MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake High School boys swim team is looking to make a big splash in the newly realigned Columbia Rasin Rig Nine Conference.

And with five returning state placers and three State qualifiers, coach Tony St. Onge, now in his 35th year at the helm of the program, is confident his team will finish among the best this season.

"We are probably the favored team this year," he said. "We took first in the league last season, placed third at district, and we are better in every aspect of the game this year from the

team's depth to the top athletes in each event."

Returning to lead the way for the Chiefs are seniors Reid Jackson, Ben Breaky, Nick Osborne and Tristianne Randall who were all members of the State Final relay teams.

Senior Jacob Price who was a state qualifier in diving, sophomore Brenden Eslick who swam in the championship finals, sophomore and state qualifier Zack Johnston and junior state qualifier Kaelan Connacher will also be counted on to help Moses Lake defend the league title this year.

The stiffest competition, St. Onge said, will come from the always tough Wenatchee Panthers. St.

Onge expects Richland and Walla Walla to give everyone a run for top honors in district competition.

The Chiefs first meet of the season is on the road in Wenatchee Dec. 6.