Washburn has record-setting meet, Manta Rays finish 11th

PENDLETON, Ore. — The Manta Ray Aquatic swim team sent four swimmers to the Inland Empire Swimming Long Course Championship meet held in Pendleton, Ore. recently.

Brothers Dylan and Nicholas Moore competed for the first time in this regular season culminating meet, joining their multiple-year attending teammates Cole Lindberg and Zachary Washburn.

All four boys scored points for their team, and although Manta Ray Aquatics was by far the smallest team — some teams having over 80 competitors — they managed to finish in 11th place out of 15 teams.

The weather was very hot, and it was a long three-day meet, but the MRA athletes were able to stay focused and gave the competition everything they had leading to many significant time drops, seven new team records and two new Inland Empire Swimming records.

Dylan Moore (10) started the meet off Friday with a fifth-place finish and a nine-second time drop in his 200 individual medley. He placed in the top eight in two more events, including fourth place in the 100 butterfly and eighth place in the 200 freestyle.

Dylan’s brother, Nicholas Moore (12), swam best times in all eight of his events, dropping an incredible 12 seconds in his 400 freestyle. He also qualified for finals and placed in the top 16 in the 200 individual medley and 50 freestyle.

Cole Lindberg (14) swam best times in three of his events, with a fourth-place finish in the 200 butterfly and a 14th-place finish in his 100 backstroke. He also qualified in the top position in preliminaries in the 100 butterfly.

Zachary Washburn (13) had five first-place finishes in his 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 200 butterfly and 200 individual medley. He set two Inland Empire Swimming records in the 50 and 100 freestyle, and went on to win high point for the 13-14 year-old boys at the meet.

The 100 freestyle record had stood since 1997. Washburn also set new MRA team records in seven of his eight events.

All 4 boys were a part of the 400 medley and 400 freestyle relays, placing seventh in both.

Dylan, Nicholas and Cole will now get a much deserved break before starting short course season in September, while their teammate Zachary heads to Roseville, Calif. to compete in the Western Zone Championships next week.

For more information about the Manta Rays, please visit the team website www.mlmr.org.