MOSES LAKE – Middle school swimmers from Columbia, Endeavor and Frontier middle schools competed against one another at the Future Maverick Invite on Thursday, the second meet that the Moses Lake swim program has hosted this spring.

“It diversifies the swimming community – brings in different kids who may not get to do club for commitment or financial reasons,” said Jason Hart, head swim and dive coach at Moses Lake High School. “We can be able to reach out with a good product to help them in their lives.”

Families and spectators gathered in the stands around the Tony St. Onge Pool of Dreams to watch the 73 middle school swimmers compete in eight events; the 25-yard butterfly, 25-yard backstroke, 50-yard backstroke, 25-yard breaststroke, 50-yard breaststroke, 25-yard freestyle, 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle relay.

“We actually had to use overflow (seats),” Hart said. “The only time we’ve had to use overflow was for high school districts. They were supportive, we did some relays at the end and the kids were having a good time. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

For the swimmers, competing in the same pool the Mavericks swim in was awe-inspiring.

“Some of them had never been there before, and they’re like, ‘Woah!’” Hart said.

Many of the swimmers at the event had been previously taught by Moses Lake High School students as part of the FAST program, where fifth-grade swimmers learn about water safety.

“It’s a competitive continuation of that program a little bit,” Hart said.

Hart also said the MLHS swim program is planning to host a swim camp later in the summer.

“We’re off and rolling, and everyone’s supportive of the middle school program,” Hart said.