Newbury Park High School Panthers celebrate historic CIF championship win

The Thousand Oaks City Council meeting on February 25, 2025, commenced with a celebratory atmosphere as the council honored the Newbury Park High School Panthers football team for their remarkable achievements. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a respectful tone before the council recognized the team's historic success.

The Newbury Park Panthers were celebrated for winning the 2024 CIF Division 2 championship, marking their first CIF title since 1993 and only the second in the school's history. The team completed an undefeated regular season and secured the Conejo Coast League title for the second consecutive year. Notably, five senior players have signed to play Division I football, showcasing the talent and dedication within the program.

Athletic Director Ethan Gray and Head Coach Joseph Smigel, along with the team members, were invited to the dais to receive accolades from the council. Coach Smigel expressed gratitude to the community for their support, acknowledging the hard work and commitment required to achieve such success. He emphasized the life lessons learned through football, including teamwork and resilience.

The council members joined the team for a group photo, further highlighting the pride and unity within the community. The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment and celebration, reflecting the positive impact of the Panthers' achievements on Thousand Oaks.