OWATONNA – Coach Jon Schmitz expects great progress from this year’s Albert Lea High School boys’ swimming and diving team.

But he also expects to do a lot of winning along the way.

Schmitz Tigers kicked off the 2002-03 campaign at Owatonna Thursday night with a one-sided 95-86 victory at Owatonna. Albert Lea counted only one place after building a 79-59 advantage with two events remaining.

The Tigers, who took all three relays to state last season, won those races handily.

Ethan Berg, Ben Schreiber, Justin Elwood and Ben Matheson teamed for first in the 200-yard medley relay in 1:49.85. Colton Jensen, Mitch Johnson, Schreiber and Matheson won the 200 freestyle relay, clocking 1:49.59. Ryan Lowe, Jensen, Johnson and Berg were fastest in the 400 freestyle relay in 3:38.26.

Johnson, Schreiber and Berg added a pair of individual firsts. Johnson swept the sprints, taking the 50 free in 25.2 seconds and the 200 free in 1:54.9. Schreiber won the 200 individual medley in 2:15.39 and the 100 breaststroke in 1:07.69. Berg was first in the 100 butterfly in 1:01.43 and the 100 backstroke in 1:03.21. The other first was by Jensen, who won the 500 freestyle in 5:24.94.

Other Albert Lea places: Jensen, second, 200 free, 2:01.51; Matheson, second, 200 IM, 2:18.02 and second, 100 breast, 1:09.42; Matt VanFosen, fourth, 200 IM, 2:40.39 and fourth, 500 free, 6:46.17; Lowe, second, 50 free, 25.2; Chris Jackson, fourth, 50 free, 25.86 and fourth, 100 breast, 1:11.43; Matt Stoneking, third, diving, 99.55; Justin Elwood, second, 100 butterfly, 1:03.67 and third, 100 back, 1:07.31; Jon VanErkel, fifth, 100 free, 1:02.69; Casey Ciffra, fifth, 100 back, 1:22.08.

Owatonna won the junior varsity meet 73-69.

The Tigers travel to Northfield for a nonconference dual meet on Tuesday.