The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press
The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press
The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press
Dane Dodos

Dane Dodos, Reporter

“Big Z is surfing. I mean, there might as well not been an ocean before Z. They invented the ocean for him. Cause he lived so hard because he wasn’t afraid to live. He wasn’t afraid to die.” –  Cody Maverick

All content by Dane Dodos
As all five Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) winter sports seasons slowly wind down, each team honors their senior athletes for their hard work and dedication to the program. Each Senior Night was unique but shared the common thread of celebration. Follow along for some comprehensive coverage of the conclusion of girls basketball, boys basketball, boys soccer, girls soccer and girls water polo.

Winter sports retrospective

Kyra Bouchard, Dane Dodos, Conor White, Peyton Fox, and Ian Toreja
February 3, 2025
On Jan. 30, 2025 family and friends gathered around the soccer field at Ventura College to support Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) senior boys on their celebratory senior night. This match was held against Bishop Garcia Diego High School (Bishop Diego) and ended in a Foothill Tech win with a final score of 3-1, making the teams league record 4-4, with a spot in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). Before the game, a ceremony was held where each senior walked down the field hand in hand with their family, while one of their coaches listed off a few fun facts about the player. The seniors that were reconsider were Julian Lopez ‘25, Stefan Hubner ‘25, Samuel Lozano ‘25, Christophe Issa ‘25, Kiran Maserang ‘25, Jaysen Fernandez ‘25, Julian Cartellieri ‘25, Connor Bursek ‘25, Ronan Murphy ‘25, Alex Sundberg ‘25 and Johann Cerda ‘25.

Boys soccer Senior Night

Dane Dodos, Staffer
February 2, 2025
On the late night of Jan. 16, 2025, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) lost to St. Bonaventure (Bonnie) in their third league game of the season. Sofia Vega '26 dribbles at the top of the key, carefully surveying the defense and looking for an opening as she orchestrates the offense. As a forward, Vega displayed her court vision and basketball IQ throughput the game, running the floor and setting up key plays.

Girls basketball suffers a 42 -62 loss to cross-town rivals

Dane Dodos, Reporter
January 19, 2025
On Dec. 18, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls basketball took on Santa Paula High School (Santa Paula) in a lopsided competition. Foothill Tech walked away with a 50-33 loss. Pictured above, Kiara Zavala '26 (number 5) makes her move towards the basket in hopes of scoring or making a play.

[Photo] Girls basketball thrashed by Santa Paula in 50-33 loss

Ian Toreja, Reporter
December 21, 2024
The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys cross country runners do strides out from the line to warm up for the race ahead, with emotions high they enjoy the scenic views Woodward Park has to offer. Chance Leandro '25 leads the pack out with the pressure of the environment weighing heavy on moral.

CIF Cross Country: A season in review

Dane Dodos, Reporter
December 18, 2024
Grace Brethren High School (Grace Brethren) player, with the pressure mounting as fans cheer her on knowing a play had to be made if they were going to change the momentum of the game. While the final score was 0-0, Foothill put up a strong front with solid defense and aggressive offense.

[Photo] Foothill Tech girls soccer battles in an anxious fight against Grace Brethren

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
December 14, 2024
On Oct. 15 and 17, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls golf team sent five players to the two-day Tri-Valley League Individual Finals. The first day took place at Olivas Links Golf course. Audrey Yoong '26 was the low score from the Dragons with a 39 on day one, just four strokes shy of the lead. Yoong’s score put her in second place going into the second day. Bella Baum '26 was the second lowest score from the team with a 44, placing third leading into the second day. Day two took place at Santa Barbara Golf Club, where Yoong fired off a 41, totalling her score to 80, securing her second place finish, making First Team All League and qualifying for California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). Baum shot a 54, finishing tied for fourth and making First Team All League. The top three players in the league will advance to CIF Southern Section at Los Robles Greens on Oct. 30, 2024.

Girls golf swings their way through League Finals

Dane Dodos, Reporter
October 22, 2024
After a long, hard-fought season, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) celebrates the seniors on the girls volleyball and girls tennis teams. With a win against Carpinteria High School on Oct. 9, 2024, the girls volleyball team emerged victorious on their Senior Night. Girls tennis, although ending in a loss, still honored their seniors and played their hardest on Oct. 15, 2024.

