Flashes Wrestlers earn GOLD and SILVER at Camarillo 10 Way Tournament

On December 9 - 10, the Fillmore Flashes traveled to Camarillo to compete in the Camarillo 10 Way Tournament. This is the first large tournament to kick off the Flashes wrestling season. For new wrestlers, this may be the first experience walking into a gym with 6 mats packed with wrestlers and coaches and stands packed with parents and fans. The atmosphere is loud and, at first, seems rather chaotic with matches going off randomly, whistles blowing, coaches coaching and wrestlers encouraging their teammates. It can be overwhelming and intimidating to the uninitiated. For the seasoned wrestlers, this is where they want to be. All the gym time, all the practice, all the mat time, and all the video watching leads up to this point; match time. Some of the Flashes have been here before. They know what to expect and they know the work that lies before them. For new Flashes wrestlers, this is an opportunity to be tried and tested, to compete, and to learn and grow.
A full squad is comprised of 14 wrestlers. Team points are tallied by combining the score of each individual wrestler. Each individual wrestler earns a win/loss record at each tournament in their respective weight class. This allows both school and individual to be ranked. For the Camarillo 10 Way the Flashes fielded the following squad.
Weight Class / Wrestler Name / Tournament Record (wins –loss)
106 David Cadena 4-6
113 Nick Stehly 1-9
120 Joseph Rojas 3-7
126 Micah Chumley 5-5 (2 pins)
132 Forfeited class
138 Robert Bonilla 9-1, (7 pins, 2 decision)
145 Forfeited class
152 Mark Zavala 2-8
160 Alex Rivera 5-5, (3 fault pins)
171 Jonathon Munoz 1-9
182 Forfeited class
195 Michael Castro 5-5
220 Sam Orozaco 10-0. (9 pins)
HW Marco Vega 9-1, (9 pins)

As a team, the Flashes were victorious over the following schools: Rio Mesa 48-33, San Luis Obisbo 39-33, and Harvard Westlake 39-36. As a team the Flashes lost to Pacific 54-22, Centennial 69-6, Pioneer 62-18, Thousand Oaks 60-24, Camarillo 51-27 and Ayala 42-30. The Flashes tied in their match with San Marcos 42-42.

After two days of wrestling, the following Flashes earned Gold and Silver Individual medals for their efforts:
Sam Orozco, wrestling at 220 pound, was perfect with 10 wins and 0 losses. 9 of Orozco’s wins were by pin. This level of effort earned Sam “The Bull” 1st place in the 220 lbs weight class.
Robert Bonilla , wrestling at 138 pound, ended up with a 9-1 record. He earned 2nd place in his class. Robert’s loss was to a California State Masters competitor. At the end of three periods of wrestling it came down to points, 5-2.
Marco Vega, wrestling Heavy Weight Class, earned 2nd place with a 9-1 overall record. All of Marco’s wins were by pin. It’s worth noting that Marco is “wrestling up” and is giving up 50 pounds in some cases to his opponents.

When asked what this week has in store for the Flashes, Coach Calderon explained,
“Some of wrestlers, like Mark Zavala, will be able to move to their normal weight class. Once that happens I expect to see great things…Mark’s results this past weekend do not reflect his wrestling ability and talent; I expect great things from him and our other wrestlers… This will be an exciting season once we fill out all the weight classes and stop giving up team points due to forfeits”.

On Wednesday, 12/14/11, Freemont will travel to Fillmore for a Flashes home match. JV Matches will begin at 5:00 PM with Varsity Matches immediately following. Come on out and support the Flashes Wrestling Team!

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!

On 12/7/11 the Flashes made the trek to Santa Ynez for the midweek match. Coach Calderon was excited and upbeat about the performance turned in by his wrestlers. The match final score was Santa Ynez 53 – Fillmore 30. Last year Fillmore earned a total of 6 points against Santa Ynez. 2011 is looking good for us” said Coach Cal. Winning by pin against Santa Ynez was, Robert Bonilla 138 pounds, Jonathon Minero 145 pounds, Mark Zavala 152 pounds, George Orozco 195 pounds and Sam Orozco 220 pounds. “The score doesn’t do justice to the level that Fillmore wrestled at.” “We either won by pin or lost by pin and we forfeited at 132 pounds, so I’m pleased with what they did” said Coach Cal. “The ones we lost by pin it comes boils down to technique. We’ve got some freshmen in our lineup and they’re learning and coming along really well”.

