Upcoming Games
Upcoming Games
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October 24th, 2025
October 24th, 2025
🏃♂️ Spartan Boys Cross Country Shines at Ventura County Championships!
🏃♂️ Spartan Boys Cross Country Shines at Ventura County Championships!
This fall, the Rio Mesa Spartan Boys Cross Country team has made the school proud with an outstanding performance at the Ventura County Championships. Our sophomore runners captured the title as County Champions, demonstrating exceptional dedication, endurance, and teamwork throughout the season. Their hard work, consistent training, and relentless determination truly paid off on race day.
Meanwhile, our freshman squad also delivered an impressive performance, finishing as runner-up in the county. This remarkable showing by our newest Spartans promises a bright future for the program, as these talented athletes continue to grow and improve with every race.
Head Coach Reynolds praised the team’s commitment both on and off the course: “Our boys have worked tirelessly this season, supporting each other and pushing their limits. Their success at the county meet reflects not only their physical strength but also their discipline, focus, and Spartan spirit.”
The victories and achievements of our Boys Cross Country teams highlight the importance of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork — values that extend far beyond the track. Congratulations to all our athletes, coaches, and families for their dedication and support this season!
Go Spartans!
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Greetings Spartans,
As we head into the final weeks of October, our student-athletes continue to represent Rio Mesa with pride, dedication, and heart both on the field and in their commitment to mental health awareness.
Upcoming Athletic Events
Upcoming Athletic Events
Here’s a look at the exciting competitions coming up this week and weekend:
Saturday, 10/25:
Girls Cross Country (Varsity & JV) – Non-League @ Walnut, Mt. SAC – Time TBA
Boys Cross Country (Varsity & JV) – Non-League @ Walnut, Mt. SAC – 8:00 AM
Monday, 10/27:
Girls Golf – Playoffs (CIF Individuals) – Time TBA
Thursday, 10/30:
Football Frosh/Soph – League Game @ Newbury Park – 5:00 PM
Friday, 10/31 (Halloween!):
Football Varsity – League Game @ Newbury Park – 7:00 PM
Cross Country – Girls & Boys Varsity & JV – Non-League, Lake Casitas Short Course Championship – Times TBA
Our cross country teams have been particularly impressive this season, and we are excited to see them compete at Mt. SAC this weekend and at Lake Casitas on Halloween. Football is also gearing up for a strong finish to the league season with critical games against Newbury Park.
Mental Health Matters
Mental Health Matters
As your Athletic Director and lead for our Mental Health Awareness initiatives, I want to highlight the importance of supporting both the physical and mental well-being of our athletes. Wearing our “Mental Health Matters” shirts every Monday is one simple way to promote awareness and remind our students that self-care, teamwork, and empathy are just as important as training and competition.
I encourage all Spartans athletes, coaches, and community members to continue supporting these initiatives. Remember, being a Spartan means striving for excellence both on the field and in life.
Thank you for cheering on our athletes, supporting their mental health, and showing the Spartan spirit in every way possible!
October 17th, 2025
October 17th, 2025
🏅 Rio Mesa Cross Country Shines at the DPI Invite!
🏅 Rio Mesa Cross Country Shines at the DPI Invite!
Our team put in an outstanding performance at the recent DPI Invite, finishing in an impressive 2nd place! This achievement reflects the dedication, skill, and teamwork of every athlete, as well as the leadership of Livvy Bautista and Olivia Weinerth, who guided the team with focus and determination throughout the competition.
The DPI Invite brought together talented teams from across the region, and our athletes showed that hard work, practice, and sportsmanship pay off. From start to finish, the team demonstrated poise under pressure, strong collaboration, and a true Spartan spirit.
Congratulations to Livvy, Olivia, and the entire team for this remarkable accomplishment! We are proud of your efforts and look forward to even more success as the season continues.
🎾 Spartans Celebrate a Momentous Tennis Victory!
🎾 Spartans Celebrate a Momentous Tennis Victory!
Our tennis team delivered an amazing performance, with standout efforts leading to a hard-fought victory! In singles play, Ynes Robles, Angie Gonzales, and Aubrie Bates were unstoppable, sweeping all 9 sets and showing remarkable skill and determination on the court.
