Prepare the pool for the Manta Rays

by Brad Redford<br>Herald Sports Writer
| July 30, 2004 9:00 PM

Moses Lake hosts Sizzling Summer Invitational

Fun in the sun is the theme the Manta Rays are going for.

Broken records, fast swim times and a top place finish is the result Moses Lake is searching for. The only concern is attitude.

Of course Manta Ray coach Tony Preston expects stand out times, he also knows with the Inland Empire Championship already behind Moses Lake, getting up for the home meet could be tougher than expected. But, Preston found the trick to keep the atmosphere light and in the mood for another weekend of swimming competition.

"The tropical theme comes with prizes that match with the theme and so we want people to remember us and want to come back next year," Preston said. "Plus, with the movie in the park and the concert in the park, that helps with people wanting to come and hang out with us."

The meet is expected to host teams from Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Canada and the west side of the state. About 10 teams have signed up for the Summer Sizzling Invitational, down from years past, but expected due to scheduling of other meets.

Fortunately for Moses Lake, the meet counts toward qualifying for bigger, upcoming meets and draws interest partly because of the weight it pulls.

"I think we will still have some good competition and because our meet can be used to qualify for bigger meets coming up, we will have people pushing to better their times to get into those meets," Preston added.

Still, the Manta Rays are keeping things light.

The past week, Moses Lake swimmers have psyched themselves up for the weekend. With themes for the four days leading up to the meet, such as, a decathlon, a waterslide bracket, wacky relay day and dress up diving competition has kept the level at "fun."

"We want to compete and we will compete, but at the same time, we are all about having fun," Preston added.