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
Ian Toreja

Ian Toreja, Reporter

Class of ‘26 | I don’t like BTC.

All content by Ian Toreja
The sun was beaming and the winds were soaring on Thursday, Oct. 9, when Foothill Tech’s girls varsity tennis team took to Ventura College’s courts with two goals: to slam down their opponents from St. Bonaventure High School and to celebrate their senior players. Team captain Saanvi Joshi ‘26, Violet Polley ‘26, Aarna Khanavkar ‘26 and Diana Hixon ‘26 were honored through creative posters handmade by fellow teammates, while friends and family gathered to witness one of the last matches of their high school tennis careers. Joshi, pictured above, drives home a winning point.

Girls tennis honor their seniors with a tie-breaker win

Ian Toreja, Reporter
October 11, 2025
On the afternoon of Sept. 30, 2025, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) Dragons faced off against the Villanova Preparatory School (Villanova) Wildcats at the Ventura Aquatic Center inside Kimball Park. The Dragons started off strong and were able to continue, resulting in a win with a final score of 8-7. Gavin Ingold ‘27 (number 2) is pictured, holding the ball, looking for an open teammate to pass it to. Ingold proved to be an important asset to the team, assisting in the Dragons’ ultimate win.

Last-minute goal secures the win in 8-7 stunner against Villanova

Ian Toreja, Reporter
October 2, 2025
Fiona Holt '28 and Emily Turner '26 collectively team up, as Turner sets the ball for Holt to spike. The communication was top notch on the court, and the girls, despite their loss, kept their hopes up and heads high.

Swinging through a busy week of girls volleyball

Kyra Bouchard and Ian Toreja
September 28, 2025
On the evening of Sept. 25, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls volleyball team set to face off against Dunn High School (Dunn) in league play. Foothill Tech easily swept Dunn in a 3-0 victory. The game was the second out of their three games in the week. With the win, the Dragons moved to a 3-1 league record.

Strong offense powers Foothill Tech to victory over Dunn

Ian Toreja, Reporter
September 27, 2025
Camden Taylor '27 and teammate Noah Wagner '27 raced down the final stretch of their three-mile course hosted by the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) in an attempt to bring the race home. A moment that emphasized both Wagner and Taylor's cohesive teamwork abilities.

Showing up every day: Camden Taylor

Dane Dodos and Ian Toreja
September 4, 2025
Jumping tremendously high in the air to quickly spike the ball over the net and pass the other teams heads, is number one, Samantha Jacobson ‘26. Jacobson was an essential player for this game, reaching, diving, jumping and pushing herself to her pull potential to leave out on the court. The team's next game is on Sept. 2, 2025 against Nordhoff Junior High & High School (Nordhoff) where the team will again give their maximum effort.

Going the distance

Ian Toreja, Reporter
August 30, 2025
With the end of the 2024 to 2025 school year around the corner, Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) variety of sports are coming to an end for the season, most on a successful note. With boys volleyball, girls basketball, baseball, and the boys tennis team making their way to their respective California Scholastic Federation (CIF) tournaments, Foothill Tech faced off against some of the toughest competitors in Calif., showing the extent of Foothill Tech's overall success.

Sports retrospective: Looking back on the 2024-2025 Foothill Tech sports seasons

Kyra Bouchard, Peyton Fox, Ian Toreja, Dane Dodos, Conor White, Julia Geib, and Chance Leandro
June 7, 2025
Throughout the 2024 to 2025 school year, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls' water polo team performed well, earning 2nd place in the Tri-Valley league with a record of 4-1. Their overall standings were 5-6, placing them at 228 in Calif. overall, highlighting the Dragons' teamwork and commitment throughout the school year. In addition to their Calif. ranking, the girls' water polo team made it to the California Scholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Champions for Division 5, however, they were unfortunately beaten by Hemet High School (Hemet) 9-5, putting an end to the Dragons season.

Girls water polo

Ian Toreja, Reporter
June 6, 2025
The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys water polo team performed well throughout the duration of the 2024 to 2025 school year, ending up 3rd place in league. Despite their overall record of 4-12, the Dragons displayed hard work and resilience throughout the season, increasing their state ranking from the previous season by 66 places.

