1994 Prep Preview: Water Polo : Six Teams to Watch : Corona del Mar

Coach: John Vargas (12th year).

1993: 27-3 overall, 7-0 in the Sea View League; reached the section Division I title game, losing to El Toro, 10-9, in overtime.

Key returners: Thad Buzolich, two-meter man, Sr.; Neil Hueston, driver, Sr.; Doug Jetton, goalkeeper, Sr.; Adam McFarland, two-meter man, Sr.; James Palda, two-meter man, Sr.; Adrian Strelzow, driver, Sr.; Kevin Tucker, driver, Sr.

Key newcomers: Michael Bise, driver, Jr.; Tom Capritz, two-meter man, Sr.; Cameron Glasgow, driver, Sr.; Jeffrey Marchiorlatti, driver, Jr.

Outlook: Vargas has led teams to four Southern Section championships, but the Sea Kings haven’t won since 1989. “It’s depressing,” Vargas said, only half-joking. This season could provide medication. After coming agonizingly close to the title last season, Corona del Mar is the consensus team to beat. Crosby Grant has moved on to Stanford, but the other six starters return. Palda and Hueston are two of the premier players in the county, and Buzolich and McFarland, both 6-3, aren’t far behind. Jetton is outstanding in the goal.