On 12/3/11 the Lady Flashes Wrestlers traveled to Thousand Oaks for the TO All Girl’s Tournament. Outstanding performances were turned in by the Lady Flashes, once again proving that wrestling is all about heart, dedication to the sport and less about gender. At the end of the match Alexis Ramirez brought home a Silver medal for 2nd place. Felicity Zavala brought home a bronze with a 3rd overall at 114 pounds. Kiana Ramirez and Brenda Alvarez both stood tall with a 5th place in their respective weight class. Great work girls!

Nordhoff Tournament. Wednesday: Thousand Oaks 78 - Fillmore 24. Jalen Rhodes and J.P. Glavez 7 points. Thursday: Fillmore 63 - Pacifica 61. Jalen Rhodes 27 points. Friday: Cabrillo 59 - Fillmore 45. Jalen Rhodes 20 points. Saturday: Kilpatrick 72 - Fillmore 63. Josh Valenzuela 14 points and John Wilber 21 points. Josh Valenzuela 1st Team All Tournament Selection.

11/28 - Fillmore lost to Div 1 Royal 2-0; Goals were scored in the last 5 min. of the game. Robert Martinez had 2 saves. The team had 10 shots on goal; we missed a PK in the first half. 12/1 - Fillmore Lost to Simi Valley 2-1. Senior Christian Magana Scored a goal, Assist by Hugo Valdovinos. Robert Martinez had 4 saves. Simi Valley is a Div 1 school we are Div 5. Overall a good performance to a big school.

The Denver Broncos are 5-1 since Tim Tebow took over for Kyle Orton as the team’s starting quarterback. Can we all please take a moment to dwell on how ridiculous this should sound? (Ok that’s long enough.) On October 23rd, Tim Tebow made his first start for the Broncos. Tebow inherited from Orton a team that was 1-4, playing with no motivation; no passion. Since Tebow took over, the Broncos look like a different team, having lost only one game and not looking back. (The Broncos released Orton; they really aren’t looking back at all.)

If anyone else followed the 2010 NFL Draft, then you know that Tim Tebow was one of the most important personalities of that draft year. Tebow had an amazing career at the University of Florida, including two BCS National Championships, another BCS Bowl win in the Sugar Bowl, and a Heisman Trophy. However, many draft analysts doubted that Tebow’s style and mechanics would not transfer to the NFL. Tebow’s footwork came into question, but more than anything else, his throwing motion and release were major issues. After working with numerous trainers and really working to develop his prospects for the NFL, Tebow was selected in the first round with the 25th overall pick by Josh McDaniels and the Denver Broncos. (One of the most controversial selections of the draft.)

Since then, Tebow went 1-2 as a starter, having started the final three games of the 2010 season, and Josh McDaniels was fired following a very disappointing 2010 season for the Broncos. Enter new head coach John Fox. Fox preferred Kyle Orton as the starter, and so Tebow was named the backup. After the dismal start to the season, mounting pressure from fans, calling for the starting job to be given to Tebow led to the benching of Kyle Orton. Although the wins by the Broncos have been near inexplicable in some cases, the Broncos have been winning, and that is what matters. Why, though, are the Broncos winning? Why is such an unconventional quarterback leading the Broncos so well?

