How to resolve AdBlock issue? Most memorable Nordhoff boys’ basketball games revisited
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- Published: Wednesday, 25 November 2020 09:03
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Two of Nordhoff High School’s most successful boys’ basketball teams played in 1966-1967 and 1983-1984.
Remembering some of Ojai's best athletic competitions
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- Published: Friday, 20 November 2020 09:22
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Players like (clockwise from top left) Jeff Coburn, Shawn Andrews, Tommy Hajduk, and Devlin Thomas helped lead the Nordhoff High School golf program to great heights for more than a 10-year stretch. During that period, the Rangers took part in some thrilling matches and tournaments.
With local sports still on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ojai Valley News continues to honor the rich history and tradition of some of Ojai’s proud athletic programs. In this series, we will highlight some of the most memorable games and competitions according to former players, coaches, administrators and fans. If you would like to share your memories of an athletic contest, please send your information and photos to sports editor Mike Miller at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In our first feature, we highlight the Nordhoff High School boys’ golf program and some of their most memorable tournaments.
Wells expected to be a force for VPS
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- Published: Friday, 20 November 2020 09:20
Ojai Valley News photo by Holly Roberts
When student athletes at Villanova Preparatory School return to the field of play, there are a number of players local sports fans should keep an eye on. According to VPS athletic director, Tim Settem, one such player is standout senior Grace Wells (center).
Soule Park Men's Club competes in match play
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- Published: Friday, 20 November 2020 09:19
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
The Soule Park Men’s Club enjoyed views like this one from the first tee at their home course on Nov. 14 when they took part in their annual Turkey Shoot Match Play event.
Koester hopes to expand role in 2021
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- Published: Friday, 13 November 2020 09:07
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff High School senior Noah Koester looks to escape a couple of Glenn High School defenders in last season’s CIF playoffs. Koester and his teammates are hoping to make the most of the 2021 season, which has been placed on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
As a junior, Nordhoff High School running back Noah Koester was a threat every time he touched the ball. Koester ran for 279 yards and three touchdowns, while catching 17 passes for 301 yards and two scores.
Villanova Prep volleyball gearing up for action
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- Published: Friday, 13 November 2020 09:06
Ojai Valley News photo by Holly Roberts
The Villanova Prep volleyball program recently returned to the court, but it is not the type of court they are normally used to. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Lady Wildcats are practicing but they are using the outdoor tennis courts for their early practice sessions, rather than being inside.
Rice aces 14 at the Inn
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- Published: Friday, 13 November 2020 09:04
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Lois Rice, the reigning women’s club champion at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, used a driver on the 152-yard par 3 14th hole to hit a hole in one on Nov. 5.
Ranger football continues offseason work
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- Published: Friday, 13 November 2020 09:04
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
With the Thanksgiving break quickly approaching, the Nordhoff High School football program continues to get in work ahead of its upcoming season. On this play, senior Jeremy Stout gets free of junior Dylan Stone and gets ready to haul in a pass.
Nordhoff’s Frazier hopes to end volleyball career on winning note
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- Published: Friday, 06 November 2020 09:57
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff High School’s star middle blocker, Sasha Frazier, hammers a ball past the Santa Paula Cardinals in a match last season. Frazier, now a senior, is looking to cap her athletic career with another CIF State Championship run.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
When you talk to Nordhoff High School senior Sasha Frazier, you get the sense she is destined for great things. Frazier is a force on the volleyball court for the Lady Rangers and has the awards, honors and credentials to prove it, but her long term goals have very little to do with athletics.
Nordhoff High School junior linebacker doing his family name proud
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- Published: Friday, 06 November 2020 09:52
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Last season Zac Sheets (No. 23) led the Rangers in tackles as a sophomore. On this play, Sheets stalks San Marcos Royal quarterback Ben Partee in a nonleague game that Nordhoff won 34-22.
Shane Kelly, Ojai Valley News contributor
As the summer weather begins to chill, and leaves begin to fall that means one thing: high school football is right around the corner. Nordhoff High School is looking to build off of their 7-4 season a year ago and to do so, they must turn towards linebacker Zac Sheets.
Beaty hopes productive offseason pays off this season
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- Published: Friday, 30 October 2020 09:46
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff High School senior Trent Beaty (center) prepares to hike the football to quarterback Leeram Stone in a playoff game last season. Beaty has been named a team captain for the upcoming season and has had a big offseason, leading to high expectations this year.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
When Nordhoff High School head football coach talks about senior lineman Trent Beaty, you can hear the excitement in his voice. “Trent looks like a grown man on the field right now. He has put on about 20 pounds of muscle since last season and he is the real deal out there,” said Wiggins.
Nordhoff MVP Johnson sharpening sand game
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- Published: Thursday, 22 October 2020 15:02
Ojai Valley News photos by Ken Brown
Citrus Coast League MVP Ashley Johnson shows off her aerial skills against St. Bonaventure last season.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
Last season, Nordhoff High School’s Ashley Johnson helped the Lady Rangers volleyball team to an impressive 34-4 record and she was named the Citrus Coast League’s Most Valuable Player as a sophomore. Now Johnson is entering her junior season and she is hoping to cash in on another great year.
VPS volleyball program gets new leader
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- Published: Thursday, 22 October 2020 15:00
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Former Buena High School star and current Oak View resident Lauren Griffin was recently named head coach of the girls’ volleyball program at Villanova Preparatory School.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
Villanova Preparatory School athletic director Tim Settem recently announced the hiring of Lauren Griffin to lead the school’s girls volleyball program. “We are still getting her settled, but we are thrilled to have her and I’m really looking forward to seeing what she can do with the program,” said Settem.
Ojai Valley News to feature local competitive athletes
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- Published: Thursday, 22 October 2020 14:58
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
In anticipation of high school athletics returning, the Ojai Valley News will be featuring some student-athletes local fans should keep an eye on this winter and spring. If you have a favorite athlete you would like to see features, contact sports editor Mike Miller at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Villanova sports gradually returning to practice
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- Published: Friday, 16 October 2020 10:09
Ojai Valley News photo by Holly Roberts
The Villanova Prep girls’ water polo team gets in some solid pool time as they gear up for their upcoming season. Each player had her own lane to ensure social distancing and the school is taking all precautions to ensure player and coach safety.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
The Villanova Preparatory School water polo teams have waited a long time to return to the pool but they are finally in full conditioning mode; and head coach and athletic director Tim Settem could not be happier.
Monson thankful for return to gridiron
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- Published: Friday, 16 October 2020 10:07
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff football star Kaden Monson (left) looks to break away from a San Marcos Royal defender in a game last season. Monson was Nordhoff’s top wide receiver last year and he is hoping to have another great showing this winter when the Rangers return to the gridiron.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
When your father is also your high school principal, you know the meaning of pressure. Nordhoff High School football standout Kaden Monson is the son of NHS principal Dave Monson, but having his father as the leader of the school is something that doesn’t bother the younger Monson.