Boys water polo

Ian Toreja, Reporter
June 6, 2025
The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys' soccer team performed well throughout the 2024 to 2025 school year, placing 3rd in the Tri-Valley league with a 4-4 record. While their overall record was 7-8, the Dragons played well throughout the year, showing immense talent and dedication, with standout players such as Kaizer Castillo '28 and Stefan Hubner ‘25, who is pictured above.

Boys soccer

Ian Toreja, Reporter
June 6, 2025
On May 10, 2025 the best of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) track and field athletes, of those that qualified at the Tri-Valley League Championships the week prior, gathered together at Carpinteria High School to face off against their competing division four athletes. From here the athletes battled off to qualify for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Finals, which took place at Moorpark High School on May 17, 2025.

Speed, Strength, and Surprises: Track and field power through CIF Prelims and Finals

Ian Toreja and Dane Dodos
May 20, 2025
On April 22, 2025, the Foothill Technology High School boys' golf team took on Providence School in a dominant 286-324 victory. Pictured above is Benjamin Venti '25 teeing off on the eight hole of the Olivas Links Golf Course. Venti shot a score of 45 to help secure his team the victory and claim his spot in the League Finals match.

Boys golf defeats Providence 286-324 to set up League Finals round

Ian Toreja, Reporter
April 26, 2025
In the past few weeks, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys golf team has taken on various opponents in league matches. On April 3, 2025, the Dragons matched up against Villanova High School (Villinova) and secured a 209-241 victory, but on April 8, 2025, they fell short to Bisho Diego High School (Bishop Diego), 227-202.

Boys golf battles through two league matches

Dane Dodos and Ian Toreja
April 15, 2025
On March 8, 2025, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys' baseball team played a tough match against the Trinity Classical Academy (Trinity) team. Though they ended up losing 6-1, the Foothill Tech team remained competitive throughout the game, showing strong teamwork and resilience.

Recap: Baseball takes their second loss of the season to Trinity Classical Academy

Ian Toreja, Reporter
March 11, 2025
On March 1, 2025, Foothill Technology Highschool (Foothill Tech) faced off versus Saint Monica Preparatory (St. Monica) in their first home game of the season. Shane White grips (number 10) his bat and digs into the left batters box in hopes of getting on base and extending their lead. After a strong game, the Dragons swept the competition 4-0.

Foothill Tech’s baseball shuts out St. Monica in home opener

Ian Toreja, Reporter
March 4, 2025
Curren Wiggins '26 (number 13) and Elijah Haigh '25 (number 15) leap to block a spike from Bishop Diego High School (Bishop Diego) during their volleyball match. Despite the block, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) couldn’t secure a win, losing 0-3. The team played with heart and intensity, refusing to back down. While Bishop Diego's offense triumphed, Foothill Tech’s defense showed resilience and determination throughout the game.

Boys volleyball swept in first league match against Bishop Diego

Ian Toreja, Reporter
February 23, 2025
As the league seasons come to a close, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) had multiple teams advance into California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section playoffs. With both boys and girls basketball and boys soccer finishing top-three in league, they advanced deep into playoffs, successfully representing their school and the Dragon spirit.

Sports Retrospective: Winter CIF Playoffs

Conor White, Peyton Fox, and Ian Toreja
February 20, 2025
After securing second place in league with a 6-2 record, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls basketball team embarked on their journey through California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Playoffs. With a 48-31 win over Pacifica Christian High School, the Dragons moved on to round two facing off against Tesoro High School (Tesoro) on Feb. 15, 2025. In this photo, Lauren Kaller '25 (number 0) drives past her defender toward the basket, determined to make a successful play on offense. Kaller put up 10 points and had many defensive stops and steals.

Girls basketball falls in the second round of CIF to Tesoro

Ian Toreja, Reporter
February 20, 2025
The phrase "Fear the D" has circulated campus, with many not knowing its origins. Used in sports chants, the daily announcements, and more, this chant has gained popularity, impacting the culture of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech).

The history of “Fear the D”

Audrey Szijj, Ian Toreja, and Ruby Jenkins
February 12, 2025
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. 23, 2025 Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) faced off against a league opponent Cate School (Cate) at the Ventura Aquatic Center. Lauren Happel '26 (number 12) scans the pool for an open teammate to give her team an advantage. Happel grips the ball tightly as her defender closes in and delivers a swift pass which later results in a score for Foothill Tech.