Since his days at the University of Florida, Tim Tebow has had a tremendous reputation for being an explosive duel threat quarterback, with an amazing set of intangibles that no one could quantify. Although not necessarily a physical freak, Tebow possesses something often times referred to as a “killer instinct.” In the context of football, Tebow has a great sense of leadership, a drive to motivate the players around him, and the willingness to step up as an individual for the betterment of his team in crucial situations. Does anyone remember the Tim Tebow speech after Florida’s loss to Ole Miss? (It almost drove me to tears, no seriously, I have no shame) What happened after that speech? The Gators won out, winning the SEC then beating Oklahoma in the BCS National Championship game. (Oh ya, that’s why they engraved the speech on a plaque and placed it right outside the entrance to the football facility at Florida)

There is no better example of the motivation that Tim Tebow gives his team than analyzing how Denver’s defense has been playing since he took over relative to how the defense played when Kyle Orton was starting. Prior to Tebow taking over as the starter, the Denver defense was allowing on average 28 points per game and 385.8 yards per game. Since Tebow took over, the Denver defense is allowing on average 20 points per game and 329.8 yards per game. Call it what you want to, but the team is playing harder, tougher, and better with Tim Tebow as the starting quarterback.

As unconventional as Tim Tebow is as an NFL quarterback, (the guy won a game while completing only two passes . . . . . two) he is a winner, he is a leader, and he is a fierce competitor. Tim Tebow may never make an All-Pro team, and he may never lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl title, but that’s ok, because his legacy will not be determined by how many rings he has or what his stats are. Tim Tebow is truly a special player, and far beyond that, he is a truly special person. Tim Tebow’s legacy has already been cemented. Unlike his NFL counterparts, Tim Tebow has been able to transcend the barriers of what makes a player special, not statistics, not rings. Tim Tebow’s character, his competitive nature, his persona are why we will never forget the name “Tim Tebow.”

When the latest BCS standing were announced, with all the upsets and “shoot yourself in the foot” losses by the nation’s best teams, the top three teams in the BCS are all from the SEC West division. (And everyone complains that the SEC gets too much favor) LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas are ranked numbers 1, 2, and 3 respectively in the latest BCS poll, which only gives us evidence as to just how dominant the SEC has been in college football in recent years. The South Eastern Conference has won the past 5 BCS National Championship games, and overall has won 7 of the 13 BCS titles. To really put this into perspective, the SEC has won more BCS titles than the other 5 BCS conferences in the country. (I think there may be a reason why the polls tend to favor the SEC, just maybe.) Truthfully, each one of these three teams is playing like they want to take home the hardware at the end of the season.

Why does the AP poll, Coaches’ Poll, BCS poll, and damn near every poll tend to favor the SEC so much?

Here’s why:

Les Miles, nicknames the “Mad Hatter,” has brilliantly guided the LSU Tigers to an 11-0 record thus far, with wins over both Oregon to open the season, and in a #1 vs. #2 showdown with Alabama more recently. More impressive than just their record is the way in which LSU has been winning. LSU currently has the second ranked defense in terms of points allowed per game, allowing on average only 10.0 points per game to opponents. Most notably, LSU’s defense allowed only 6 points to Alabama, a team that was averaging just under 40 points per game entering the game against LSU. Although their offense is not the most dominant in the country, LSU is playing championship caliber football, relying on a defense that does not bend or break. (The old expression, “Defense wins championships” is very appropriate here.) LSU is the only BCS conference team remaining who can boast an unblemished record, and is more than well deserving of the number 1 ranking in the BCS.

Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide are currently ranked just behind LSU in the BCS, with a record of 10-1 with big wins over Arkansas, Florida, and Penn State. Their one loss of the season was a 9-6 OT heartbreaker against, who else but LSU. The Crimson Tide has been playing at a very high level all season long. Alabama has used two very important aspects of their game to get to where they are now, their defense and their rushing attack. The Crimson Tide currently have the top ranked defense in terms of points allowed per game, allowing only 8.4 points per game. On offense, Alabama is averaging over 220 rushing yards per game, led by Heisman hopeful Trent Richardson, who has rushed for 1380 yards thus far. (He puts the team on his back though) Alabama punishes opposing defenses, pounding the ball for tough yards, which only helps them set up the passing game. With only one loss, against the top ranked team in the nation, Alabama is well deserving of the number 2 rank in the BCS.

