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

Kyra Bouchard, Sports Editor

Class of ‘27 | Sports section editor who enjoy sports and writing, perf.

All content by Kyra Bouchard
Karina Garcia started her swim at 1 a.m. in pure darkness. The swim was very isolating for her; she couldn't hear or see anything. In her words, she had to "get her mind right". Even in the dark, Garcia was able to see the darkness as a sense of peace to ease her mind throughout the swim. She captured moments such as feedings and the sun coming up as time passed by. Garcia expected and prepared herself to be in the water for 20 hours; she finished in almost 6 hours ahead of her expectations.

[Photo] Karina Garcia: Role model and record breaker

Peyton Fox, Reporter
October 20, 2025
On the night of Oct. 3, 2025, Buena High School (Buena) and Ventura High School (Ventura) clashed in their annual rivalry game under the lights. Both teams battled with intensity and pride, but Ventura’s dominant performance on both sides of the ball led to a decisive 62-13 victory, continuing their strong season and school tradition. Pictured here, is Jack Cunningham ’26 (number 3) leaps up in the air reaching for the ball over two buena defenders.

Ventura beats Buena in cross-town rivalry football game

Kyra Bouchard and Dane Dodos
October 4, 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
Grace Canavar '29 (number 9) setting for Fiona Holt '28 (number 5) in an attempt to score on The Thatcher School (Thatcher), Fiona prepares to score in a game that was eventually won by Foothill Technology Highschool(Foothill), throughout the game these two players displayed tremendous effort and athleticism showing how much this sport means to them.

Setting the Tone

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
September 27, 2025
Jason Dinkler has made his presence known not only as athletic director this school year but for the past 22 years on campus at Foothill Technology High School. Dinkler previously taught English for 22 years, coached cross country and track & field for 11 years. This year, upon taking this new position, Dinkler stepped down from his position as an English teacher and cross country coach to settle into his new normal. Upon the spring season, Dinkler will resume as the track & field coach for the Dragons. Athletic director is not Dinklers only new position this school year, he has taken up the job to coach the girls tennis team as the fall season continues. Dinkler is much more than just an athletic director, but an advocate and mentor for dragon athletes.

The Next Level: Jason Dinkler takes on Foothill Tech Athletics

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
September 24, 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
The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys' golf team performed well throughout the 2024 to 2025 school year, with a record of 6 players qualifying for league finals and the opportunity to take a spot in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rounds. The overall outcome of the boys' 2024 to 2025 golfing season highlighted the teams' dedication to the sport, leaving the remaining players to carry on the legacy of success for future years.

Boys Golf

Kyra Bouchard, Assignment Editor
June 7, 2025
The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) baseball team did well throughout the full length of the 2024 to 2025 season, going 15-14, and ultimately placing 2nd in the Tri-Valley League, being beaten only by Saint Bonaventure High School (St. Bonnie). The Dragons also advanced to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs in their season, displaying the teams talent and dedication to the sport.

Baseball

Kyra Bouchard, Assignment Editor
June 7, 2025
Ben Markov ’27 receives Athlete of the Week for his ongoing remarkable boys golf season, where he has displayed exceptional leadership and skills as one of the top performing players on the team. The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all his hard work in representing the school.

Athlete of the Week: Ben Markov

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
May 10, 2025
On April 26, 2025, the anticipated prom was held at The Majestic Ventura Theater to welcome students for their night of an "Enchanted Forest Prom." Each student was checked in and welcomed by the Associative Student Body (ASB) where they received wrist bands and were directed towards coat check. The venue was decorated with vines and flowers to leave the Dragons feeling "enchanted" throughout their night.

[Photo] Dragons enjoy an enchanted night at Prom 2025

Viggo Bortolin, Reporter
April 27, 2025
On the night of April 17, 2025, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys volleyball team hosted one of the their last home games against Laguna Blanca School (Laguna) to close out their regular season play. In honor of their seniors, they held a ceremony at the beginning of the night. Each senior, Tyler Nelsen '25 (number 8), Elijah Haigh '25 (number 15), Trent Kirby '25 (number 9), Jack Marshall '25 (number 5) and Jayden Wallace '25 (number 7), were given the opportunity to take a photo with family members and the Dragon mascot to celebrate their time playing for Foothill Tech. They ended the intense match with a 3-2 win and made it into post-season play or the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs.