Girls water polo defeats Cate, 7-5 on Senior Night

Ian Toreja, Reporter
February 3, 2025
On Jan. 14, 2025, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) Dragons faced off against the St. Bonaventure Seraphs. Pictured above, Siena Meter '26 drives down the sideline in hopes of passing the ball into scoring position.

Girls soccer falls in a 0-2 dogfight against St. Bonaventure

Ian Toreja, Reporter
January 17, 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.

Girls basketball thrashed by Santa Paula in 50-33 loss

Ian Toreja, Reporter
December 21, 2024
Coming into the game with the record of 1-6 and the desire to win, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys basketball team faced off against Santa Clara High School. The Dragons worked together cohesively to secure a 53-44 win against their opponents. Pictured above, Nick Turner ‘26 (number 5) drives down the court with the intention of scoring a basket. Although his defender was able to catch up, Turner, unrelenting, goes up for the layup as his defender flies by.

Boys basketball outlasts Santa Clara in 53-44 victory

Ian Toreja, Reporter
December 9, 2024
On Nov. 25, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys basketball team played against Channel Islands High School (Channel Islands). Launching into the air with ball in hand, Enzo Rivera' 27 (number 35) looks to make a layup as half time approaches. Rivera's height and strength helped him make multiple layups thought the game.

Boys basketball falls short to Channel Islands in heart-breaking loss

Ian Toreja, Reporter
November 28, 2024
Aiden Cumming ’25 receives Athlete of the Week for his ongoing remarkable boys water polo season, where he has displayed exceptional leadership and skill as one of the captains of the water polo team. The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all his hard work in representing the school.

Athlete of the Week: Aiden Cumming

Ian Toreja, Reporter
November 11, 2024
On the night of Oct. 4, 2024, Buena High School (Buena) and Ventura High School (Ventura) faced off in their annual rival game. These players ready themselves before the snap. Both teams fought hard, but Ventura secured the victory, 34-20.

Ventura beats Buena in annual rivalry game

Ian Toreja and Kyra Bouchard
October 5, 2024
Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) varsity girls volleyball team huddles during a time out before winning the second match against Ventura County Christian School on Sept. 20, 2024. The players talk and continue to play with determination to secure the win.

Girls volleyball cruise to victory against VCCS

Ian Toreja, Reporter
September 23, 2024
Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) varsity girls volleyball team gathers in a huddle moments before starting the game against Villanova Preparatory School (Villanova) on Sept. 10, 2024. Team Captains Morgan Houston '25 and Channing McClure '25 gather with teammates to encourage and strategize with their team.

Girls volleyball swept in first league match against Villanova

Ian Toreja, Reporter
September 12, 2024
Aditi Shanbhag ‘25 prepares to return the ball, hoping to win the point. She later went on to win all of her sets 6-0, securing three points for the Dragon's tally.

Girls tennis performs flawlessly against Buena 17-1

Ian Toreja, Reporter
August 30, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls basketball had an exceptionally good season, tying for first place with St. Bonaventure High School (Bonnie) in the Tri-Valley league, with a record of 7-1 and an overall record of 12-12. Team captains, Petra Falcocchia ‘24 and Lauren Kaller ‘25, led the team into the California Scholastic Federation (CIF) Division 3AA playoffs, where they made it to the second round and finished their season strong.

Girls basketball

Ian Toreja, Reporter
June 11, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls softball placed fifth in the Tri-Valley league with a record of 0-8 and an overall record of 4-14. Team captains Lauren Fossati ‘25 and Tiffany Martinez ‘24, led the team through the season.

Softball

Ian Toreja, Reporter
June 11, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls water polo team had an overall record of 4-10 and 0-2 in the Tri-Valley League. Team captains, Stephanie Botello ‘24 and Emily Vasquez ‘24, led the team to finish the season strong.

Girls water polo

Ian Toreja, Reporter
June 11, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) baseball placed first in the Frontier league with an undefeated record of 6-0 and an overall record of 14-12-1. Team captains, Adam Arth ‘24 and Russell Brown ‘24, led the team to round one in California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) division seven playoffs.

Baseball

Ian Toreja, 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
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
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
With the season at stake for Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), Aidan Gomez '25 puts pressure on his opponent leading up to the final innings of the game. Resulting in multiple stolen bases and home for Gomez, he helped his team and kept the dragons in the game.

