The Kalispell Aquatic Team (KATS) will have 18 swimmers in the water this weekend at the Long Course Swim Championship Meet in Missoula.

The Missoula Aquatic Club is hosting the three-day event, which begins today at 8:45 a.m. at the new 50-meter pool at Splash Montana.

A total of 286 swimmers from around the state are entered. Twelve teams will be represented.

Swimmers must have met qualifying times to compete at state.

Competition on Saturday and Sunday also begins at 8:45 a.m. Finals will take place 4 p.m. daily.

"I'm pretty pleased with the number going to Missoula and for state," said KATS coach Brandon Rannebarger.

"We have a great core group. We also have some younger swimmers coming up and it's always nice to see that happen."

Rannebarger said veteran KATS swimmer Maxie Scroggs has qualified in seven events.

"She's always someone to watch," Rannebarger said of the backstroker and butterfly specialist.

"She's a wonderful swimmer."

Rannebarger is also expecting big things from Madison Walters, another longtime KATS member. She's qualified in seven events.

"She's been swimming really, really well," Rannebarger said.

"She shaves off time every time we get her in the water. She's approaching races very strategically."

Walters specializes in the freestyle - 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,500.

"She has probably the hardest workload right now," Rannebarger said.

Walters also swims the 200 and 400 individual medley.

Rannebarger said Sydney Boveng, Libby Proctor and AJ Popp "are really coming on. All seem to be poised and ready to do some fast times at state."

Also competing at state for the KATS are: Mary Burnham, Lauren Harmon, Courtney Klemann, Isabella Lane, McKenzie Lane, Miranda Lind, Margret Mulcahy, Colleen Ogg, Lexie Proctor, Joshua Ogg, Joseph Potkonjak, Logan Streit and Austin Strobbe.