The excitement didn’t stop there! In doubles, Sabrina Cortez, Malaia Baylon, Leyla Mascorro, and Ryan Martinez came through in a clutch performance, winning 3 sets that broke the tie and secured a momentous team victory.
This win highlights the Spartans’ talent, teamwork, and perseverance, and we are proud of each player’s dedication and competitive spirit. Congratulations to the entire team for an outstanding showing!
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
The Spartans have a busy week ahead, with multiple teams competing in league and non-league contests. Here’s what’s on the schedule:
Saturday, October 18
Boys Water Polo (JV) – Tournament at Thousand Oaks, time TBA.
Cross Country (Boys & Girls, Varsity & JV) – Non-league at Ventura County Championships, 8:00 AM.
Monday, October 20
Girls Tennis (Varsity) – League singles and doubles tournament, away, time TBA.
Girls Golf (Varsity) – League tournament, away, time TBA.
Tuesday, October 21
Girls Tennis (Varsity) – League tournament, away, time TBA.
Boys Water Polo (Varsity) – League tournament, location and time TBA.
Wednesday, October 22
Boys Water Polo (Varsity) – League tournament, location and time TBA.
Thursday, October 23
Football (Frosh/Soph) – League game vs. Calabasas, home at 4:00 PM.
Friday, October 24
Football (Varsity) – League game vs. Calabasas, home at 7:00 PM.
Saturday, October 25
Cross Country (Boys & Girls, Varsity & JV) – Non-league meet at Walnut, times TBA.
The Spartans are excited for another week of competition, and we encourage all families and community members to support our student-athletes at home games and follow along with our teams on the road.
October 10th, 2025
October 10th, 2025
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
This week at Rio Mesa, we continue to celebrate both the athletic and emotional strength of our Spartan community. We recently held our second Mental Health “Lean on Me” session, where students came together to learn how to support one another and build positive coping skills for the pressures of school and sports. These sessions remind us that true strength comes not just from competition, but from compassion and connection.
On the field and in the pool, our Spartans have been shining. Girls Golf and Girls Flag Football are both coming off two straight wins, showing incredible focus and teamwork. Congratulations to these athletes and their coaches for representing Rio Mesa with pride and determination!
Looking ahead, we have a busy and exciting week of Spartan competition. On Tuesday, October 14, our Boys Water Polo teams will host San Marcos at home, with Varsity hitting the pool at 3:15 PM and JV following at 4:15 PM. Meanwhile, Girls Volleyball will travel to Ventura High, with matches starting at 4:00 PM for Frosh/Soph, 5:00 PM for JV, and Varsity closing out the night at 6:30 PM. Back on campus, our Girls Flag Football teams will face Ventura under the lights, with Varsity at 6:30 PM and JV at 7:45 PM. Earlier in the day, our Girls Tennis team will be on the road at Pacifica.
On Thursday, October 16, Girls Golf will host Buena at 2:00 PM, while Boys Water Polo travels to Dos Pueblos for their league matchup. Our Football Frosh/Soph team will also take the field at home that afternoon against Thousand Oaks, setting the stage for Varsity Football’s home game on Friday night at 7:00 PM—a perfect opportunity for our community to pack the stands and show that Spartan pride.
The week wraps up with plenty of weekend action as our Boys JV Water Polo squad competes in a tournament at Thousand Oaks, and our Cross Country teams head to the Ventura County Championships early Saturday morning.
Finally, a reminder that Girls Soccer tryouts are just around the corner! Interested athletes should stay tuned to Minga and school announcements for more details.
Let’s keep the energy high and the support strong, Spartans. Whether it’s in the classroom, the pool, the course, or the field — our teams continue to represent Rio Mesa with pride, perseverance, and heart. Go Spartans! ❤️🖤
Athletic Boosters: BBQ News
Athletic Boosters: BBQ News
A huge thank you to all the parents, student-athletes, and volunteers who helped make our Fall BBQ Fundraiser a success! Your time, support, and generosity truly made a difference. The funds raised will go toward supporting our athletic programs and providing resources for our student-athletes. We are so grateful for our amazing school community! Below you will find the breakdown of are profits for the 2025 Fall Chicken Fundraiser .
