For the first time in four years, the Niagara-Wheatfield Falcons will not be defending a Niagara Frontier League championship. After three consecutive unblemished seasons, N-W relinquished its crown to North Tonawanda last winter.

The Falcons, led by senior Luke Kellogg, will be looking to get back on top of the league standings this season, according to 14th-year coach Mike Corsaro.

Also back for Wheatfield is the junior trio of Phil Fending, Jeremy Chapman and David MacSwan.

Niagara Falls

The Wolverines will be looking to several swimmers to pick up where school record holder and state qualifier Brian Sawma left off. The butterfly specialist is now a freshman at Niagara University.

Among those leading the way for seventh-year coach Ed Maynard is senior freestyler Sam Cale, who owns a school record and qualified for states a season ago. He’s joined by sophomore diver Austin Devlin, who also owns a school record and qualified for states last winter.

North Tonawanda

The Lumberjacks will be looking to replace six seniors from last season’s undefeated championship season.

They do, however, bring back their top two swimmers in seniors Braden Kozlowski and Scott Farrell, according to fifth-year coach Paul Becigneul. Both qualified for the state meet in freestyle events.

Grand Island

Two-time state qualifier Evan Carey leads a veteran Vikings’ squad this winter. Carey, the reigning Niagara Gazette Swimmer of the Year, won the Section VI championship in the 100 free last season.

Seventh-year coach Rob Collard, who expects his team to improve on last year’s 4-10 record, is joined for the fourth consecutive season by assistant Phil Ciraolo, who is a renowned area club coach.

Lewiston-Porter

The Lancers return several key swimmers from last year’s 9-5 team. Included in that group is the school record-setting 400 free relay quartet of Nik Curry, Adam Swift, Nick Conde and Paul Campbell.

Also back for second-year coach Josh Janese, a former Lew-Port standout, is diver Eddie Quarantillo.

Starpoint

Coach Tim Menges, who is in his 11th season at the helm, has the best numbers he’s ever had this fall. Included in that group are several key returnees — seniors Chris Kassy, Charles Schutt and D.J. McAninch, junior Zac Toth, sophomores Luke Martinic, Matt Schutt and Tim Stead along with eighth graders Alec Toth and Robbie Luckman.

The Spartans, who were 12-3 overall and 10-1 in the league a year ago, are hoping to qualify more swimmers for ECIC and sectional competition with eyes set on state qualification for a few individuals and at least one relay, Menges said.

Around the Area

Divers Jeff Steinborn and Collin deGuehery return for Kenmore East and third-year coach Nathan Bourke. ... First-year Kenmore West coach Carrie Vetter expects a strong season from Alex Spatzer. ... State qualifiers Mark Wallace and Corey Petrie will keep John Sullivan’s Lockport squad in contention.

Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.