Many of Orange County’s top boys and girls water polo players will be in action with their respective clubs at the upcoming Junior Olympics in Orange County.

Session I features the boys and begins Saturday throughout the county. The finals in the top divisions are Tuesday, July 22 at Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine.

Two-time defending champion Newport Beach, powered by players from Newport Harbor, is seeded first in the 18-and-under boys division.

Newport Beach won’t have Newport Harbor senior Connor Ohl, a recent Stanford commit who is playing with the U.S. national team at the World Championships in Singapore.

Mission, led by JSerra players, is seeded second.

Session II spotlights the girls and runs July 24-27. The top-division finals are also at Woollett Aquatics Center.

SOCAL is seeded first with Regency (Mater Dei) and Newport Beach slotted third and fourth, respectively.

SOCAL’s roster incudes several girls who played for Foothill last season.

Junior Olympics is considered the largest water polo tournament in the world. The event hosts about 15,000 players who are ages 18-and-under. There are 942 teams entered.

JSerra coach Keith Wilkinson confirmed Martinsen’s move.

Martinsen, a 6-7 guard/forward, was an All-Orange County first team player as a sophomore at Mater Dei for the 2023-24 season. He transferred to JSerra for his junior year and was All-County second team for the Lions.

Chinn replaces Scott Talanoa, who was the Griffins’ head coach for for one season.

Los Alamitos this past season finished 19-10-2 overall and was third in the Sunset League with a 10-8 league record. The Griffins defeated La Mirada and Orange Lutheran in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs before losing to Santa Margarita 5-4 in the quarterfinals.

Los Alamitos athletic director Nathan Berger said Chinn will continue as a teacher at Marina. Don Olmstead remains in the Los Alamitos baseball program as a top assistant coach.

One would be hard-pressed to find a coach who served his community better than Manny Peñaflor served his.

Peñaflor, a standout football player and later a longtime coach at Santa Ana High, died July 7 of heart failure. He was 84.

Peñaflor was Santa Ana High’s athlete of the year as a senior in the 1958-59 school year. He was a two-way lineman for the football team and threw the discus and shot put for the school’s track and field team. Peñaflor went on to play football at Cal.

He returned to Santa Ana High to be an assistant football coach to Tom Baldwin. Peñaflor coached lower-level football teams, track and field, wrestling and soccer for 37 years for the Saints. He taught math and ESL (English as a Second Language) courses at Santa Ana and was a driver education teacher at the school.

He also launched AYSO soccer leagues in Orange County.

His son Joe Peñaflor, who replaced his father as Santa Ana’s boys soccer coach in 2001 and led the Saints to more than 300 wins, said he was always impressed and amazed by his father’s dedication and organizational skills.

“I sit back and think about how he would teach and coach at the high school,” Joe Peñaflor said, “and then he’d be out there until 7 for 8 at night coaching my brothers’ soccer teams and also taking us to club wrestling, then on Saturdays and Sundays he would be at four or five soccer games a day.”

Manny Peñaflor is survived by his children Louie, Micky, Cathy and Joe and grandchildren Julia, Jake, Hannah, Lance, Louis, Dylan and Sophia.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Tustin Ranch Golf Club on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested to be made to a GoFundMe account that will benefit Santa Ana High athletics.

The competition is getting stiffer for Teagan O’Dell, and that’s fine by her.

The former Santa Margarita swimmer will race in her first senior-level, international meet for Team USA starting Friday, July 18 at the World University Games in Berlin, Germany.

O’Dell, The Register’s reigning female athlete of the year, will compete in the 400-meter individual medley, one of her rising events at the Olympic distance or long course meters.

O’Dell, who signed with Cal, will compete in the 200 IM starting on Monday.

“This being my first time as one of the senior-level swimmers, I’m looking forward to it,” O’Dell said of the World University Games before departing for Germany. “I’m also looking forward to competing along side other college athletes.”

O’Dell, 18, has represented the U.S. at the Junior World Championships in 2023 and twice at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships (2022, 2024).

She fulfilled one of her goals by qualifying for the World University Games at the U.S. nationals in Indianapolis in early June.

O’Dell wanted to make either the U.S. team for Germany or the World Championships in Singapore.

The four-time O.C. female swimmer of the year posted lifetime-best times in the 400 IM (4 minutes, 41.32 seconds) and 200 IM (2:11.25) at nationals.

“Because I had competed at the junior level for three years, I told myself it was time to step it up,” she said. “I’m honored to represent the USA another time.”

Also, Mater Dei announced that it has promoted Kelly Dullard and Jessica Perry to co-athletic directors. Both had been associate athletic directors in recent years.

Miller most recently was Orange Unified School District Administrative Director of Educational Services and District Athletic Director. Prior to that, he was the principal at Villa Park High.

The executive director of athletics position was created at Mater Dei a few years ago when longtime Servite associate athletic director Joel Hartmann was hired for the job shortly after former Servite principal Mike Brennan became Mater Dei president. When Hartmann left, Kevin Kiernan assumed executive director duties.

Kiernan, the very successful girls basketball coach at Mater Dei, has returned to Troy to be its girls basketball coach.