Boys volleyball’s winning streak qualifies them for CIF playoffs

Kyra Bouchard and Peyton Fox
April 21, 2025
On April. 15, 2025, Foothill Technology (Foothill Tech) boys volleyball faced off against Providence School. This was a very rapid match, as Foothill Tech secured all three sets in one swoop. In the image above, the team huddles together during a timeout, preparing for the following sets. Coach Dave Benedik urges the team to keep up the good work, continuing to communicate, work on their serves, and watch any hands to the net.

Boys volleyball triumphs over Providence in a 3-0 sweep

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
April 19, 2025
Foothill Technology freshman Beau Anderson (number 2) and Yannick Colin (number 15) lead out their 800m heat in a strong line.

Track and Field take on Don Green and Spartan Relays

Dane Dodos and Kyra Bouchard
March 17, 2025
Malia Mowad ’27 receives Athlete of the Week for her ongoing remarkable girls basketball season, where she has displayed exceptional leadership and skills as one of the starting five players on the girls basketball team. The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all her hard work in representing the school.

Athlete of the Week: Malia Mowad

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
March 13, 2025
On Feb. 25, 2025, Foothill Technology (Foothill Tech) boys volleyball faced off against Cate School (Cate). Taking place at Cabrillo Middle School, Foothill Tech's own terrain, the match began at 6 p.m. Unfortunately, this second home game of the season ended in a 3-1 loss. Foothill Tech secured the first set, yet fell to Cate in the last three. In the image above, the team gathers in a tight huddle during a timeout, strategizing for the following sets. Coach Dave Benedik urges the team to communicate more efficiently, as many lost points were attributed to a lack of communication on passes and set balls. The team listens intently, hoping to garner more points as they return to their positions on the court.

Boys volleyball takes a loss in their second home game of the season

Kyra Bouchard and Peyton Fox
February 28, 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
The Wave Acai Bowl instantly catches an eye with its bright blue acai, bright and slimy kiwi, fresh blueberries as well as the addition of cut up banana. This bowl did not quite meet my expectations and the flavor surprised me as it was full of mango's. This super sweet tropical bowl left my taste buds stung, I rate it a 7/10 only because of the overwhelming sweetness which didn't match my personal liking.

Exploring downtown Ventura’s coastal cuisines at Palm and Boy

Kyra Bouchard, Kalea Eggertsen, and Lyla Huff
February 2, 2025
Aidan Gomez ‘25 (number 10) is pictured here posing with his mother on his honorable night of celebration. Tons of Foothill Tech students gathered in the stands of the gym inside Ventra college to support their school's basketball team. Staff, family, friends and students all celebrated an amazing night watching the Dragons win to send off the seniors in their second to last game of the season.

Foothill Tech boys basketball clutches a landslide victory on Senior Night

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
February 2, 2025
Addison "Addi" Fallon ’25 receives Athlete of the Week for her ongoing remarkable girls soccer season, where she has displayed exceptional leadership and skills as one of the captains on the girls soccer team. The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all her hard work in representing the school.

Athlete of the week: Addi Fallon

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
January 30, 2025
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.

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

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
December 14, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) has built its athletics department from the ground up. Over the years, the school has been able to secure many awards, including several California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) awards.

Growth in Foothill Tech’s athletics

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
December 2, 2024
Bella Efner ’25 receives Athlete of the Week for her ongoing remarkable girls cross country season, where she has displayed exceptional leadership and skill as one of the senior runners on the team. The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all her hard work in representing the school.

Athlete of the Week: Isabella Efner

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
November 19, 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
Aliana Hantgin '25 (number 3), Lilac Reyes '26 (number 6) and Leilani Wallace '28 (number 11) prepare to pass the ball during the intense match against Bishop Garcia Diego High School (Bishop Diego) that took place on Sept. 24, 2024. Each player was ready with determination to help their team attempt to come back.

Girls volleyball loses battle against Bishop Diego

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
September 28, 2024
Fiona Holt '28 (number 8), Aliana Hantgin '25 (number 3), Emily Turner '26 (number 4) and Maya Adams '28 (number 10) once again celebrate a fatiguing rally after securing a point with a tip over the net, while the rival team unsuccessfully saved the ball from hitting the ground.

Girls volleyball faces cross town rivals St. Bonaventure

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
September 14, 2024
On Aug. 22, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) faced off against Rio Mesa High School (Rio Mesa) in their first home game of the year. Maya Adams '28 (number 10) blocks a spike from the Spartans. Although only a freshman, she has contributed to the Dragons on both offense and defense.

Foothill Tech girls volleyball secures their first win of the season versus Rio Mesa

Kyra Bouchard and Peyton Fox
August 24, 2024
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Kyra Bouchard