Bobby Petrino and the Arkansas Razorbacks are the current number 3 team in the latest BCS rankings, and they are well deserving of this rank. The Razorbacks currently boast a 10-1 overall record, with their only loss being to Alabama, whose only loss was to LSU (Are you starting to notice a trend here?) Arkansas has been playing impressive football, with signature wins over Texas A&M, Auburn, and South Carolina, and a season best 52-3 win over the University of New Mexico. Their QB, Tyler Wilson, has passed for 3215 yards on the season including 21 TDs. Along with Alabama, Arkansas’s only loss on the season was to a team in the top 2 of the BCS standings, which makes them a very deserving team for the number 3 spot in the BCS.

What about all the other teams in the country who have only one or two losses and are also playing high caliber football? Lets go down the line and see some of the other teams who deserve consideration. Number 4 in the BCS standing is Oklahoma State, and the Cowboys are currently 10-1, but their lone loss on the season came this weekend against a 6-4 Iowa State team. (Hardly Alabama or LSU) Number 5 in the BCS standings is Virginia Tech, whose only loss this year came to Clemson, and impressive team, but then again, they play in the ACC. (Hardly the SEC, or even the Pac 12 or Big 10 for that matter.) Number 6 in the BCS is the Stanford Cardinal, whose lone loss this year came to Oregon, a team who lost to LSU (impressive) but then lost to USC. (womp womp)

Truthfully, if you go down to line in the BCS standings, there are one and two loss teams who have not lost games, instead they’ve just plain shot themselves in the foot. Those teams did not lose to better teams, they were the better team who just didn’t show up that night ready to play.

The two combined losses between LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas came against better teams, which is to say, those teams did not throw the game away, they were outmatched and bested by the 11 players on the other side of the field. So for all you Pac 12, Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, or Big East fans, before you start cursing the polls for favoring the SEC, make sure you realize that they do it for a reason.

(l-r) Jose Almaguer, Anthony Rivas, Alexander Gonzalez, Adrian Mejia, Isaac Gomez, Hugo Valdovinos and Jordan Mendoza. Photo courtesy Joel and Cathy Frias.
Enlarge Photo

The team put forth an incredible effort as each of the boys harriers set a course PR at CIF Finals. With tremendous effort they placed seventh in Southern Section Div 4. This enables the team to compete on Saturday November 26th at Woodward Park in Fresno for the State Championship.

In individual results Jose Almaguer completed the famous 3 mile course at Mt. SAC in 18th place with a time of 16:09. This is a 20 second improvement over his run on the same course a month ago. Only 8 seconds and 7 places behind him was Anthony Rivas at 25th in 16:17. This is a 31 second improvement. Alexander Gonzales recorded an 11 second improvement to place 39th at 16:30. With a 16 second improvement Adrian Mejia passed the chute in 56th at 16:45. Isaac Gomez was 57th at 16:49, a 34 second improvement. Hugo Valdovinos crossed the line at 16:53 to finish 63rd overall. This was a 31 second improvement over a month. Jordan Mendoza had a 20 second bettering of his previous time as he earned a mark of 16:59 to finish in 67th. There were a total of 117 competitors in the race.

The Flashes 2011/12 Wrestling Season has begun. What's new this season for Flashes Wrestling? New faces and new names, a lot of them. The under classes at Fillmore High School are well represented in the JV ranks this year. Many of the new wrestlers are football players who report "We want to stay in shape". News Flashes fellas, you don't know what "shape" is until you've wrestled. Their hearts in the right place and they'll pick up the skills needed to compete. The rookie wreslters have excellent examples to look to on the mat. Wrestling is all about dedication and Fillmore has some hard core wrestlers which should inspire the first timers. Some of the returners from last year include; Mark Zavala, Marco "Hot Dog" Vega, George Orosco, Sammy "The Bull" Orosco, Robert Bonilla, Alex Rivera, Cameron Riley, just to name a few. Returning from a one year break is Micah Chumley adding to the ranks of experience.

This is the year for Lady Flashes to break out and make a statement. From the depth of the roster it looks like the Lady Flashes have about 13 on the roster.

Coach Calderon returns to Fillmore as Head Coach. Assisting Coach Cal is Manuel Ponce. Look for a video blog report on all the coaches for the Flashes in the next few weeks, as well as the Wreslter Introductions.

Flashes Wrestling - BELIEVE.

