Manta Rays strike gold

ELLENSBURG - The Moses Lake Manta Rays competed exceptionally well at the Inland Empire Jr. Champs recently.

The team took home 12 gold medals and Halle Johnston took high point in the girls 13- and 14-year-old age group after winning the 200-yard fly, 100-yard breast, 200-yard breast and the 100-yard fly.

She also placed second in the 400-yard individual medley, 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle.

Jordan Pack scored four wins in the 11- and 12-year old age group. Pack took first in the 50-yard freestyle, 50-yard breast, 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard breast.

Josiah Johnston, 12, placed first in the 50-yard fly and the 100-yard fly.

Jessica Williams won the girls 11- and 12-year-old 500-yard freestyle and 50-yard breast.

Emily Johnston placed second in the girls nine- and 10-year-old 50-yard breast and fourth in the 200-yard freestyle and 200-yard individual medley.

Jeremiah Johnston took second place in the boys 13- and 14-year old age group in the 200-yard fly.

According to coach Jerry Johnston, the majority of the Manta Rays swim team posted best times in numerous events at the meet.

Emily Johnston, Williams, Pack, Josiah Johnston, Dylan Bond and Halle Johnston all qualified for the Inland Empire Championships in Moscow, ID.

The meet is scheduled for Feb. 28-March 2 and 15 other Manta Ray swimmers qualified earlier in the season.