Carlos Ponce

BURBANK — The local high school swimming teams might look a little different this season. With the graduation of some of Burbank and Burroughs’ top swimmers, along with a few athletes opting not to compete this season, the area coaches are dealing with distinctive different squads. The only team that could fair better this season than it did in 2007 is the Indians’ girls’ team. “For the first time we have enough girls on our team to fill all of our spots in all the races,” Burroughs Coach Carlos Ponce said.

BURBANK — Things are definitely looking up for the Burbank and Burroughs girls' water polo programs. The teams are coming off fine seasons, and although there might be some new faces this year, both squads are hoping for more success this campaign. Along with moving from the Almont League to the eight-team Pacific League — where four teams will make the postseason — the local programs will also likely benefit from a move from CIF Southern Section Division I to Division II. Add that to a spike in participation with the programs and everything points to successful seasons for Burbank and Burroughs.

SANTA CLARITA ? With Hart High enjoying a commanding lead, the Burbank boys' swim team knew it was competing for second place in the Foothill League finals. The Bulldogs were in second with a three-point lead over Valencia going into the final event of the day Thursday at the Santa Clarita Aquatics center. A win in the 400-yard freestyle relay would make Burbank the runner-up in the meet. However, a strong anchor leg by the Vikings allowed them to win the race, and claim second.

BURBANK ? The Burroughs and Burbank swim teams realize they are usually at a disadvantage when it comes to Foothill League competition. With very few club swimmers, the locals don't benefit from a feeder program, as the area doesn't possess any high-profile competitive youth programs. In contrast, most of the league teams from the Santa Clarita Valley are the beneficiaries of club programs and a number of their athletes have competed outside high school. The Indians and Bulldogs will endure one more season in their old league before moving to the Pacific League next season.

BURBANK ? The Burroughs High and Burbank swimming teams have been accustomed to going up against tough league opponents the last few years. As members of the Foothill League, the Indians and Bulldogs had to battle accomplished programs like Hart and Valencia. As first-year members of the Pacific League this season, the locals will have to deal with powerhouse Crescenta Valley boys' and girls' teams that have traditionally been some of the top in the division. However, the biggest change for Burbank and Burroughs isn't with the switch in leagues.

BURBANK — There has been a great deal of change with the area's boys' water polo teams since the 2005 season. Burroughs High has a new coach in Kristina Garcia, a 2000 Glendale High graduate who played on the Division I college level at Cal State Northridge and was on the women's coaching staff at College of the Canyons last season. She replaced Carlos Ponce, who is concentrating on just the Indians girls' team after heading both programs last season. At Burbank, second-year Coach Dro Hovanessian — a Burroughs graduate — has retooled much of the Bulldogs' offense and defense.

BURBANK — The 2006-07 girls’ water polo season went in distinctly different directions for Burroughs and Burbank highs. The Bulldogs enjoyed a successful season, finishing first during the regular Pacific League season and advancing to the postseason. The team had a 21-9 record and it won its first-ever playoff match, a 13-3 victory against Westridge. The Indians, on the other hand, struggled with a young team. The squad went 6-14 and finished last in league.