Manta Rays return home

FEDERAL WAY - One hundred-fifty teams from the Pacific Northwest, Montana, Wyoming and Northern Utah took part in the Northwest Regional Swim Championships at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way over the weekend.

The Manta Rays were represented by Anna Fair, Jackson Fair, Ian MacDougall, Luke MacDougall, Eric Kemper, Zackary Washburn and Zack Johnston at the prestigious meet

"This is one highest level swim meets in the United States for swimmers 9-18 years of age," coach Jerry Johnston said. "The team finished in the top 45 out of the 150 teams, many of which are five to 10 times larger than the Manta Rays."

Leading the way for the team was Zack Johnston who won the 1650 freestyle for the boys 15 to 18 years old. He is the first Manta Ray to win an event at this meet, and qualified for the Senior Sectionals to be held in Mt. Hood, Oregon, and Senior Zone Championships in Clovis, California this summer. He also placed in the top eight in six events.

Zachary Washburn was the fastest 9 year-old swimmer at the meet and placed top eight in three events in the 10 & Under Boys age group. He also qualified for the Zone Swimming Championships to be held in Roseville, California this summer. Luke MacDougall placed 8th in the 11 & 12 year-old boys 1650 freestyle and qualified as well for the Zone Championships. The Boys 10 & under 200 free relay team of Washburn, Kemper, Ian MacDougall and Fair placed 9th.

The Manta Rays are out of action for the next two weeks, but will be back in the pool for the start of the summer season April 8.

Swimmers interested in joining the Manta Rays can obtain information on the team web site at mlmr.org or by calling coach Johnston at (509) 760-6567.