HUNTINGTON BEACH

Coach: Paul Wood (18th year).

1995: Defending Orange County cross-country champions.

Key returners: Simon Bhavalai, 1,600, Jr.; Mark Cortez, DT, Jr.; Dan Gaston, 1,600, 3,200, Jr.; Chris Montoya, 400, Sr.; Scott Moser, SP, DT, Jr.; Anthony Nguyen, 800, Sr.; Jess Strutzel, 400, 800, 1,600, Sr.; Tony Trueba, 1,600, 3,200, Jr.

Key newcomers: Chris Basich, HJ, TJ, LJ, Jr.; Tom Van Patton, HH, IH, HJ, Sr.; Kiam Flint, HH, HJ, Sr.; Jacob Childs, 3,200, Jr.; Michael Henry, 400, So; Jerryme Negrete, 800, 1,600, Sr.; Justin Speigel, SP, DT, Jr.; Chad Jenkins, PV, Sr.; Brian Zitt, LJ, TJ, Sr.

Outlook: The Oilers have a big-meet team; not a lot of depth but an abundance of individual talent. Strutzel, a state meet finalist a year ago, ran the 800 in 1:51.75 last spring. He also won the county meet at 400, running 48.68 and will compete in the 200 and 1,600 this spring. Trueba won the county cross-country individual title, Gaston was third-team All-Western Region last fall. Moser threw 166 feet 8 inches for second in the Los Angeles Invitational three weeks ago. Henry is a transfer from West Covina South Hills.