Esperanza

Coach: Rich Medellin (ninth year).

1995: Sixth in Southern Section Division I finals; third in Sunset League finals; 4-1 league dual-meet record.

Key returners: Lisa Massoth, So.; Karen Mitchell, Sr.; Leslie Reitveld, Jr.; Sara Swan, Jr.; Beth Weidler, Jr.

Key newcomers: Kristin Chadez, Fr.; Danielle Cox, So.; Kristine Shedd, Jr.; Pam Smith, So.

Outlook: Look for the Aztecs to move to the forefront of county teams this fall. Annually one of the strongest teams in the county, Medellin has numbers on his side this fall. “This is probably the biggest group I’ve ever had, about 70 girls,” he said. Mitchell was 12th at the league finals a year ago and Smith ran 5 minutes 18.14 seconds for 1,600 meters during the track season; the two will be the early season leaders on this team. This fall marks the first cross-country season for Smith. Massoth, Weidler and Reitveld also finished among the league’s top 20 last year and should provide solid depth. Swan, Cox and Shedd will also be major contributors this fall, while Chadez is the team’s top freshman.