Cape Girardeau Central High boys swimming coach Dayna Powell hopes a big senior class will pay off in the form of a successful season.

The Tigers placed just 14th at the state meet last year, one of their lowest finishes in quite a while.

But, armed with 12 seniors -- led by two-time state runnerup Jason Owen -- Powell expects the Tigers to be able to make some noise this season and return to the top 10 at the state meet.

"Last year we actually swam fast at state, but we just had less state qualifiers than in the past," said Powell, whose team opens the season Tuesday at home against Lafayette. "To really get into that top 10, you need more people and you have to have some success in the relays.

"We've got a big group of seniors and everybody is bigger, stronger and faster. The guys have been working really hard. They've been very committed, very determined. Our consistent goal is to get in the top 10 at state and I think we'll have a good chance to do that."

Owen, who recently signed a letter of intent to swim for Southern Illinois-Carbondale, heads up the Tigers' senior class. He was second in both the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle at last year's state meet.

"Jason is one of the top swimmers in the state going into the season," Powell said. "He can swim several events at state and be a top contender. At the end of the year, we'll have to try and determine where we think his best chance will be."

Eric Yount was also a two-event individual state qualifier last year and he finished 10th in the 50 freestyle. Ben Roeger is another two-event state qualifier from last season.

Other seniors Powell will be counting on are twins Andrew and Nathan Skinner, Zach Roberts, Matt Hawkins, Sam Fletcher, Rob Tygett, Tim Chisman, Jason Marietta and David Nall. Nathan Skinner, Roberts and Hawkins all swam relay legs at last year's state meet.

Adding depth will be two juniors, Warren Williams and Morgan Mackey, along with seven sophomores: Stratton Tingle, Jon Lowrence, Gabe Austin, Randy Morris, Tony Kiel, Justin Hawkins and Stephen Stahr. Tingle was a relay competitor at state last season.

"We're looking forward to the season," said Powell. "I'm always optimistic about our chances. I figure there shouldn't be too many teams with this many seniors, which should be to our advantage. Hopefully we can surprise some people."