Fall sports Senior Nights

Peyton Fox, Dane Dodos, and Chance Leandro
October 18, 2024
On the night of Oct. 9, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls volleyball team honored their graduating class during a game against Carpinteria High School (Carpinteria). The crowd was high in spirits as the Dragons won all three of their matches with scores of 25-12, 25-19 and 25-17.

Girls volleyball Senior Night

Dane Dodos, Reporter
October 18, 2024
On the early afternoon of Oct. 1, 2024 the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys water polo team held their match against Cate School (Cate) at the Ventura Aquatic Center located inside Kimball Park. It was a tough game fought by both teams but in the end Cate took the win 10-13. Pictured here is Aiden Cumming ‘25 (number 2) reaching up to block the ball from making it to the goal, helping out the team's goalie.

Boys water polo loses to Cate in nail-biting fashion

Dane Dodos, Reporter
October 4, 2024
Dean Liddell ‘27 (number 9) strategically passing the ball to his teammate over the opposing team's defense. Liddell plays the left wing position and was a crucial tool in order for his team to secure the win. Even though only a sophomore, his talents and skills shine through the water and reflect on the scoreboard.

Boys water polo takes win against Villanova 9-5

Dane Dodos, Reporter
September 29, 2024
Jaden Prillhart ’26 receives Athlete of the Week for his ongoing, remarkable cross country season, where he has displayed exceptional skill during the annual Gaucho Invitational at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all his hard work in representing the school and the sport itself.

Athlete of the Week: Jaden Prillhart

Dane Dodos, Reporter
September 16, 2024
On Aug. 31, 2024, Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) cross country team traveled to Santa Barbra, Calif. to compete at the University of California Santa Barbra (UCSB) Gaucho Invitational. This was the first race of the season for the team and they had 53 athletes competing.

Cross country starts season off strong at UCSB Invite

Dane Dodos, Reporter
September 2, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls soccer did exceptionally well in league, placing first with a record of 8-1-1. Led by team captains Shayna Dearman-So ‘24, Taylor Listen ‘24, Cameryn Henuber ‘24 and Eva Goncalves ‘25, the team made it to round one of CIF playoffs.

Girls soccer

Dane Dodos, Reporter
June 11, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys soccer made it deep into CIF, led by team captains, Matheus Gamble ‘24, Diego Flores Orozco ‘24 and Merric Bayless ‘24. The team worked tirelessly to earn third place in league with a record of 6-2-1.

Boys soccer

Dane Dodos, Reporter
June 11, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls’ volleyball team had a record of 2-8 in the Tri-Valley league and an overall record of 10-14. Team captains, Ashlyn Mullin ‘24 and Kaili Garrett ‘24, led the team to California Scholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs where they finished the season strong in the first round.

Girls volleyball

Dane Dodos, Reporter
June 11, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls beach volleyball had a successful season of play, with a record of 7-1 in league play and an overall record of 11-6. In California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) division two, they finished the season strong, making it to round one of play.

Girls beach volleyball

Dane Dodos, Reporter
June 11, 2024
As the 2023 to 2024 school year comes to a close, various sports at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) end with successful seasons. From basketball to swimming, many dragons made it to California Scholastic Federation (CIF) where they competed with the best of the best. Follow along for some comprehensive coverage of the conclusion of the 11 sports offered at Foothill Tech.

Sports retrospective: Looking back on the 2023-2024 Foothill Tech sports seasons

Chance Leandro, Nisha Reddy, Ian Toreja, Conor White, and Dane Dodos
June 11, 2024
Tune into the season finale of FDP-TV for news updates as well as a recap on the completion of the spring sports season. Additionally, stay tuned for new A&E and Opinion articles on the website.

FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 15

Sofia Patiño, Chance Leandro, Julia Brossia, Maggie Lay, and Dane Dodos
June 9, 2024
On the sunny afternoon of May 10, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) takes on California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Finals. They bring home much success, earning a division four finalist title.

Boys tennis — the journey from league to CIF finals

Ian Toreja, Nisha Reddy, and Dane Dodos
May 16, 2024
Tune into this episode of the FDP-TV for upcoming events around Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) as well as spring sports updates. Stayed tuned for new features and A&E articles on the website.

FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 14

Sofia Patiño, Maggie Lay, Chance Leandro, Dane Dodos, and Ruby Jenkins
May 13, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) has been recently active in sports, such as baseball, swim and boys tennis. As spring athletics wind down, various athletes move on to California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), where they compete with the best in their divisions.

Sports Retrospective: Spring CIF Playoffs

Dane Dodos, Ian Toreja, and Conor White
May 6, 2024
On May 1, 2024, a handful of swimmers from the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) swim team headed to Mt. San Antonio College after qualifying for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division 3 prelims. The girls 400-yard freestyle relay team, composed of Cynthia Hu '26, Camilla Lewis '25, Rihanna Samples '25, and Mikaela Clabaugh '25, placed 22nd overall with a time of 3:59.13, shaving off milliseconds from their previous best time.

Foothill Tech athletes stir up water at CIF

Dane Dodos, Reporter
May 6, 2024
On April 22, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) baseball team took to the field for their last home game of the season and honored their seniors for all of their hard work and dedication to the team over the years. Mike Haas, the head coach, gave heartfelt speeches for each senior talking about how much of an influence they all had on the team both on the field and off.

Boys’ baseball takes Cate in 8-0 Senior Night blowout

Dane Dodos, Reporter
April 24, 2024
Tune in to this episode of the FDP-TV for upcoming news coverage and updates on the spring sports season. Additionally, stay tuned for new A&E and features articles on the site.

FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 13

Sofia Patiño, Amber Duhs, Julia Brossia, Chance Leandro, Dane Dodos, and Maggie Lay
April 21, 2024
On April 12, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) swim team competed in the Villanova dual meet held at the Ventura Aquatic Center. Pictured above, Miller Jones '26 dives into the water with hopes of taking the lead for the rest of his team.

Foothill Tech makes waves at dual meet

Dane Dodos, Reporter
April 15, 2024
James Sokoloski ’24 receives Athlete of the Week for his remarkable boys’ volleyball season, where he has displayed exceptional leadership skills as one of the captains of the volleyball team. The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all his hard work in representing the school.

Athlete of the Week: James Sokoloski

Nisha Reddy and Dane Dodos
March 28, 2024
The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) distance track team walks off the track after an intense 1600 meter race, all going well under the five minute barrier and securing medal positions.

Photo Essay: Meet of Champions

Dane Dodos, Photographer
March 25, 2024
On the afternoon of March 21, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls' softball team faced off against their rivals, St. Bonaventure High School (Bonnie). With a Bonnie player attempting to slide onto base, Kyra Bouchard ‘27 (number 17) tries to catch the ball and force an out.

Girls’ softball takes loss in stride against St. Bonaventure

Dane Dodos, Reporter
March 24, 2024
The worldwide running community was left stunned by the death of the legendary, marathon world record holder, Kelvin Kiptum. On Feb. 11, 2024, Kiptum fell victim to a tragic car accident.

Kelvin Kiptum’s inspirational legacy

Dane Dodos, Reporter
February 26, 2024
On their way to the locker room, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys’ basketball team jumped into the air with excitement written on their faces. After a fast-paced game, where Foothill Tech remained in the lead throughout, the boys celebrated their win. With this victory, they secured their spot in the next round of California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

Boys’ basketball demolishes Serrano in second round of CIF

Dane Dodos, Reporter
February 13, 2024
As all five winter sports seasons slowly wind down, each team planned a game to honor and commemorate their senior athletes for their hard work and dedication to the program. Each Senior Night was unique but shared the common thread of celebration. Follow along for some comprehensive coverage of the conclusion of the boys’ and girls’ soccer and basketball seasons, along with girls' water polo.

2024 winter sports Senior Night retrospective

Chance Leandro, Conor White, Dane Dodos, and Ian Toreja
February 5, 2024
In the evening of Jan. 23, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls’ soccer team had their senior night. In this photo all nine of the seniors receive flowers for their hard work and take a photo with their head coach, Patty Gomez.

Girls’ soccer triumphs over Thacher on Senior Night

Dane Dodos, Reporter
February 4, 2024

[Video] Benchwarmers: Episode 3 (featuring boys’ basketball)

Lauren Kaller and Claire Hadley
February 1, 2024
On Jan. 18, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls’ basketball faced a difficult loss against St. Bonaventure (St. Bonnie) in a league game with a score of 34-43. Kiara Zavala ‘26 (number 5) drives the ball toward the basket trying to go for a layup.

