketball for the Santa Clara Saints in Oxnard.
Nordhoff defeats Villanova
Ted Cotti, Ojai Valley News correspondent
Rivalry games can be tricky to predict. Sometimes athletes can keep their emotions in check and play their best games. Other times emotions run a bit high and inhibit performance.
Nordhoff’s Scott Hannah and Villanova’s Eugene Ayala experienced both of those worlds Saturday when their boys’ basketball teams faced off in a non-league game.
Weston honored by Rotary Club of Ojai
Photo submitted
The Rotary Club of Ojai recently recognized Shaelyn Weston as its Physical Education Project Student of the Month. Weston, a student at Meiners Oaks Elementary, received a $300 check from Rotary Club. Weston’s teacher, Rick Byrd, was there to talk about why she was deserving of this honor.
Ranger basketball in first place
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff senior Chase Plott plays pressure defense in a game earlier this month. Plott is a big reason the Rangers are atop the Citrus Coast League standings.
Ted Cotti, Ojai Valley News correspondent
Nordhoff High School’s boys’ varsity basketball team improved to 8-6 overall and took control of the Citrus Coast League race this past week, improving to 3-0 in league with wins over Carpinteria on the road and Santa Paula at home.
Nordhoff water polo wins again
Ted Cotti, Ojai Valley News correspondent
Nordhoff High School’s girls’ varsity water polo team routed visiting Hueneme 10-1 Tuesday, improving its overall record to 4-6. They are now 2-1 in Citrus Coast League competition.
Villanova basketball heads into league play
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Villanova Prep freshman Rachel Patrykus (center) starts a fast break with her teammates ready to attack the Carpinteria defense in a recent 51-40 victory over the Warriors.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
Basketball teams in the Ojai Valley recently returned to the hardwood after the winter break, and are now turning their attention to league play and hopefully the postseason. At Villanova Prep the Lady Wildcats, who are currently the ninth-ranked team in Division 5A, dropped a home game to La Reina by the score of 42-32.
A life to emulate
Photo submitted
Coach Fred Linkenhelt left his mark on Nordhoff High School, generations of students and the Ojai community.
When reflecting upon the life of Fred Linkenhelt, who passed away last week, one can only be thankful for having the opportunity and privilege to know this generous and caring man who truly was a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Lady Rangers basketball still looking for first victory
Nordhoff High School’s girls’ varsity basketball team remains winless on the season after dropping its Citrus Coast League opener to Fillmore, 48-35, last Friday night.
Lady Rangers soccer splits against Santa Paula, Malibu
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
The Nordhoff High School soccer team defeated the Santa Paula Cardinals 3-1 on Jan. 10 thanks to the performance of players like Ofelia Navarro (right, shown here earlier this season). The Lady Rangers then lost a tough match 3-2 against the Malibu Sharks on Jan. 15. NHS is now 3-5 and 1-2 in Citrus Coast League play. The Nordhoff crew will return to the pitch Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. when they host Hueneme.
Ojai Roadrunners merge with the Santa Ynez track and field program
Ojai Valley News photo by Holly Roberts
Ojai Roadrunner Conner Rothermel competes in a past track and field event at Nordhoff High School. The popular Ojai Valley program recently announced a merger with the Santa Ynez.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
The Ojai Roadrunner track and field program recently announced a merger with the Santa Ynez Track Club. After growing to 200 athletes, the Santa Ynez program started to see a decline after some of its participants began to age out of the program. The Thomas Fire also had an impact on the program.
NHS soccer eyes return to the postseason
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff High School senior Carla Rodas soars past a Fillmore defender in the Lady Rangers’ Citrus Coast League opener. Unfortunately for Nordhoff, Fillmore took the match, 3-1.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
The Nordhoff girls’ soccer team is off to a 2-3 start this season. But don’t let the average start fool you, the Lady Rangers should be a force on the pitch this winter. “We are going to be a lot like we were last year in terms of talent,” said head coach Matt Wilson.