National Champions

Short Flags bring home two more titles

The Short Flags squad with adviser/choreographer Mr. Mark Raquedan.

The Channel Islands Short Flags team continues to make history by bringing home two more National Champion titles for both their one-flag and two-flag routine.

The team is led by captain Kayla Baladad, junior at the Islands.

Baladad has been on the Short Flags team since her freshman year and she plans to continue to lead the team into her senior year.

“Being captain came with great honor, but also with great responsibility,” said Baladad. “I’m proud to have been able to lead this year’s team into an undefeated season and success to continue the Short Flags legacy.”

CI Short Flags has won the two-flag division consecutively in 2016, 2017 and 2018. They are looking to accomplish a four-peat.

Alongside Baladad are members Jennaci Feria, Michelle Segura, Vanessa Martinez, Arella Apiado, Matthew Baumgartner, Adela Juarez, and Kathleen Doctolero. All members of the 2017-2018 team each carry National Titles.

Both Baladad and Feria have five National Titles. By their senior year, they will be the most decorated Short Flag members in Channel Islands history with the most national titles.

The most titles any one member has earned on the team is five.

“It was never my plan to be on the Short Flags team this year, but I am glad I got the chance to be on this year’s team,” said Feria.

Matthew Baumgartner, senior, is the first male to ever be on the CI Short Flags team.

“Being the first boy on the most decorated team in all of the pep flag community allows some bragging rights,” Baumgartner said. “I hoped that being on this team allows other boys to step out of their comfort zones and to do something they really love.”

The Short Flags team can always be found at the basketball courts behind the gym practicing every day after school. The team practices through it all, rain or shine.

Coach Mark Raquedan, who graduated from the Islands in 2000, has been coaching the Short Flags and CI dance teams since 2005. He choreographs the routines and teaches the skills.

Many Raiders at the Islands enjoy watching the squad perform their routines during rallies, including junior Jericho Lozano.

“Short Flags is my favorite squad,” said Lozano.

“For all three years that I’ve been at the Islands, the Short Flags team’s routines have always been my favorite,” junior Camelia Ferrer said.