The Millikan Surf Team is ready to hit the waves once again, determined to build on last year’s impressive run in the Sea-View League.
Surf Team wakes up early in the morning before school, having practice around 6:45am. Their practice schedule actually depends on what the conditions are like that week so on Sundays they get their schedule.
Millikan Surf Team competes against multiple schools such as Wilson, Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, Corona del Mar, Los Alamitos and more though not all the people on surf are on the competition team. They will compete in ten competitions as well as finals at Southside Huntington Beach Pier.
They are currently 1-3 with one win over Mater Dei High School.
Surf coach and U.S History teacher John Fast said, “We surf in the early mornings, and it is pretty special to have a group of students sharing waves and experiencing the beach and friends together.”
You can join even if you haven’t surfed before. “There were a bunch of people on surf last year who didn’t know how to surf and they joined and had a great time and now they’re on it again,” said Ethan Ferry, a junior in QUEST.
You can support Millikan surf by going to their competitions before school with their next one on Nov. 14. And if you’re interested in joining, look out for any news on that throughout the school year and follow their instagram!
Ellie Jessner • Nov 19, 2025 at 11:33 am
Emma wrote a compelling piece about the Millikan most impressive surf season. When I first saw this piece, I thought it was a good fit with the millikan and california vibe, including the palm trees surrounding our school.Being from california,it makes people think of joining the surf or learning how to surf. For me, I think it’s a good idea to help promote the things that make millikan unique. Emma highlights the various wins that Millikan took on. This article helps students who might not know we have a surf team be encouraged to join. She expresses how the team encourages beginners to join as many students last year who joined fell in love with the sport. Not only does this show a new love for some students it helps make Millikan an environment that includes everyone.
Although this might be a shock to most students that surfing is a sport at Millikan , it’s also a good opportunity for kids to branch out of their comfort zone. As Croff said this could help kids come out of their comfort zones, and encourage students to attend the competitions. I admire this article, and how she puts the effort into including how well students are doing in the sport and also how anyone could be included in this. For some students this is a good thing to know but I can also see why students might not be interested in the commitment as well. Croff emphasizes that this can be a new interest for anyone willing to and wants to try something new. Overall, this article is really helpful for informing kids about the different sports happening at Millikan and maybe giving students relief or answers to the upcoming students about sports teams.
Sincerely,
Ellie Jessner
Arlo Sachtleben • Nov 18, 2025 at 1:35 pm
Dear Corydon Editor,
On November 5, 2025, Emma Croff wrote an article titled “Surfing into the 2025 Season”. I’m writing this letter concerning how joining the surf team would provide a benefit to my future. Surfing is a fun activity and a good experience to connect with peers but can surf teams provide forms of scholarship or buff up college applications? This article is very well put together and I like how they provide information on what the team involves, where they practice, what time they practice, and how to join. For someone considering joining the team this article is very detailed and informative and gives a look into what Millikan surf team is all about. I like how this article also includes their current season record and the schools they match up against. “You can join even if you haven’t surfed before. There were a bunch of people on surf last year who didn’t know how to surf and they joined and had a great time and now they’re on it again,” I really like that they added this to the article because it proves that the surf team is inclusive for anyone interested and not discriminatory against anyone. Overall this article was well thought out, engaging, and very informative for anyone considering joining Millikan surf for the 2025-2026 season.
Sincerely,
Arlo Sachtleben
Charlotte Bly • Nov 18, 2025 at 1:28 pm
On November 5, 2025, Emma Croff wrote an article titled “Surfing into the 2025 Season”. As someone who loves the beach and has surfed before, I found this article very appealing. Croff discusses the Millikan Surf Team’s standings and schedule, which is very informative and helpful. I love how she made it very clear that anyone can join the team. This created an atmosphere that the surf team is very inclusive and inviting. One thing that especially stood out to me was the interview she did with Ethan Ferry. I found it very important that she interviewed someone specifically from the surf team to get an inside view, and it was very beneficial to her amazing article. Ethan mentioned that people who didn’t know how to surf joined the team and absolutely love it now. This highlights the surf team as exciting and fun. Overall, Croff articulated her article very specifically to make the surf team look inviting and tempting to join. Lastly, Croff concluded her article with the date of the surf team’s next competition and encouraged everyone to come to support the Millikan team. I love how she did this because it helps the surf team get more encouragement. Overall, Croff’s article is well-written, her writing is professional, and the topic she chose was engaging.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Bly
Kellen Habig • Nov 18, 2025 at 1:22 pm
The article was very good on explaining what the Millikan Surf Team is and the various things we do such as our competitions and practices. While I know many people know we have a surf team, many may not understand what exactly we do. I enjoy how the article details what our practices are and even who our competitors are.