Miller’s starting date at Mater Dei is Aug. 1.

In a media release from Mater Dei, Miller said: “I am honored to join the Mater Dei community and contribute to its remarkable tradition of excellence. This is a special place where faith, character, and achievement come together. I look forward to supporting our student-athletes and coaches as we move forward together in these exciting and changing times.”

This week’s All-Star Game had two Orange County players among the National League starters: first baseman Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers played at El Modena High; pitcher Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates is from El Toro High.

Aliso Niguel’s Cooper Flemming, the Orange County player of the year for the 2025 high school baseball season, leads the group of county products selected in the Major League Baseball Draft this month.

A look at the O.C. players taken in this season’s MLB Draft:

Second round

Cooper Flemming, Aliso Niguel, SS

He was selected by Tampa Bay as the 53rd overall pick. Flemming was the Orange County player of the year this past season. MLB.com lists Flemming as being from Pomona’s Ganesha High, but Flemming played his senior season at Aliso Niguel after playing club ball exclusively earlier in his previous high school days.

Third round

Ethan Hedges, Mater Dei, 3B

Hedges was taken by the Colorado Rockies out of USC as the 77th overall selection. Hedges was All-Trinity League first team at Mater Dei before going to USC.

Ben Jacobs, Huntington Beach, P

Jacobs, an All-Orange County first-team pitcher in 2022 and that season’s Surf League MVP, went on to Arizona State and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers as the 98th overall pick.

Fourth round

Riley Kelly, Tustin, P

Kelly, an All-CIF pitcher at Tustin and the Tillers football starting quarterback, was taken by the Colorado Rockies as the 107th overall selection.

Sixth round

Josiah Hartshorn, Orange Lutheran, OF

The Chicago Cubs made Hartshorn. All-Orange County first team this past season, the 181st overall pick.

13th round

Aiden Taurek, Foothill, OF

Taurek, All-OC first team in 2022, was drafted out of St. Mary’s by the Seattle Mariners as the 392nd overall selection.

Gavin Lauridsen, Foothill, P

The Milwaukee Brewers made Lauridsen the 395th overall selection after his All-OC first-team season of 2025 in which he also was a standout shortstop.

17th round

Xavier Cadenas III, Servite, P

The Friars’ ace in the 2022 season, his senior year, Cadenas was taken by the Miami Marlins as the 498th overall draft choice.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

11th round

Rod Barajas Jr., Saddleback College, C

The San Francisco Giants made UC Irvine commit Barajas, son of former MLB catcher Rod Barajas, the 326th overall selection.

Santa Margarita boys and girls water polo coach Brian Weathersby, who guided the girls to three CIF-SS titles, has resigned, Weathersby and the Trinity League school confirmed.

With the boys season approaching in the fall, Weathersby departs after leading the boys to the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs twice during his two-year stint in 2023-24.

In 12 seasons with the girls, he guided the Eagles to three section championships (2014 in Division 2, ’19 in Division 2 and ’23 in Division 1) and four Trinity League titles.

“After careful consideration, I made the decision to step down from my coaching role due to internal circumstances that no longer aligned with my values or coaching philosophy,” Weathersby said in a statement. “My focus has always been on fostering a positive, disciplined and respectful team environment.”

“While it was a difficult decision, I’m proud of what we accomplished and remain committed to supporting young athletes and building strong team cultures wherever I go.”

On Thursday, Santa Margarita athletic director Donald Evans declined comment on Weathersby’s statement about “internal circumstances.” The school expressed gratitude for Weathersby’s service in announcing his resignation as the boys coach on Friday, July 11.

In April, Santa Margarita announced Orange Coast College assistant Aaron Arias as its new girls coach.

Weathersby was selected The Register’s O.C. girls coach of the year in 2014 after his first season at the helm.

Last season, the Eagles’ girls went 2-21 and missed the playoffs for only the second time under Weathersby.

He finished with an overall record of 184-125 with the girls program.

Coach Christian Macias, an assistant under Weathersby, is helping Santa Margarita boys in its transition period, Evans stated.

Weathersby said he is interested in continuing to coach in the high school ranks. He added that he is no longer coaching club with SOCAL.

Luke Fahey’s college recruitment wasn’t in Hail Mary territory but his game plan certainly involved faith.

By college football’s new recruiting standards, the July 3 announcement by the Mission Viejo quarterback that he committed to Ohio State was somewhat late in the game.

The dead period for recruiting began June 23, and the Buckeyes already had 19 commitments in their Class of 2026, according to 247Sports. The early signing period opens Dec. 3.

For Fahey, Ohio State was his dream school so he kept the faith as the recruiting window narrowed.

“Throughout this whole thing, it’s been a process but I feel like God has a plan for everybody and it’s completely different for everybody,” he said. “(The timeline) was meant to be. They came late but again, it’s Ohio State. It’s a dream school of mine.”

Polished on the field, in the huddle and on the mic … Ohio State commit @LukeFahey03 of @missionfootball offers the complete package pic.twitter.com/eCiD0dJb9m

— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) July 13, 2025

Fahey’s affinity for Ohio State traces to his father Steve’s parents, who met as students at the school.

