Edman goes the distance

Outlook: Crosson is a leader for the Eagles, who have many of their top swimmers, also including Wayman and Young, from the boys’ water polo team that Carpenter also coaches. Crosson finished second in league in the 100 back last season, and third in the 200 IM.

Barloon has been a nice addition for Estancia, too. Previously, he had run track for the Eagles in the spring, but now he’s excelling in the individual medley and breaststroke.

NEWPORT HARBOR

Coach: Jason Lynch (seventh year)

2007 record: 1-4 in Sunset League dual meets, won Sunset League finals (second overall)

Key returners: Clinton Jorth (Sr., sprint free, IM); Colin McKibbin (Sr., distance free); Brandon Parole (Sr., distance free); Myles Christian (Sr., fly, IM); Spencer Richley (Sr., sprint free); Andy Hayes (Jr., fly, breast); Zach Osadche (Jr., back); David Linden (Jr., fly, sprint free); Matt Russell (So., back); Hunter Owen (Sr., breast).

Key newcomers: Blake Kelly (So., sprint free); Zach Lucas (So., distance free); Rush Stevens (Sr., sprint free); Jimmy Burger (Sr., back).

Key dates: at home vs. Fountain Valley, April 9; at home vs. Los Alamitos, April 15; at Marina, April 22.

Outlook: Newport Harbor won the league championship meet last year and finished second overall. The Sailors are also looking strong this year, bolstered by many of the swimmers who helped the boys’ water polo team win the CIF Southern Section Division I title in the fall.

Newport Harbor has already beaten Corona del Mar, Esperanza and Edison in its first three meets of the season.

“Last year, we had 11 total guys qualify for CIF,” Lynch said. “We should get 11 or 12 this year if things go well. We have a pretty good group returning. We train a lot of freestyle, and we’re trying to develop the stroke guys. I’m looking form them to peak at [league championships] and try to hang on for CIF.”

SAGE HILL

Coach: Cari Knowlton and Abby Zern (second year)

2007 record: 2-0-1 in Academy League (won league); ninth at CIF Southern Section Division IV finals.

Key returners: Beau Caillouette (Sr., freestyle); Andrew Dorne (So., distance free, fly, IM); Nick Wan (Jr., back, IM); Jake Blitzer (So., fly, breast, IM); Ryan Barth (Sr., free, breast).

Key newcomers: Danny Harold (Sr., breast).

Key dates: at Oxford, April 9; at home vs. St. Margaret’s and Saddleback Valley Christian, April 11; at Whitney, April 24.