1996 BOYS’ SWIMMING AND DIVING PREVIEW : SIX TEAMS TO WATCH : FOOTHILL

Coach: Dave Simcox (fourth year).

1995: 9-3, 5-0 in the Century League; tied for second at Southern Section relays and finished fifth at section Division I finals.

Key returners: Robert Arroyo, So.; Kevin Brantley, Sr.; Brian Brown, Sr.; Tim Carrol, So.; Ryan Carrol, Jr.; Ryan Gray, Sr.; Scott Hay, Sr.; Matt Johan, So.; Jack Hol, Sr.; Jeremy Katz, Jr.; Jason Korengold, Jr.; Andrew Metzger, Sr.; Matt Mcpherson , So.; Nick Pirro, So.; Jeff Pflueger, Jr.; James Thornton, So.

Key newcomers: Brent Locks, Fr.; Ryan Kenny, Fr.

Outlook: Except for David Katz, the Knights didn’t lose that much to graduation. With Brown and Pflueger back and another water polo standout Arroyo lending his support in the 50- and 100-yard freestyles, Foothill has a solid team. The Knights will probably win the Century League title, but making a realistic quest for a top-three finish at the Division I finals is another question. Watch for Thornton to make his mark in distance swimming. Certainly one of the best in the 500-yard free, Thornton could offer a challenge to Mission Viejo’s Goh Phuangthong.