PREP SPRING SPORTS ’93 / GIRLS’ TRACK : Esperanza

Coach: Al Britt (13th year).

1992: Won Empire League championship (5-0).

Key returners: Kristy Kierulff, So., HJ (5-10), LJ (17-10); Courtney Pugmire, So., 800 (2:19.8); Carrie Caulkins, So., 3,200 (11:30); Inshirah Jones, So., 100 LH; Suzanne Benet, Jr., discus.

Key newcomers: Heather Perrin, Fr., 400 meters; Megan Murray, Sr., 300 LH.

Outlook: Esperanza may be slow out of the blocks because of its youth but could finish strong as athletes develop into leadership roles. “I think we’ll be pretty balanced,” Britt said. “If we get our act together, we would be one of the teams to beat.” Britt is not the only head of a top program to feel that way about the Aztecs. Esperanza is paced by Kierulff, State high jump champ as a freshman. Two other sophomores also reached the Southern Section finals, Caulkins (3,200) and Pugmire (800). Perrin has some talent, running the 400 meters in 1:00.0 in tennis shoes while in eighth grade. Murray won the 300 hurdles at the Orange County Championships as a sophomore but did not compete last year.