However I feel the most important thing about this article is its section on bringing people to surf. While it may seem daunting to surf in the morning or if you’re not the most confident surfer, I praise the article for showing how chill and friendly surf is. The interview with Ethan Ferry is able to put many people at ease and even bring people to surf because it displays that surfing is not just about winning, but just being out on the water and having fun.
Dariush • Nov 18, 2025 at 10:19 am
This article is about the Millikan surf team and how they are approaching the new surf season, as well as an overview of the team and their training schedule. One aspect of this article I really appreciated was how Croff included the surf team’s schedule. I admire the dedication they have in order to wake up before anyone else to train, and this part of the article brings attention to their rough schedule. Another part of the article that I enjoyed was the included opinions of members of the surf team, such as Ethan Ferry, a junior in QUEST. Ferry says that “There were a bunch of people on surf last year who didn’t know how to surf and they joined and had a great time and now they’re on it again.” I appreciate how this quote from the article illustrates how despite needing incredible dedication and an iron mentality, the surf team is a very welcoming and enjoyable activity to participate in.
Hadley Becksfort • Nov 18, 2025 at 9:43 am
As I read the article, I became more interested in the surf team because I did not know that Millikan competed with other schools. It was very informative to me that we have an exceptional surf team that had a good run last year in the Sea-View League. I also learned that not everyone has to know how to surf and anyone who wants to join can, and is actually encouraged to be a part of the team. I think that it is a great opportunity to find new friends and enjoy nature, especially the morning ocean view. I appreciate that Croff included a quote from both the coach from the surf team, John Fast, a U.S. History teacher, and a member of the team, Ethan Ferry, a Junior in QUEST. As Ferry mentioned in the quote, people joined last year that had no idea how to surf, but they learned and had a great experience being on the team. Then, those people returned again this year. I believe that this article explains the team experience greatly, and genuinely encourages people to follow the surf team and support them along the way.
Taj Dahdul • Nov 17, 2025 at 1:48 pm
You did a great job explaining the surf team’s process of getting ready to surf. I liked that you included information about which schools they are competing against and how they are doing so far this season. I also thought it was good that you interviewed one of the surfers about how his experience on the team has been this year. One thing I think would have helped bring together the article is interviewing more surfers from other grades to get their perspective. Maybe you could also talk to Mr.Fast a bit more and ask him how people are improving and what has been successful in making everyone better. Overall, your article was interesting and clear, as well as being well rounded and very informative.
Carlee Zabel • Nov 17, 2025 at 1:35 pm
On November 5, 2025, Emma Croff wrote an article titled “Surfing into the 2025 Season”. This article was a very insightful and thoughtful read. As someone who has friends in surfing, it was lovely to see this team get recognition and support for their hard work. The additional details of the photos included in this article truly amplifies the overall message, and gives the reader further information about Millikan’s surf team. I also thought that the direct quotes by both the surf instructor and one of his students was impactful, as we hear about personal experiences of being a part of the surfing community at Millikan. Croff did a fantastic job of outlining everything that the reader should know about the topic, from schedules, to meeting places, to schools that they compete against. I also found it meaningful that Croff mentioned the team’s dedication, specifically in the details of their early morning practices, and how the surfing conditions could impact their practice time. That information truly instills respect within the reader for how dedicated the Millikan Surf Team is. Finally, the link to the team’s instagram page, as well as encouragement to attend the future competitions was a great addition on Croff’s part to bring further recognition to the surf team.
