Dave Ficke

As school is getting ready to start at Rim of the World High School, the Fall sports programs are well underway. On a recent warm summer day, I took a walk to the field to speak with the senior girls of Flag Football. Kylie Ayala, Zoe Loguidice, Marilyn Miranda and Priscilla Chavez, are this year's seniors of the Fighting Scots Girls Flag Football Team. I asked each athlete why she is playing football, a traditional male sport. First Kalie responded: “I enjoy it very much. It's something I can escape from and feel, and I always have a good time.” Then Zoe: “I love being outside and playing well with my friends.” Marilyn said, “I'm playing football ‘cause it's been in my family. So I was excited when they [started] a flag football [program].” Finally Pricilla, chimed in: “Because it's one of my favorite sports.” When asked if she watches football on the weekend, she responded, “Yes.” Her favorite pro team? “The Seahawks, currently.”

Wasn't it just yesterday that the Rim of the World High School class of 2025 was waving their caps in celebration as they marched off the field? Yet today we saw a blue Jeep sporting a sign which read, “Goodbye, Going to School in Hawaii,” Wow!! Where has summer gone?

Last Friday August 21st, the Fighting Scots hosted the Saints of Xavier High School in their first preseason varsity football matchup. In addition, the recent inductees to the 2026 Rim Hall of Fame were honored before the game started. Each member was recognized individually as well as their picture was displayed on the scoreboard.

On Saturday August 22nd the Rim Athletic Association (RAA) held their third Hall of Fame induction and dinner at the San Moritz Lodge. More than 100 attended the ceremony and dinner to honor this year's inductees, Margaret Dickson, Scott Chapman, Tim Steele, Dave Ochs, Frank Gradillas, Bobby Gradillas and the 1976 CIF Football Team. Shelly Black, President of Rim Athletic Association welcomed everyone and dinner was served. Zac Black was the Master of Ceremonies of the evening.

One of the fun things to do is go and watch the Fighting Scots Girls Tennis team as the play with intensity and are so polite doing so. Last Tuesday August 19th the Lady Scots had a home tennis match against Aquinas High School and the heat was on! Outside temperature was close to 90 degrees yest that did not detour with the focus on the match.

article and photos by Dave Ficke Updated of 6 Last Wednesday, August 19th the Varsity Girls Volleyball team hosted Eagles of Excelsior High School.

Last Wednesday August 26th, we learned of the passing of Nate Maire, one of our own on the Mountain. Nate played Varsity Football at Rim of the World High School from 2019 and graduated in 2022. Nate was well loved by his classmates and teachers. As a scholar athlete, he played on the Varsity Football team all four years and was on the wrestling and track teams as well. After flying all over the country visiting many colleges and universities, on November 20th, 2021, Nate signed with California State University Fresno and became a Bulldog.

Last Friday, August 28th the Fighting Scots varsity football team traveled to Upland where they played Western Christian High School in their second preseason game. It must have been the curse of the partial lunar eclipse as there was a dark cloud over the Fighting Scots that evening!

Last Friday, August 28th the Fighting Scots Girls Volleyball teams won against the Bears of Big Bear High School. Not only did the Varsity team win, but the Freshman and Junior Varsity teams won in front of a packed crowd in the Rim High Gym.

Last Wednesday, August 26th the Fighting Scots Girls Flag Football Team hosted the Bloomington Bruins for their third game of the season. The team had just come from back-to-back wins in the sweltering heat to win against Entrepreneur, Rim, 39 and Entrepreneur, 0. The following day again in the extreme heat, the girls came out against Carter High School and won with a score of Rim, 12, Carter, 0.