FVHS surf team devastates Marina toward season’s end

By Brent Frederisy

The cliffs set the stage for Fountain Valley surf team’s final individual competition against Marina, where FVHS emerged triumphant 78 to 69 on Tuesday.

Though the surf was small and broke close to shore, the enthusiasm of the competitors was not stifled by this and they charged into the water for a very close opening heat.

“The first heat is always vital. When you can get good scores in the first heat, it helps set the pace for the rest of the competition,” said Nathan Davis. (‘15)

Heat one ended neck-and-neck, but Marina was just one point ahead from placing first in the heat. Barons secured second, third and sixth place. Competition continued apace, with both teams at each other’s throats.

By the end of the fourth heat the score was tied 42-42. Fountain Valley pulled ahead during heat five with Eric Tello (‘15), Jonathan Holbrook (‘15), and Cairo (‘14) dominating the competition and placing first, second and fourth, setting the Barons on a seven point lead.

Marina was a match for Fountain Valley, but in the end came up short by nine points.

“They lost a couple of their really good surfers, so we caught up,” said Eric Tello (‘15). “We got good placings in every heat.”

Tello, along with Kaden Bruner (‘14) and Jonathan Hoyt (‘15) placed first in their heats, while 10 students placed second and third.

“Working hard and surfing the best we can,” said head coach David Rorden about the key to victory. “Marina isn’t one of the toughest teams to beat, but they do have a lot of good surfers. It was close, but we did it.”

With one final tournament in December to adjourn the surf season, the team is beginning to reflect and wrap-up on this season.

“We’ve had a solid season,” said Dustin Santana (‘15). “Everything’s been pretty fun and I’ve been enjoying it. I’m really blessed to be on the surf team—I’m very fortunate to go in the water every morning before school.”