Teams Raised on Ticket Sales: 6,423.64
Merch Sales: 784.4
Expenses: (-611.68)
Total Profit: 6,596.36
October 3rd, 2025
October 3rd, 2025
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
The Spartans are charging into another exciting week of competition, and our teams are ready to make Rio Mesa proud—on the road and at home!
🏈 Friday Night Lights start early this week with Girls Flag Football hitting the road for a doubleheader at San Marcos (6:30 PM & 7:45 PM). These fierce competitors have been lighting up the field all season—let’s cheer them on as they take on the Royals!
💦 Tuesday brings big action at home, with Boys Water Polo hosting Santa Barbara. Varsity kicks off at 3:15 PM, followed by JV at 4:15 PM. Come out and pack the pool deck—our Spartans thrive on that home crowd energy!
🏐 Meanwhile, Girls Volleyball heads to Pacifica on Tuesday for a full lineup of Frosh/Soph (4:00 PM), JV (5:00 PM), and Varsity (6:30 PM) matches. The team has been playing with heart and hustle—let’s send them off with encouragement!
🎾 Girls Tennis will face Santa Barbara on the road Tuesday at 3:00 PM, while Girls Flag Football returns home that evening for an exciting non-league matchup against Pacifica (Varsity 6:30 PM, JV 7:45 PM). It’s the perfect night to bring your Spartan spirit to the stadium!
⛳ Thursday keeps the competition rolling with Girls Golf at Buena and Boys Water Polo traveling to Oxnard. Back on campus, Girls Volleyball will defend home court against Buena (Frosh/Soph 4:00 PM, JV 5:00 PM, Varsity 6:30 PM), while Girls Flag Football and Frosh/Soph Football hit the road for tough league battles.
🏃♀️🏃♂️ The weekend wraps up with endurance and grit as Cross Country travels to Dos Pueblos for league competition, and select Boys Cross Country runners take on the elite Clovis Invitational at Woodward Park—one of California’s premier meets!
It’s a packed week of Spartan pride—whether it’s the pool, the court, the course, or the field, our athletes are putting in the work.
Let’s show up, be loud, and support our Spartans!
🔴 #SpartanPride | #RMHSAthletics | #WeAreRioMesa ⚫
September 19th, 2025
September 19th, 2025
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Winter sports are just around the corner, and tryouts will be starting soon! Students interested in participating should stay tuned for updates and check in regularly for specific dates, times, and locations.
We encourage all families and students to continue supporting our Spartans by attending games, cheering on our teams, and celebrating the hard work and dedication of our athletes. Let’s make this winter season another great one for Rio Mesa sports!
September 12th, 2025
September 12th, 2025
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Spartans, I'm happy to announce that our volleyball team scored a big win last night against Pacifica. Congratulations to our players and coaches. Tonight, our football team takes on Pacifica under the lights, and we’d love to see the stands full of Spartan fans showing their support.
Homecoming is around the corner, and our football team will face Oxnard next week in the big game. Mark your calendars and come cheer on our Spartans!
Next week, September 15–20, RMHS Athletics will also be holding a fundraiser at Lazy Dog Restaurant at The Collection. Fifteen percent of all sales will go to the RMHS Athletics Booster Club, so bring your family and friends to enjoy a meal while supporting Spartan sports.
RMHS Flag Football- Pictures by Paislee Giordano, 11th grade.
September 5th, 2025
September 5th, 2025
Sept. 9
Sept. 9
Spartans Show Heart in Battle with Ventura
Spartans Show Heart in Battle with Ventura
The Rio Mesa Spartans faced off against the Ventura Cougars in a tough matchup under the Friday night lights. Ventura came out hot, putting points on the board quickly in the first half and taking control of the game early. The Spartans struggled to slow down Ventura’s momentum, but the team never stopped fighting, looking for ways to claw their way back into the game. Even though the score was tilted in Ventura’s favor, the Spartans found moments of energy that kept their spirit alive.
