Brea Olinda

Coach: Ken Lutz (eighth year).

1996: 13-4, 5-2 in the Orange League; finished fourth at the team regional.

Key returners: David Barbera, Jr.; Steve Bendt, Orange League champion, Sr.; Mike Ehrle, Sr.; Emerson Oh, Sr.; Eric Park, Jr.; Brad Sader, So.; Jason Skrifvars, Sr.

Key newcomers: Jon MaGana, So.; Phil Melton, Jr.;

Outlook: The Wildcats narrowly missed their first trip to the section team championship last season, finishing two strokes behind third-place University. Five of their top six players return for another shot in 1997. Bendt, Sader, Park, MaGana and Barbera were looking strong in preseason practices. Ehrle, a first-team all-league performer, Skrifvars (second-team) and Oh, a first-team performer two seasons ago, contribute to Brea’s depth. Lutz believes the team has the potential to advance to the section team championship. “It would be nice if we could take that next step,” Lutz said. “I’ve had some teams in the past that have floundered at the regional. These kids seem like they have a better idea of what’s going on.”