Manta Rays perform well at invite

ELLENSBURG - Manta Ray Aquatics began the indoor season swim meet schedule at the Octoberfest Invitational in Ellensburg.

The team was led by Brenden Eslick who won the high point award for the 15 and over boys. Many fast swims were recorded by the Manta Rays including 9 year-old Zachary Washburn who won several events and qualified for the age group regionals to be held in March. He also set team records for the 10 and under boys.

Anna Fair (12) broke Natalie Ruize's team record in the 50 fly. Natalie recently participated in the Olympic Trials this summer, and has been a state champion for Othello in six events over her high school swimming career.

Jordan Pack, Kade Pack, Jessica Mendoza, Carlos Facio, Cole Lindberg and John Ovregaard all had best times in several events. Eleven year-old Luke MacDougal also had a great meet improving his times drastically and qualifying for the Inland Empire Champs meet in March.

Other swimmers who qualified for the Inland Empire Champs are Jessica Landberg, Eric Kemper, Ian MacDougal, Zachary Washburn in the 10 and under age group, Anna Fair, Megan Washburn, Addison Fair, (13 and 14 age group), Zack Johnston, Brenden Eslick, Kaelan Connacher, Ben Breakey, Tristiane Randall, and Chris Vidrine in the 15 and over age group.

There were a number of new swimmers who just joined in September. Landon Thompson and Anthony Alvarez, both 5 year-old boys swam and qualified for 8 and under champs. Azzy Alvarez (7) also qualified for 8 and under champs along with 7 year-old Kianna Johnston.

Swimmers in their first-ever meet were Lada Foryan, Jessica Williams, Anthony Edson and ShyAnne Speed.

The next meet for the Manta Rays is Nov. 3 and 4 in Yakima.