Top performances by multiple Manta Rays

MOSES LAKE - This past weekend the Moses Lake Manta Rays swimming team took part in the Walla Walla January Storm Meet.

Teams from Washington, Idaho, and Oregon participated in the event which saw multiple Manta Rays record personal best times through serious score improvements. Some of the swimmers saw their PRs drop anywhere between five and 10 seconds. 

There were many top three finishes recorded by the Manta Rays, including 14-year-old Brenden Eslick, who placed first in the boys 13-14 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard butterfly, 200-yard individual medley, 100-yard butterfly and the 200-yard freestyle. 

Eslick's time of 2:49.60 in his 200 freestyle qualified him for the Zone Championships to be held this summer in California. 

He also place second in the 400-yard individual medley and third in the 100-yard back, 500-yard freestyle and 50-yard freestyle. 

Zack Johnston completed his competition with four third place finishes in the boys 13-14 100-yard freestyle, 100 and 200-yard breastroke and the 200-yard backstroke. His time of 2:10.82 qualified him for the age group sectional meet in Federal Way this March and was within a second of qualifying for the Zone Championships.

Kelly Garrett placed third in the girls 13-14, 1650-yard freestyle and the 200-yard freestyle. 

Eight-year-old Jackson Fair placed second in the boys 8-and-under 25-yard freestyle and third in the 25-yard backstroke. 

The next meet for the Manta Rays is Jan. 20-23 at the Washington State Open. 

This is a high level senior meet open to any age. 

Amber Garrett, Courtney Schweisow, Brenden Eslick, Corey Bradshaw, Kaelen Connacher, and Zack Johnston will be representing the team. 

The Moses Lake Swim Team is looking for new members and is open to any swimmer who is able to swim in three-feet of water. 

For more information call 509-760-6567 or go to the team's website at mlmr.org.