One of the biggest highlights of the night came from sophomore G Abellera, who made plays on both sides of the ball. Abellera showed his versatility with strong blocks on offense and tough tackles on defense, proving that he’s becoming a key piece for Rio Mesa. Another spark came when sophomore Louis Godinez grabbed a huge interception, giving the Spartans a much-needed boost and inspiring his teammates. While the game ended in Ventura’s favor, Rio Mesa showed signs of growth and resilience. Now, the Spartans look ahead to their next big challenge against Pacifica next Friday, where they’ll aim to bounce back and show their true potential.
- Story by Jayden Bryant, 12th Grade
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Spartans, it’s another exciting week for our athletes, and we need your support! Tonight, our football team takes the field against Ventura—come out and cheer them on as they battle it out on the gridiron. On Tuesday, our volleyball and flag football teams hit the road to face San Marcos. Let’s show them that Spartan spirit travels with our athletes!
Next Thursday, it’s a home game you won’t want to miss: our volleyball team goes up against Pacifica. And don’t forget, our football team has an important away game against Pacifica next week—make sure to buy your tickets early and arrive on time to rally behind our Spartans. Your cheers make a difference, so come out and support our athletes in action!
Holloway and Ramirez Shine as Spartans Battle to the End
Holloway and Ramirez Shine as Spartans Battle to the End
Our Spartans are off to a strong start in league play! Girls’ Volleyball battled hard in their opening league match against Dos Pueblos and really gave them a run for their money, keeping the match competitive from start to finish. Similarly, Girls’ Tennis showed great effort and determination in their match against Moorpark, challenging their opponents throughout and displaying strong Spartan spirit.
Looking ahead, we’ve got some exciting events this week. Tonight, our football team faces off in a rivalry game against Camarillo, always a great matchup to come out and watch! Our Cross Country team will also be competing in an invitational hosted at UCSB this weekend.
In addition, many of our winter sports are beginning tryouts, including wrestling and softball. Please encourage your child to try out and get involved—we want as many Spartans as possible to be part of our athletic family.
As always, we invite you to come support our student-athletes whenever possible, and don’t forget to check our athletics calendar for upcoming games and events. Go Spartans!
- Story by Jayden Bryant, 12th Grade
August 29th, 2025
August 29th, 2025
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Our Spartans are off to a strong start in league play! Girls’ Volleyball battled hard in their opening league match against Dos Pueblos and really gave them a run for their money, keeping the match competitive from start to finish. Similarly, Girls’ Tennis showed great effort and determination in their match against Moorpark, challenging their opponents throughout and displaying strong Spartan spirit.
Looking ahead, we’ve got some exciting events this week. Tonight, our football team faces off in a rivalry game against Camarillo, always a great matchup to come out and watch! Our Cross Country team will also be competing in an invitational hosted at UCSB this weekend.
In addition, many of our winter sports are beginning tryouts, including wrestling and softball. Please encourage your child to try out and get involved—we want as many Spartans as possible to be part of our athletic family.
As always, we invite you to come support our student-athletes whenever possible, and don’t forget to check our athletics calendar for upcoming games and events. Go Spartans!
Softball Tryouts
Softball Tryouts
JV Flag Football Tryouts
JV Flag Football Tryouts
August 25nd, 2025
August 25nd, 2025
“Spartans Show Heart in Hard-Fought Battle Against Moorpark”
“Spartans Show Heart in Hard-Fought Battle Against Moorpark”
The Rio Mesa Spartans faced off against the Moorpark Musketeers in what turned out to be a tough battle. Moorpark came out strong, scoring in the first six minutes of the game and quickly taking control. The Musketeers continued to pile it on, stretching their lead and putting the Spartans in a difficult position early.
Just when it looked like Moorpark might run away with it, the Spartans answered back with a huge play. Quarterback Alec Fontyn launched a 60-yard pass to Nate Warren-Lewis, who sprinted into the end zone for an amazing touchdown. The play electrified the Spartans and brought new energy to the team, giving them momentum to fight back.
But before halftime, Moorpark struck again with another score, making the gap even wider. The Spartans didn’t quit though. Nate Warren-Lewis had another big moment with a 24-yard reception, proving to be a key playmaker and giving Rio Mesa hope to climb back into the game.