Wrestler Hydration Test Scheduled for 11/22/11
This is a mandatory test for all Wrestlers. What is the purpose of the test and how are the results used you ask? Read the information below gathered from CIF appendix on Weight Management.

FROM CIF
HYDRATION INFORMATION
The purpose of the hydration test is to help assure that each wrestler’s weight taken at the time of
measurements is an accurate weight from which a minimum weight can be established. Below are some
guidelines that can help you prepare for the hydration test. But staying hydrated means more than passing
the hydration test. It is an important step in making sure you perform your best in your sport.
Water is second only to air in its importance to our survival. Our bodies are 60 to 65% water by weight.
Much of this fluid weight comes from the muscles (70% water) and the blood – both of which are critical
to optimal athletic and wrestling performance. Dehydration compromises muscular endurance and
strength. Dehydration also decreases blood volume, which can decrease athletic performance and
increase the risk for heat illness (heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke).
The key to staying hydrated is to drink plenty of non-caffeinated beverages throughout the day, and to
replace fluid loss incurred while working out. On a daily basis, this will help you feel stronger and last
longer at practice and matches. It will help you pass the hydration test before your measurements are
taken.
Below are some guidelines:
* Two hours prior to hydration test have wrestler drink 24 ounces of water (three cups).
Drink 8 to 10 (8 ounces) glasses of water, or non-caffeinated beverages daily.
* Drink another 4 cups for every hour you workout. If you have a 2-hour football practice,
that means an additional 8 cups of fluids. Individuals who sweat heavily or are in a hot
environment may need to drink 6 to 8 cups of non-caffeinated beverage for each hour
they workout.
* 2 hours before the game, match or hydration test, drink 16 to 24 ounces of water or noncaffeinated
beverage. The 2-hour time frame will allow the body to clear excess fluid
from the body. Being dehydrated, then drinking immediately prior to an athletic contest
or the hydration test will do little to help improve performance or pass the hydration test.
* These tips stress avoiding caffeine, because caffeine is a diuretic. That means it
increases urine production. Increased urine production means you are losing extra
fluids, essential for top performance and will likely become dehydrated. Caffeine is a
common ingredient in some sodas, coffee beverages and some teas. Chocolate and
some pain relievers may also contain caffeine. Additionally, carbonated beverages will
also contribute to the sensation of “feeling full” or bloated. This sensation may be
counter-productive, as it will likely diminish the thirst drive.
Carefully following these guidelines, along with the recommendations in The Wrestler’s Diet will
increase your chances for a healthy, safe and successful high school wrestling season.

If I were Jim Caldwell, the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, I would knock on the door of Colts owner, Jim Isray, and say to him, “Sir, we’re 0-10, I’ve got a new strategy for us to be successful in the future. I’m going to guide us to an 0-16 season, I’m going to draft Andrew Luck from Stanford with the first overall pick, and I’m going to have Peyton teach him, and he will be our future.” (Of course I would also offer to develop a defense that’s worth a damn). Although becoming the second team in the history of the NFL to go 0-16 may sound like the most embarrassing thing in the world, just think about the possibilities if Andrew Luck is the prodigy quarterback that many, including myself, think he is.

With Peyton Manning quickly aging, and many doubting where his career will go from here, it has to be obvious to not only the Colts’ front office, but also anyone who knows a thing or two about sports that the Colts have to start considering the future beyond just this season or next. So maybe an 0-16 season wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, would it?

Going 0-16 would guarantee the Colts the first overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. Barring any crazy injury or incarceration of Stanford red-shirt Junior Andrew Luck, (fingers crossed) he is projected to be the top prospect in the draft. The skill set and intangibles that Andrew Luck possesses are near ludicrous. Put plainly, Andrew Luck is the truth (there’s that college lingo, swag)—that is, Andrew Luck has the abilities to become the future of the NFL.

Growing up in Europe, Luck became a big fan of soccer, which he played for many years. Thanks to playing the game of soccer, Luck’s footwork and field vision are exceptional. Add to that his grace in mechanics and his stature of 6’4” and 235 lbs, which makes him a beast, and anyone can see he has the skills to stand strong in the pocket in the NFL. Finally, Luck consistently makes strong and accurate throws both in the pocket and on the run, often times delivering the ball in the precise location in which only his receiver can come down with the catch.

