By Patric Hedlund

Watch out. Two new Falcon logos and a campaign to celebrate a bright new culture of academic opportunity for students at Frazier Mountain High School are being unveiled this month.

New principal Anthony Saba is bringing his quick and communicative personal style to the task of tackling challenges at the sometimes-troubled, but always-promising, school.

And speaking of ‘tackling,’ the Phoenix-like athletic program at FMHS-slated just three months ago to be cut from the budget completely-is now fielding both varsity and junior varsity teams under new coach William ‘Wild Bill’ Shillig. Volleyball is also running fulltilt toward a new championship season.

"We need to get this town working together like they do in Texas, with everyone coming out for our kids to the games and cheering them on to victory," Cliff Coleman of Frazier Park said after the "Blue and White" exhibition fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 26.

Coleman is the proud grandfather of varsity tight end and defensive back Patrick Moulder.

Simultaneously, on the academic front, new Advance Placement offerings include AP English 12 for seniors and AP U.S. History for juniors. These prepare students "for what is being taught in leading-edge college and university courses," an AP guide explains, and can provide college course credit.

"It also looks great on a transcript and students receive a GPA ‘bump’ as well," Principal Saba said.

Performing Arts Program

In the arts, an initiative from former FMHS drama teacher Kat Fair and the Mountain Shakespeare Festival will establish a new afterschool performing arts program, with FMHS teacher Shannon Norris serving as the advisor. In the Wings Dance Studio will also participate, Crystal Adams said.

The Old Time Radio Theater troupe will offer “laughs, laughs and more laughs” with scripts from favorites such as Flash Gordon “in an evening of innocent fun for the whole family,” Kat Fair said.

The show is a benefit for the new performing arts program at FMHS this Saturday, Sept. 3, 8 p.m. at the Pine Mountain Village gazebo.

“It’s better than Prairie Home Companion,” Ventura fan Missy Helms said. “I am changing my weekend plans to bring my family to see it,” she added.

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Pumped and Cheering

The team was pumped and the fans were cheering at this year’s Blue and White exhibition game fundraiser for the Booster Club and Falcon football teams Friday, Aug. 26 at Frazier Mountain High School.

There was plenty of action for all to enjoy.

The high school’s football players were split into two teams which played each other for an exciting night full of fun.

Both teams played hard, but at the end of the night, the White team was on top with a score of 18-6.

“We definitely need work, but we have gotten two full teams full of guys who want to play ball. I’m glad that we are having a season [this year] and happy that the community is coming out here to support us,” said Coach Bill Shillig.

The four players who scored touchdowns were Patrick Moulder, Isaac Shillig and Forrest Pohl for White and Marquis Hunt for Blue.

“I’m looking forward to the season with our improved team and hope to have a greater outcome than last year,” said Hunt.

Also new to the team this year is Dr. Robert Martinez, the new team doctor. “This is the first time in at least six years that this team has had a doctor, so I was happy to volunteer,” he said.

The season’s first home game will be Friday, Sept. 9. It is against Vasquez High School, which last year went to playoffs after winning 10 and losing 2 in High Desert League play. It is expected to be a great game, as the Falcons, with their new coach, rebound from last year’s season of 10 losses.

“I’m very optimistic about this game,” said Shane Ryan, a varsity left guard and defensive end. “Our team has high hopes and we will do our best to win.”

—By Tony Levesque,
Mountain Enterprise Intern

 Falcon Athletic Schedule—Come on out to support the teams!

Friday, Sept. 2

• Varsity Football: At View Park. 7 p.m. JV 4 p.m.
• Varsity Volleyball: At Highland TBA

Saturday, Sept. 3

• Varsity Volleyball: At Highland TBA
• JV Volleyball: At Garces TBA

Thursday, Sept. 8

• Varsity Volleyball: Home Tournament TBA

Friday, Sept. 9 See You There!

• Varsity Football: Home vs. Vasquez 7 p.m. JV plays at 4 p.m.
• Varsity Volleyball: Home tournament TBA

Saturday, Sept. 10

• Varsity Volleyball: Home tournament TBA’
• JV Volleyball: At Shafter TBA

Wednesday, Sept. 14

• Varsity Volleyball: Home vs. Desert Christian 5:30 p.m. JV 4 p.m.

This is part of the September 02, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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