EL TORO

Coach: Sheri Ross (22nd year).

1996: 9-3, 4-1 in the Sea View League; finished second behind Irvine at the league finals.

Key returners: Summer Case, Sr.; Laura Flenniken, Sr.; Ashley Pyka, So.; Lara Reaves, So.

Outlook: It has been a long time since Ross has had to deal with rebuilding a team. “It was the late ‘80s, before the Michelle Perry years, when I had to deal with this,” Ross said. “I mean these last few years, El Toro had won CIF relays four times in a row. You get a little spoiled, but I think this will be an interesting year.” Don’t start shedding tears for the Chargers, they still have some excellent swimmers in Case, Flenniken and Reaves. They also are considered a team to beat by most of the county coaches. Ross said this year has been different because there doesn’t seem to be as many club swimmers on the team. “What we do have is a lot of girls who have played water polo and are in good shape,” Ross said. “So you don’t have to take those first few weeks to get those people in shape.”