Manta Rays excel at 'Thankswimming' meet

MOSES LAKE — This weekend marked the first annual ThankSwimming Open Meet hosted by Manta Ray Aquatics. Seven teams from around the region participated in the event, with Moses Lake finishing in third place overall.

This proved to be one of the most successful performances in Manta Ray Aquatics history, with 123 top eight finishes by Moses Lake athletes in various events throughout the meet.

Zachary Washburn stood out with six first place swims in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 1650 freestyle, 50 butterfly and 200 individual medley.

On the girls’ side of the team, Cora Dana earned four first place finishes in the 50 and 100 freestyles, 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly. Other outstanding first place swims earned by Manta Ray swimmers included Anna Fair’s 100 backstroke, Alex McLain’s 1000 freestyle and Noah Heap’s 400 individual medley.

Representing Moses Lake in the triumphant girls 10 and under 100 freestyle relay was Julia Heaps, Azzy Alvarez, Melody Lake and Maisie Becker. Representing Moses Lake in the boys 10 and under 100 yard medley relay, which placed second, was Owen Devine, Aidan Devine, Anthony Alvarez, and Christopher Forrest.

The Manta Rays would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the Moses Lake community and surrounding areas that have supported their team for over 50 years. As a way of giving thanks, the team is going to donate a portion of the proceeds from this meet to the Boys & Girls Club. Manta Ray Aquatics also received food donations during the meet that will be passed along to the Moses Lake Food Bank.