1996 BOYS’ SWIMMING AND DIVING PREVIEW : SIX TEAMS TO WATCH : SANTA MARGARITA

Coach: Rick Rowland (third year).

1995: 4-6, 1-4 in the Sea View League; finished fifth in league and 11th in the Division I finals.

Key returners: Philippe Demers, Jr.; Steve Eberle (diver), Jr.; Stephen Ferguson, Sr.; Andrew Jensen, So.; Matt Martin, Jr.; John Peterson, Sr.; Frank Uxa, So.

Key newcomers: None.

Outlook: Don’t be fooled by the Eagles’ fifth-place finish in league last season. This young team will be ready this year and will be led by Demers, perhaps the best swimmer in the county. Demers, who won the 200-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly at Division I finals last season, almost single-handedly gave the Eagles’ an 11th place finish at section finals last season. He has achieved very difficult U.S. Olympic Trials qualifying times. Other swimmers to watch for are Peterson, who was one of the county’s fastest freestyle sprinters but was unable to compete at section finals because of a broken ankle; and Uxa, who finished 12th in the 100-yard backstroke. Uxa should also be a key contributor to the Eagles’ relay hopes.