“A family feeling just because I’ve dreamed about playing there,” Fahey explained. “I grew up watching them.”

Ohio State’s scholarship offer to Fahey coincided with his trip to the Columbus campus on June 20-22, or just before the dead period.

Fahey (6-1, 185) earlier made visits to Stanford and Indiana but after the Buckeyes offered, he knew his direction.

He waited to announce his commitment on July 3 because he wanted to surprise his mother Melanie Perez on her birthday.

“She’s my rock,” he said.

Fahey said the recruiting process was stressful at times but in the end, he leaned on his family and faith.

“It took me a little longer,” he said. “But everything happens for a reason.”

HUNTINGTON BEACH — As Mission Viejo’s football team broke huddle for the final time at the Battle at the Beach passing tournament Saturday, quarterback Luke Fahey congratulated his teammates and offered a challenge.

“This is just the beginning!” he shouted.

The Diablos’ season kicks off in about six weeks, but once it arrives, they’ll have a few additional contributors.

Mission Viejo showcased its depth by capturing the Battle at the Beach despite missing five key players.

Fahey tossed three touchdowns and Jordan Hicks had an interception as the Diablos defeated Mission Hills of San Marcos 23-6 in the championship game at Edison High.

“With all the guys we’re missing, (are) you kidding me?” said Mission Viejo coach Chad Johnson, whose team claimed the tournament for the second consecutive year.

“Even though we had a bunch of guys out, when you a run program (in which) we start working with these kids in seventh and eighth grade (in 4 Vertical) … you’re able to (overcome injuries and sickness).”

“You want to develop your depth,” the coach added. “Obviously you don’t want guys to get hurt but because they are, it allows us to get other guys in. … I’m so proud of our guys.”

With Fahey leading the offense and Brady Bowman and Hicks continuing to rise on defense, Mission Viejo won its third tournament title in three months for a 7-on-7 “Triple Crown” of sorts.

The Diablos claimed the Millikan and South County tournaments in May and June, respectively.

Fahey, who recently committed to Ohio State, gave Mission Viejo a 6-0 lead against Mission Hills with a short TD pass to Luke Karby. The 6-foot-4 junior made a diving catch in the end zone.

After Penn State commit Troy Huhn of Mission Hills tossed a touchdown to tight end Perrin Blankenship, the Diablos responded with a blitz of highlights.

Fahey found senior running back Davonte Curtis for a short touchdown strike near the front corner of the end zone.

Hicks, a sophomore cornerback, followed with an interception to push the lead to 16-6.

Fahey recorded his third TD pass by finding junior running back Dallas Miller in the flat. Fahey set up the score with a long strike to sophomore wide out KJ Woodbury.

Mission Viejo raced to the title while playing without wide receiver Vance Spafford (sick), cornerback Jeron Jones (fractured wrist), safeties Sawyer Thomson (knee) and Zachary Foeldi (knee) and wide receiver Max Markofski (hip).

The Diablos revamped secondary featured Myles Lassiter, Colin Burke and Hicks at corner. Ryder Brown, Aidan Smith and JoJo Reed patrolled at safety.

Bowman, a middle linebacker, highlighted a victory against Millikan in pool play with an interception.

The Diablos went 21-0 en route to its Triple Crown of passing tournaments.

They open their season against Santa Margarita on Aug. 22 in one of the most anticipated games of the campaign.

“Seven on seven is just T-shirt and (underwear) as one of my coaches says,” Fahey said. “This is just the beginning for us. We have a whole season ahead of us, and I can’t be more excited to get ready to play tackle football again.”

In the semifinals, Mission Viejo edged Cathedral of Los Angeles 26-25 on a late touchdown pass from Fahey to Curtis.

Corona del Mar and quarterback Brady Annett made a surprising run to the semifinals before falling to Mission Hills 29-24.

The Sea Kings finished 3-1 to take second in their group behind Mission Viejo.

In the quarterfinal, Corona del Mar edged Lincoln — the runner-up at the Millikan tournament — in overtime on a catch by senior Dorsett Stecker.

In late June, Corona del Mar went 0-4 at the Brave 8 hosted by St. John Bosco.

“Our whole team has been balling out,” said Stecker, who emerged as one of the top receivers at Edison. “We definitely had something to prove being underdogs the whole time, and we proved to a lot of people that we’re not a team to mess around with.”

Annett connected with Garrett James on a back-shoulder fade to give the Sea Kings an 18-14 lead against Mission Hills.

Annett, a senior coming off a shoulder surgery, also found success throwing to wide receiver David Soto on Saturday.

“He had a great day,” Corona del Mar coach Kevin Hettig said of his QB. “Our kids are doing a good job of just putting their head down and getting better.”

In the Ocean View tournament, San Juan Hills defeated Downey 28-14 in the final for their second tournament title of the offseason.

The Stallions were led by quarterback Timmy Herr, who wasn’t intercepted and tossed multiple TDs to Luke Frith, Ryan Matheson and Dean Kolasinski.

In May, San Juan Hills won the Air Strike tournament hosted by Dana Hills.