ESPERANZA

Coach: Al Britt (15th year).

1995: Two-time defending Orange County Champions; Sunset League co-champions; the Southern Section Division I runners-up.

Key returners: Stacy Jarne, SP, DT, So.; Lauren Matt, 800, Sr.; Karen Mitchell, 1,600, 3,200, Jr.; Kelly O’Connor, LJ, TJ, PV, Sr.; Heather Perrin, 200, 400, Sr.; Crystal Smith, 1,600, Sr.; Beth Weidler, 1,600, So.

Key newcomers: Kristin Hawking, 800, 1,600, Sr.; Lisa Massoth, 1,600, 3,200, Fr.; Leslie Rietveld, 800, So.; Lisa Smith, 1,600, Fr.; Sara Swan, 1,600, 3,200, So.

Outlook: The Aztecs lost three of the state’s elite athletes to graduation: Courtney Pugmire (Brigham Young), Carrie Caulkins (Brown), Inshirah Jones (UC Irvine). To say the Aztecs will have a rebuilding year is an understatement, but Britt does have a defending state champion in O’Connor. The senior won the state title in the triple jump, at 40 feet, 6 1/2 inches. Hawking showed signs of brilliance in cross-country, but likes the track more than the trails. Perrin adds consistent senior leadership in the 400 and 800.