Cesar Gomez • Nov 17, 2025 at 1:35 pm
This article does a great job showcasing the Millikan Surf Team’s dedication, especially highlighting their early-morning practices, which I genuinely admire. One correction that could improve clarity is the sentence explaining how the weekly practice schedule depends on conditions, since it reads a little awkwardly and could be smoothed out. I also want to suggest adding a quick detail about how many surfers are on the team, since that would help readers understand its size and community feel. An enhancement that might strengthen the piece is including a short student anecdote about a memorable moment. My reaction to the quotes from Coach Fast and Ethan Ferry was positive because they portray the team as welcoming for beginners. Overall, the article is strong, engaging, and informational for all, which does an excellent job of highlighting the spirit of the Millikan Surf Team.
Aidan Young • Nov 17, 2025 at 1:35 pm
On November 5th, 2025, Emma Croft wrote an article titled “Surfing into the 2025 season”. I sincerely enjoyed reading this article and found it extremely insightful into the lives of the Millikan surfers, and the hardships and benefits of their challenging daily routine. I specifically found it interesting to learn that the surfers get up at the crack of dawn to get to the beach at 6:45 every practice. Additionally, it speaks to the discipline of the surfers to train so early and so consistently.
To add on, I enjoyed reading quotes from the surf coaches and athletes. I felt as if I could almost see into the minds of these surfers and get a better idea of their mentality towards the sport, as well as their opinion of one another, specifically teammates with less experience. It was heart-warming that the surf team is open to taking people with open arms, regardless of the setbacks one may have.
Something that could have made this article more insightful could have been a segment regarding the actual practice of these surfers. I am interested to learn more about the types of exercises these athletes utilize and how they train for their competitions. Maybe even how they prepare mentally. All in all, this article was wonderfully informative and interesting, as well as captivating. Other than the lack of information about the steps of practice, I have nothing bad to say about this article, and I hope to read more from this author in the future.
Aliou Sullivan • Nov 17, 2025 at 1:33 pm
I really appreciated how this article highlighted the flexibility of the Millikan Surf Team. The detail about how they start their practices at 6:45 am shows how committed the surfers are, and Coach Fast’s quote added an important message that reflects the surf team as a whole. I also liked how Emma included the team’s record and the list of schools they compete against, which helps readers become more invested in following the season, because this causes people to become more interested in the surf team and find out more about it. One suggestion I have is to include more information about how students can join this team. Since Ethan Ferry’s comment is very encouraging towards beginner surfers, it would be very helpful to add a way to get in contact with the Millikan Surf Team. Overall, Emma did a great job with this article because she captured the energy and the spirit of this team while also possibly getting more people who haven’t tried surfing to give it a try.
Olivia Eckel • Nov 17, 2025 at 1:31 pm
This article illustrated how Millikan surf is currently competing for the 2025 surf season and is demonstrating extreme dedication to the sport as well as continuing the impressive run in the Sea-View League. Croft used this article to explain how Millikan Surf is currently experiencing a win streak of 1-3, our surf’s practice schedule has to be flexible, and also very rigorous since practice begins at 6:45, at Bolsa Chica State Beach. Our surf team is designed to be an inclusive sport for all students, with varying levels of expertise on actually surfing, anyone can join and learn with the support of other students and head coach John Fast. In addition Croft gathered statements from student surfer Ethan Ferry and Surf coach John Fast who both in agreement testify that, surf is a collective group of students who share a passion for surfing or simply just enjoy the idea of being able to wake up and go enjoy the water! As someone who is actively involved with the Millikan surf team, this article has properly covered all bases of what it truly means to be on Millikan surf, and positively showcased how amazing our competitive surf team is and how the surf community works to better the name for Millikan surf. Lastly with the support from out teams dedicated surfers and hand on involved coach Mr. Fast, who is willing to help and support all his students by bringing boards, wax and safety kits each morning to practice, will Millikan surf find themselves victorious in this year’s ten competitions as well as finals at Southside Huntington Beach Pier?
