How to resolve AdBlock issue? Taking the future by the reins
Photo by Holly Casner
Caspian Ellis and her horse Cassou jump in a recent competition.
Olivia Brown, Ojai Valley News contributor
It’s hard to figure out where Ojai Valley School senior Caspian Ellis finds the time. She takes a deep breath, mounts the horse, fills out college applications, and tackles the hardships of being a high school student all in one day.
Albertsen continues to eye the prize
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Nordhoff senior Morgan Albertsen continues to work out in her backyard with the hopes her 2020 softball season will resume at some point this spring.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
Nordhoff High School senior Morgan Albertsen has played varsity softball since she was a freshman. While she started in the outfield, her first love has always been pitching but the Lady Rangers had a future Hall of Fame pitcher on the rubber in Mo Wimpee.
“I like the outfield and I wanted to be out there helping my team, but there is something about pitching that I just love. I want the ball in my hand every play but with Mo on the team, I knew I had to wait my turn,” said Albertsen.
Local youth baseball league in court battle
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
A lawsuit was filed by Oak View Little League, Inc., (doing business as Ojai Valley Little League) against the Ojai Valley Baseball League (“Pony League”) on March 13.
OVLL is suing to restrain the Pony League from using the Oak Dell Fields at Oak View Park.
Unprecedented times for local sports
Ojai Valley News photos by Ken Brown
Normally bustling with activity in the spring, the Nordhoff High School pool and Ojai Valley Community Stadium track are completely void of any practices or competitions for the foreseeable future.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
The COVID-19 virus sent shockwaves through the world of sports when Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. Almost immediately professional sports leagues suspended play and the NCAA was quick to follow.
Seemingly overnight the sports world came to a complete stop, including our local high school sports.
Local water polo teams collect all-league honors
Ojai Valley News photo by Holly Roberts
Senior Dana Gramckow earned all-Tri-Valley League honors this season for Villanova Prep.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
This winter the Nordhoff High School girls water polo team had solid showing, going 4-4 in Citrus Coast League play and earning a spot in the CIF Southern Section Division 7 playoffs. Once the Lady Rangers hit the pool in the postseason they defeated Summit High School in the opening round of the tournament but ended up falling in the second round to a tough El Rancho High School squad, 12-8.
Freshman season concludes for Wimpee
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Former Nordhoff High School softball star Sydnie “Mo” Wimpee was starting to get playing time for the Purdue Boilermakers until the Big 10 announced it would suspend all athletic related activity through the end of the academic year.
Ojai Valley Aces succumb to Simi Wildpack
Photo submitted
Justice Martin chases down a wide shot in Sunday’s Junior Team Tennis match against Simi Wildpack’s Brenna Whelan. Martin eventually lost the set against top-ranked Whelan, 8-3.
In Junior Team Tennis action March 8 at Libbey Park, the Ojai Valley Aces 18 and under division hosted the Simi Wildpack team. Despite hard-fought wins by singles players Bella Moga, who won in a tie breaker 8-7 (7-2) and new team member Emily Dahl, who clinched her singles set 8-5, the Aces lost to first place Simi, 44 to 28. The Aces are now in second place behind Simi in the league. The league is part of USTA's Junior Team Tennis program.
Prep soccer players earn postseason honors
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff High School senior Audrey Carroll (right) was solid in the net for the Lady Rangers this season and as a result earned first team all-Citrus Coast League honors.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
The Ojai Valley saw plenty of exciting high school soccer action this winter and several area players have earned all-league honors for their play in the pitch.
Rangers volleyball splits with Ventura opponents
The Nordhoff boys’ volleyball team recently defeated Ventura High, 3-1 (29-27, 20-25, 25-20 and 25-22). “This was a huge team win while we're missing three key players to the musical performance and injuries,” said head coach Robert Stratton. Brody Broumand led the team with 18 kills, 14 digs, and 4 aces while Kaden Gard had 8 kills, 2 blocks, and an ace. Hunter Thomas contributed to the win with 25 digs.
Local baseball teams ready to play despite rain
Photo by Misty Hall
Ojai Valley School sophomore Brody Moller makes a diving catch, with pitcher Ryan Farrell providing backup, in OVS's non-league matchup against Villanova last week. The Wildcats took the victory, 9-5, despite a good showing from the OVS Spud bats
ORD basketball title goes down to the wire
Photo by Tom Moore
On March 7, the Ojai Recreation Department 7th and 8th grade boys’ basketball championship was up for grabs as Team Plague and the Splash Brothers battled for the top prize. An enthusiastic crowd was treated to an exciting game that was not decided until the fourth quarter. Ultimately, the talented Team Plague crew emerged victorious thanks to some clutch free throw shooting by Apolo Madrigal.
Local rowers earn gold in Long Beach
Photo submitted
The Casitas Rowing team attended the Cal Cup Regatta in Long Beach last weekend and they saw great results across the team, including the women’s freshman quad who won gold. The team is made up of (left to right): Ruby Lacques, Kaylee Godwin, Lottie Peters, JJ Morris and Charlotte Kuzela.
Nordhoff softball adjusting on the fly
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff senior Zoe Damianos (No. 62) will be one of the team’s top returners this spring.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
Last season the Nordhoff High School softball team made school history by winning its first-ever CIF championship in that sport. After losing a handful of key contributors to graduation, the Lady Rangers spent the offseason gearing up for another run at a title – but then head coach Don Rodarte was notified some of his returning players decided to play lacrosse instead of softball.
Siple earns Rotary honors
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Wyatt Siple, a student Mira Monte Elementary School, was honored by the Rotary Club of Ojai for his positive attitude and stellar sportsmanship.
The Rotary Club of Ojai recently honored Wyatt Siple as its Physical Education Project Student of the Month. The presentation was made by Rotarian Bill Hatch. Mira Monte Elementary School Principal Katherine White explained to the group why Siple was selected for the honor.