Baseball falls in first round of CIF to Mary Star of the Sea

Ian Toreja, Reporter
May 6, 2024
The movie "Dune: Part Two" was released on March 1, 2024 as a sequel to "Dune: Part One". This movie is a finisher to the adaptation of the first Dune book, continuing protagonist Paul Atreides' story. The movie released to critical acclaim from both critics and the general public alike, and with the development of a third addition to the series, confirmed by Legendary Pictures, there is excitement by fans for the continuation of the series.

“Dune: Part Two” is an epic spectacle for a sequel

Ian Toreja, Reporter
May 5, 2024
Foothill Technology High School’s starting lineup heads out to the field to warm up for the start of the first inning. The team talks strategy to prepare for their league game against Grace Brethren High School.

Boys’ baseball trashes Grace Brethren 10-3 at home

Ian Toreja, Reporter
April 19, 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.

[Photo] Foothill Tech makes waves at dual meet

Dane Dodos, Reporter
April 15, 2024
In a close game against Bishop Diego High School (Bishop Diego) on Feb. 27, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) suffered an unfortunate loss. Fans were on the edges of their seat as Foothill Tech fiercely battled every second of the game.

Boys’ volleyball lets lead slip in 3-2 loss against Bishop Diego

Ian Toreja, Reporter
February 29, 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.

[Photo] Kelvin Kiptum’s inspirational legacy

Dane Dodos, Reporter
February 26, 2024
As the first half came to an end, Eva Goncalves '25 (number 15), Eden Billings '24 (number 5) and Maddie Wicks '26 (number 2) ran toward the team huddle, rethinking their gameplay and coming up with ideas on how to improve for the second half.

Girls’ soccer falls to Thousand Oaks in the first round of CIF

Ian Toreja, Reporter
February 12, 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
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls waterpolo matched up against Villanova Preparatory School (Villanova) in a highly anticipated match to honor their seniors. Foothill Tech started off strong by winning the initial sprint to the ball, followed by immediate goals from Lauren Happle ‘26 and Alice Costa-Schmidt ‘25. That intensity was continued throughout the whole game as Foothill Tech finished with a winning score of 21-7.

Girls’ water polo dominates Villanova on Senior Night 21-7

Ian Toreja, Reporter
February 4, 2024
On Jan. 11, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls' basketball team played against Santa Clara High School (Santa Clara) in a league match. The Dragons won with a score of 46-26. In this photo, Petra Falcocchia '24 (number 23) got fouled and lines up for two free throw attempts.

Girls’ basketball triumphs against Santa Clara 46-26

Ian Toreja, Reporter
January 16, 2024
On Jan. 4, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls’ basketball team played against St. Bonaventure High School (Bonnie) in a league game. The Dragons won with a score of 49-32.

Girls’ basketball outlasts St. Bonaventure in 49-32 win

Ian Toreja, Reporter
January 7, 2024
On Dec. 18, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys’ basketball team faced a tough loss against Newbury Park High School (Newbury) in a non-league game with a score of 39-50.

Boys’ basketball endures a hard fought loss against Newbury

Ian Toreja, Reporter
December 21, 2023
On Dec. 12, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls’ basketball faced a difficult loss to Cabrillo High School (Cabrillo) with a score of 33-46. Janae Dixon ‘24 (number 22) jumps over her opponent to shoot a layup.

Girls’ basketball suffers tough loss at the hands of Cabrillo in home opener

Ian Toreja, Reporter
December 13, 2023
Students are making the final stretch as winter break approaches. Tune into this episode of the FDP-TV to learn about upcoming spirit weeks, the winter sports' season and articles to keep an eye out for!

FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 7

Jenna Ostrom, Nisha Reddy, Ailanie Martinez, Chance Leandro, Ian Toreja, and Camilla Lewis
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
On the night of Nov. 17, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boy's varsity basketball endured a tough loss to Buena High School (Buena), 73-30. In the photo, the Dragons meet in a timeout, ready to jump back into the game and turn the tide.

Boys’ basketball trampled by Buena in aggressive contest

Ian Toreja, Reporter
November 19, 2023
Ashlyn Mullin '24 receives the first Athlete of the Week for her phenomenal 2023 volleyball season, and her leadership as team captain. The Foothill Technology High School community appreciates all her hard work in representing the school.

Athlete of the week: Ashlyn Mullin

Ian Toreja, Reporter
October 19, 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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Ian Toreja