Esperanza

Coach: Al Britt (17th year).

1996: 2-3 dual-meet record in the Sunset League.

Key returners: Melissa Bruno, So., 300 IH, HJ; Danielle Cox, So., 400, 800; Staci Jarne, Jr., DT; Nicole Lomeli, So., LJ, TJ, 400; Lisa Massoth, So., 3,200; Karen Mitchell, Sr., 3,200; Leslie Rietveld, Jr., 800; Pam Smith, So., 1,600; Kim Steele, Sr., 100; Khanichi Tape, Jr., 300 IH; Beth Weidler, Jr., 800, HJ; Corolar White, Sr., 200, 400, 800.

Key newcomers: Kristin Chadez, Fr., 400, 800, 1,600; Kristine Peters, Fr., HJ; Sarah Pfeifer, So., 100, 200, 100 LH.

Outlook: A year after taking their lumps, the Aztecs should be back contending with Marina for the league title. White was the league and county champion in the 400 meters a year ago and might see some action at 800 metes this spring. Massoth, Smith, Rietveld and Chadez have helped the Aztecs to their first section cross-country title last fall, so the distances are shored up. Jarne, Cox, Weidler and Lomeli are all-around talents who will score points in a variety of events. Tape, Bruno and Pfeifer will assume the hurdling role for Britt’s squad, which has won 14 league titles in 16 years.