Girls’ basketball shows unwavering determination despite tough loss to St. Bonaventure

Dane Dodos, Reporter
January 22, 2024
On the evening of Jan. 11, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys' soccer team faced off against Bishop Garcia Diego High School (Bishop Diego). The Dragons shake hands with the Bishop Diego after destroying them with a final score of 13-1.

Boys’ soccer crushes Bishop Diego in 13-1 win

Dane Dodos, Reporter
January 14, 2024
Maddie Wicks '26 has been playing soccer since she was five and has continued to persist and work hard in the sport she loves. After only having been with the Dragons soccer program for two years she has helped shape it into the unique community it is today.

Athlete of the week: Maddie Wicks

Dane Dodos, Reporter
December 18, 2023
On Dec. 5, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) played against Dunn High School (Dunn) in their first league game and took the win of 3-2. Foothill Tech earned two goals from Merric Bayless ‘24 and one goal from Ammar Atiah ‘26.

Boys’ soccer demolishes Dunn in first league game of the season

Dane Dodos, Reporter
December 8, 2023
On the chilly night of Nov. 20, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) played Buena High School (Buena) in a preseason game, eventually taking a hard loss of 5-0. Foothill Tech displayed excellent sportsmanship, congratulating their opponents for a good game. Many even exchange hugs and start conversations with their friends on Buena, while others encourage their teammates after a hard fought game.

Boys’ soccer stomped on by Buena

Ian Toreja and Dane Dodos
November 25, 2023
The American taboo surrounding horse meat has existed since the country's inception. But, why hasn't the nation joined other countries in welcoming horses to the menu?

Opinion: From stable to table: Should Americans be eating horse meat?

Dane Dodos, Writer
November 15, 2023
Piper Singleton ’24 receives Athlete of the Week for her remarkable 2023 sports season, where she displayed her exceptional skills as one of the top golfers on campus. The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all her hard work in representing the school.

Athlete of the Week: Piper Singleton

Dane Dodos, Reporter
November 7, 2023
The boys' junior varsity race started fast with Brandon Wofford '25 fighting hard for a spot in the upper pack during the opening of his race, hustling as he came down the airstrip to the start of the valley loop.

[Photo] Cross Country performs exceptionally well at Clovis Invitational and Mt. SAC Races

Nisha Reddy and Julia Geib
October 25, 2023
Kelvin Kiptum, a Kenyan long-distance runner, is the first person in history to run a record-eligible race in under two hours and one minute. During the October 2023 Chicago Marathon, he broke the world record by 34 seconds with his time of 2:00:35. Prior to this race, he had run an impressive debut marathon of 2:01:53 at the Valencia Marathon in 2022, making him the third fastest man to run the race. More recently during 2023, he ran the second fastest time in the London Marathon, placing a course record of 2:01:25.

Unraveling the history of the modern marathon

Dane Dodos, Reporter
October 20, 2023
On Oct. 5, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) hosted La Reina High School (La Reina) in the Tri-Valley league match. Before the start of every game, the girls' volleyball team runs through a tunnel built by students of Foothill Tech. The team was led by Kaili Garrett '24 and was acknowledged with high-fives from students.

Girls’ volleyball bested by La Reina on Senior Night

Dane Dodos, Reporter
October 8, 2023
On Sept. 21, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys' water polo hosted a home game against their opponent Malibu High School (Malibu). With lots of splashing, Ethan Ortiz '24 attempts to find an open teammate to give Foothill Tech an advantage to win their league match.

Recap: Boys’ water polo bested by Malibu

Ian Toreja and Dane Dodos
September 23, 2023
On the afternoon of Sept. 14, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls' golf faced off against La Reina at the Olivas Links Golf Course. Maddie Wicks ‘26 tees it up with hopes of sticking it close to pin and hopefully having a birdie opportunity. Wicks finished hole six with a double bogey and finished the entire course with a 56.

Foothill Tech defeats La Reina in league match

Dane Dodos and Ian Toreja
September 16, 2023

Boys’ water polo plunged by Buena

Conor White, Ian Toreja, and Dane Dodos
August 31, 2023
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Dane Dodos