In the end, the Spartans played with heart and battled through every quarter. Even though they came up short on the scoreboard, they showed grit, determination, and flashes of greatness. It was a hard-fought game that proved the Spartans have the fight and talent to keep pushing forward this season.
- Story by Jayden Bryant, 12th Grade
August 22nd, 2025
August 22nd, 2025
Spartans Shine: Girls’ Volleyball Victory Over Santa Paula
Spartans Shine: Girls’ Volleyball Victory Over Santa Paula
The girls' volleyball team had an exciting win this Thursday against Santa Paula! With strong teamwork, powerful plays, and great energy, our girls came out on top. The final score showed just how hard our team worked. Fans cheered from the stands as the girls played their hearts out. Everyone gave it their all and did amazing. Just to highlight some players, Aliyah Adams was on fire with an amazing 13 kills! Emily Rivas made it tough for Santa Paula to score with 4 strong blocks at the net. Kayla Valenzuela also had a great game, adding 6 kills to the team’s total. The whole team showed awesome effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship. It was a great win and a game to remember! Congratulations to the girls' volleyball team! We are proud of you, keep up the great work!
- Story by Jasmine Torres, 12th Grade
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Ruff Talk with Mr. Ruffinelli, Athletic Director
Spartans, we’ve had an exciting week in athletics! Our girls volleyball team came away with a win against Santa Paula—congratulations to the team! Flag Football has been on a roll with some big wins recently—great job, team!
Tonight is our first home varsity football game, so come out and show your Spartan pride
This weekend, we have plenty of action on campus: boys water polo, a Flag Football tournament, and a cross country meet on our track. Come out and support our students as they compete and showcase their hard work!
Go Spartans!
August 15th, 2025
August 15th, 2025
Chris Ruffinelli- Athletic Director
Chris Ruffinelli- Athletic Director
What an exciting week for Spartan Athletics! Our Girls Volleyball team had a strong showing, sweeping Hueneme High School 3-0 in a dominant performance. They also battled hard against Villanova High School, ultimately falling 0-3, but showed great teamwork and determination.
Flag Football lit up the scoreboard with an incredible 59-0 victory. An absolute showcase of Spartan pride, skill, and hustle! Way to go, Spartans!
We also kick off our first Boys Water Polo event this week! Let’s support our athletes as they dive into an exciting season of competition. 🤽♂️
And don’t forget: next Friday is our first home football game of the season as we take on Moorpark High School. Let’s pack the stands, show our Spartan spirit, and cheer our team on to victory! 🏐🏈🎉
Please come support the Rio Mesa Sports Program, we need your help!
How: Attend the Athletic Booster Club Meeting
When: Monday 08/18/25 at 7pm in the Rio Mesa Library
Hope to see you there!!
Photographs by Paislee Giordano
Flag Football Dominates
Flag Football Dominates
The Rio Mesa girls flag football team kicked off their season in dominant fashion, overwhelming visiting Valencia with a stunning 59-0 victory. From start to finish, the Spartans controlled every aspect of the game, showing off their speed, precision, and relentless defense. This statement win not only highlighted the team’s potential for a breakout season but also set the tone for the school year. The energy and confidence from this commanding performance are fueling excitement across campus, providing momentum and inspiration for both the girls and boys football teams as they head into their schedules. Rio Mesa has made it clear: they’re ready to compete at the highest level.
-Jayden Bryant, Student Writer
August 8th, 2025
August 8th, 2025
Chris Ruffinelli- Athletic Director
Chris Ruffinelli- Athletic Director
Welcome to a brand new school year! I am excited to kick off another incredible season of Spartan Athletics here at Rio Mesa High School. Whether you are a returning student-athlete or joining us for the first time, we are so glad to have you as part of our athletic family.
We’re especially excited to welcome two new additions to our coaching staff this year. Please join me in giving a warm Spartan welcome to Jamie Saelee, our new Head Tennis Coach, and Gordy Abellera, who will be leading our Girl’s Golf Team as the new Head Coach. We’re confident they will bring great energy, experience, and leadership to our programs.
We look forward to a year filled with dedication, growth, and Spartan pride. Thank you for your continued support of our student-athletes and teams. Let’s make this an outstanding year—Go Spartans!
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