Local swimmer dominates Age Group Sectionals Championship

Natilee Ruiz of Othello was 11, recently turned 12, when she swam in the Age Group Sectionals Championship held in Federal Way in March and broke records in every event she swam in.

She posted a time of 28.63 in the finals to break the 28.82 record set in 1997 in the 50 meter back stroke. In the 50 meter freestyle, Ruiz swam a 25.24 to break the 1993 record of 25.46. In the 200 meter individual medley Ruiz recorded a 2:14.51 to break the old record of 2:16.89. In the 100 meter individual medley Ruiz posted a 1:02.18 breaking the 1:02.74 posted in 1997. In the 100 meter backstroke a time of 1:01.49 by Ruiz broke the 1997 record of 1:01.94. In the 100 meter freestyle Ruiz posted a 54.85 to break the 55.30 record of 1997.

Ruiz also broke two records in last year's competition in the 50 meter back stroke and the 100 meter back stroke. Both of Ruiz's record times still stand in each event.

Ruiz is a year-round swimmer with the Moses Lake Manta Rays and a sixth grader at Hiawatha Elementary School. She is the only swimmer on the Manta Rays roster commuting from Othello three to four days a week to train.

— Staff report