Natasha • Nov 17, 2025 at 1:05 pm
This article was very informative, not only about the surf teams wins and the teams they go against, but how the program in general is very inclusive. I really loved this article because Croff goes into detail about what the surf team does daily such as getting to practice around 6:45 in the morning and having their schedule released on Sunday based on the water conditions for the week. Also, she mentions in her article the days you can come out and watch the Millikan surf team in action which is a great way to let others know to come cheer on their friends and have a great time.
In addition, the thing I love the most about this article is how Croff mentioned how the surf team has widened their program by inviting others to participate even if you have never surfed before. This demonstrates that Millikan’s surf team is very inclusive and it allows others to come out and have fun surfing even if they haven’t done it before. This is a great opportunity to try out something new and even make new friends while doing it. In general, this article is very well rounded and gives the reader great information about Millikan’s surf team and how it was so fun that people are coming back again the following year.
Leroy Taylor • Nov 17, 2025 at 11:41 am
This was a really great article giving an overview of what Millikan surf is about, and what the team is like. Providing further insight about the team in the information provided around their practice schedules, and the league they compete in. In addition, the interviews with students such as Ethan Ferry and teacher/surf coach John Fast, helped demonstrate the friendly and welcoming atmosphere the surf team holds at Millikan.
One suggestion I have is providing more information on joining the team and the topic of newcomers learning how to surf. If there are links to sign up or a room or coach to get in contact with to join the team that could be implied whether or not there is or provided within the article. Furthermore, asking coaches or team members what it’s like when they are teaching someone how to surf, and how easy/difficult it has shown to be with former learners who have developed, still on the team today.
Overall this was a very informative article providing lots of info about Millikan Surf. Giving a simple, sufficient overview on Millikan’s current record and upcoming competitions. While also continuing to show all the positive qualities of their environment and details on what surf members’ schedules looks like and how surfers of any level are welcome and encouraged to join.
Conor Seng • Nov 17, 2025 at 11:41 am
On November 5, 2025, Emma Croff wrote an article titled “Surfing into the 2025 Season”. I appreciated how the author gave insight on the surf team and highlighted its friendliness towards beginners. It makes the surf team seem welcoming and a place to spend time with others. Additionally, I like the image used because it shows the environment and a person in action engaging in surfing. I support the dedication of the surf team, as they are able to get up very early in the mornings on weekdays and surf in freezing temperatures constantly.
I was able to learn about other schools that Millikan goes against in surf competitions, and I hope they are able to win future competitions. As people stayed in the surf team after a year, it shows how friendly and accepting the team is to have people stay and join the team. In conclusion, the article helped me learn about the details of the surf team, demonstrating what they do and how friendly they are towards beginners and newcomers.
Ethan Ferry • Nov 17, 2025 at 11:34 am
She talked about the surf team’s practice and competition schedule, what schools they
compete against, their win-loss record this year, and quotes from Mr. Fast, the surf coach, and
Ethan Ferry, a junior on the team, who shared reasons why the surf team is so great. She covered
many of the important things about the surf team and is very informative to those who may be
considering joining the team. As a member of the surf team, I would suggest that she add
information on what the competitions entail and how they are done.
Additionally, the Surf Team’s win-loss record of 1-3 is poor and may discourage those
who want to join the team, so I would exclude that piece of information to make interest in the
surf team as high as possible. However, in the same paragraph, Croff stated that Millikan’s one
win was over Mater Dei, which is important because it is one of the most prestigious athletic
high schools in the area. Overall, it was a very informative article and gave many people a look
into a unique sport here at Millikan.
Cassidy Kepler • Nov 17, 2025 at 11:26 am
This article gave great insight, not only about the surf teams success but also their day to day routines. I really enjoyed this article because it allowed me a sneak peek into what it would be like to participate on the Surf Team, whether that be competitively or recreationally. Croff explains that this team is both competitive and diverse. Regardless of the members’ surfing experience, they are more than welcome to come and enjoy the experience of being on a team and trying something new. To support this, Croff allows readers to get the opinions of the coaches and the athletes by interviewing them. This gives the article a sense of credibility and creates a deeper understanding as a reader.
In addition, Croff does a great job of promoting the surf team by inviting people and students out to either give the team a shot and actively participate, or by going out and supporting these athletes. Not only is this article informing, but it also reaches out to the community.