This season alone Andrew Luck has a 70.6% completion percentage, a very spectacular number. Luck not only has this ability but also the killer instinct to scramble and gain yards, and deliver a hit when he has to. The best example of this was in the 2010 edition of the Big Game: Stanford vs. Cal. Luck dropped back to pass, was flushed out of the pocket, and took off for a run with some open ground. Cal linebacker Sean Cattouse was about to put a big hit on Luck when Luck hit Cattouse with his forearm, and continued to run down the field after staring him down as he fell. Luck then continued to run for what would be a 58 yd gain.

As impressive as Luck’s physical abilities are, his football intelligence is something that makes the mind wonder. Andrew Luck possesses the ability to pick apart defensive schemes on par with some of the best quarterbacks to play the game. Luck is able to, pre snap, dissect the defense, and then once the ball is snapped, he uses his vision and physical attributes to make the best throw in a place where only his receiver can get to it.

When dropping back to pass, Luck consistently makes good decisions. Luck uses his vision to go through his progressions and make the best pass. If his primary receiver isn’t there, Luck will move to his check down, and if that isn’t there, Luck won’t try to force a pass that may be intercepted. Luck knows he can run if he has to, and does so with confidence. Simply put, Andrew Luck can and does make smart decisions, and he is rarely wrong.

Andrew Luck is such an outstanding talent that he is putting up impressive numbers in an offense that isn’t built around him, or even focuses on passing the ball. Andrew Luck is playing under the system that Jim Harbaugh established, a pro-style, power-running offense that emphasizes rushing, not passing. This season alone, Luck has passed for 2695 yds with 29 TDs and rushed for another 2 TDs. This goes to show how special Luck really is. Cam Newton put up video game caliber stats his lone season playing at Auburn, which was to be expected, as the offense completely revolved around and focused on him. Although Luck’s numbers this season aren’t as ridiculous, he is putting them up in a system in which he is not meant to be the focal point. The system in which he is playing is also a system he may very well play in once he is in the NFL. Saying that Andrew Luck is an NFL-ready prospect is therefore one of the biggest understatements.

So to all you Colts fans, (and I guess the other teams in the running for the 1st overall pick, but I like the Colts more so I’m on that bandwagon) don’t be too worried if the Colts go 0-16. In fact, rejoice if they do so because you are guaranteed Andrew Luck by doing so. You are guaranteed the future, the truth, and a shot at Super Bowls once he matures (of course only once the management gets you a defense that’s worth a damn, COUGH COUGH). Maybe I’m assuming way too much about Andrew Luck and his career in the NFL, but I like to see myself as a “glass half full” person.

It’s been 20 years

20 years since Magic Johnson shocked the entire world by announcing that he is HIV-positive. 20 years since his announcement shed light on HIV, putting it at the forefront of science and medicine and creating hope for those afflicted with this ailment. It’s been 20 years since Magic Johnson went from being a basketball icon to a global symbol of inspiration and hope at the center of the efforts to inform the world about HIV and hopefully one day eliminate the disease many considered to be a death sentence.

What else has happened in those 20 years in the world of sports that has given us the hope that we need?

When things are at their worst, when nothing seems like it’s turning out right, we have to dig deep within ourselves to find whatever we can to overcome the negativity in our path and emerge victorious. In these situations in sports, teams can either crumble under the pressure, or come together as one team and continue to fight. After three games in the 2004 ALCS, the Boston Red Sox were down three games to none. All the New York Yankees had to do was win one of the next four games and they would be in the World Series. Truly, all seemed lost for this Boston postseason campaign. Instead of throwing in the towel and accepting that they had been outmatched, the Boston Red Sox continued to fight. By the time Game 7 came around, the Red Sox had come back and tied up the series three games apiece. Boston had a renowned sense of confidence; a swagger as the comeback kids, and Boston never let up. By the time the game was over, the Red Sox defeated the Yankees 10-3 to achieve what no team ever had in the history of Major League Baseball: Down 0-3 only to comeback and win the series.

