Boys’ Swimming

* The Elite: Newport Harbor sophomore Aaron Peirsol (500 freestyle, 100 backstroke); Tustin sophomore Mike Cavic (100 butterfly); Mission Viejo senior Juan Veloz (500 freestyle, 100 butterfly); Mission Viejo senior Oat Sethsotohorn (200 individual medley); Mission Viejo senior Carlo Piccio (200 individual medley); Irvine senior Jeff Natalizio (200 individual medley); Irvine junior Gonny Shimura (200 freestyle); Santa Margarita junior Jonathan Russell (50 and 100 freestyles); El Toro senior Ray Vincent (diving); University junior Louie Gagnet (diving).

* The Next Level: Mission Viejo senior Scott Davidson (200 and 500 freestyles); Villa Park junior Chris Koontz (100 butterfly); Corona del Mar senior Garrett Gentry (200 freestyle); Capistrano Valley sophomore Andrew Burbach (200 and 500 freestyles); Villa Park senior Mike Casagrande (100 breaststroke); Foothill senior Doug Leach (200 freestyle).

* Preseason top 10: 1. Mission Viejo--As usual, the Diablos will be able to celebrate in several languages; 2. Irvine--Daniel Kim has graduated, but plenty remains; 3. Villa Park--Strong in breaststroke; 4. Santa Margarita--Move to Division II could be good; 5. Newport Harbor--Peirsol is county’s best; 7. Capistrano Valley--Always good relay teams; 8. El Toro--Water polo players could make the difference; 9. Foothill--No stars, but plenty of quality; 10. Los Alamitos--Always a strong program.

* Key Dates: March 7, CIF Relays prelims; March 11, CIF Relays finals; March 31, Mission Viejo, Marina at Irvine; April 7-8, Foothill Swim Games; April 15, Mission Viejo Invitational; May 11-13, Southern Section championships at Long Beach Belmont Plaza.

* League Favorites: Century--Villa Park; Empire--El Dorado; Golden West--Tustin; Orange--Brea Olinda; Pacific Coast--Corona del Mar; Sea View--Irvine; Serra--Santa Margarita; South Coast--Mission Viejo; Sunset--Los Alamitos.

* Fast Fact: Mission Viejo has won 20 section titles.