In the World Series, the Red Sox had come too far; been through too much to not win. In four games, the Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first World Series Championship in 86 years. This Red Sox team finally lifted the curse, winning their first championship since selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees. A city deprived of baseball success for almost a century, Boston finally had a reason to celebrate. This Red Sox team gave hope to all of us out there. This team was able to do what no one ever had ever done before. This team achieved the seemingly impossible. They kept going, didn’t quit, and came out winning.

The 2004 Boston Red Sox gave us the hope that even when things are at their worst, if we keep working and don’t give up we will get through all of our hardships. No matter how bad things are for us, there is always hope.

In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. Thousands were displaced, homes were destroyed, and families were uprooted. There was looting, destruction, death. Hope was lost, it seemed; no one had a clear direction; no one knew if, when, or where help would come from. The Louisiana Superdome became a place of refuge, and many came there prior to and after Katrina hit to find a place where they could be safe. Not being political, as people the residents of New Orleans ultimately felt abandoned: they felt abandoned by President Bush, abandoned by FEMA. Hope was lost in The Big Easy.

By the 2009 NFL season, the city of New Orleans was still recovering from the effects of Katrina. The New Orleans Saints were also recovering, and like the city, were building momentum: they were both on their way up. Quarterback Drew Brees led the team to a 13-3 regular season record and first place in the NFC South. Drew Brees, the same guy who had washed out of San Diego, was now at the helm of a team that was headed to the postseason with force. After handling the Arizona Cardinals, and narrowly escaping the Minnesota Vikings, the Saints had booked a trip to the Super Bowl with swagger. The “Who Dat” Saints, once crowned the “Aints” for their poor play and years of being among the NFL’s bottom feeders, were now on their way to play for the Lombardi Trophy. After trailing early, coach Sean Payton made some very bold calls, including an onside kick call to begin the second half. The Saints kept fighting and didn’t look back. At the end of the night the Saints had beaten the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 to become the Super Bowl XLIV Champions. A city once in ruins, with its people displaced, felt hope again. When all else seemed to fail them, they found joy in the victory… if their team could work their way up, so could they.

What has happened since Magic Johnson made his announcement? Sports have continued to inspire us and give us hope, especially in the face of uncertainty. Sports have continued to be more than just games played on grass or wood. Our sports, our teams, our icons, have continued to transcend the limitations of our society to keep us going when we want to give up.

For the people of New Orleans, the people of Boston, and in so many other cases not just in our country but around the world, when nothing else can be our hope, sports can fill that role with grace.

Fillmore Unified School District

Fillmore Unified School District
Fillmore High School
555 Central Avenue Fillmore, CA 93015
Phone (805) 524- 6100 Fax (805) 524-6121
November 3, 2011

Dear Parents and Supporters of FHS Athletics:

I am writing to you to inform you of a very serious funding challenge that we are facing at Fillmore High School. As you may be aware, we are no longer able to require our athletes to pay fees for participation in sports. As a result we have had to rely on donations to fund our athletic programs. We calculated that if each athlete donated $75.00 per sport we would be able to maintain our current athletic program as it has been in the past. Unfortunately, as the fall athletic season comes to a close, we are behind in our anticipated donations by approximately $10,000.00. Our biggest concern is that if we don’t do something immediately to generate funding, we may run out of funds in the middle of the year, forcing us to cancel away games and the possible elimination of lower level (Frosh/JV) teams. This is something we do not want to have to do.

In order to avoid eliminating athletic programs and travel, we have taken immediate action by freezing all athletic supply budgets, and we have asked the Athletic Booster Club to assist us with organizing three major athletics-wide fundraisers. Our goal is to provide our athletes with an opportunity to raise money each season if they are unable to make a donation. We will be asking for your full support to make each fundraiser a success.

Parents and community members wishing to make a donation may do so by mailing a check to Fillmore High School Athletics - Donation, P.O. Box 697, Fillmore, CA 93016. Your donation is 100% tax deductable. Any amount will be accepted. Please include the student name if you are making the donation to support a specific athlete.

With your help, we can raise the funds necessary to provide our students with a quality athletic program. Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
John Wilber
Principal, Fillmore High School

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