Manta Ray Swim Team Dives Into Action

By JAIRO VALLEJO

The Progress

The long awaited Mesquite Manta Ray Swim Team season has kicked off for the summer at the Mesquite Recreation Center.

Mesquite Recreation Manager Zach Robison said that the youth swim team is a popular and successful program at the Rec Center.
“We are incredibly proud of both our coaches and the Manta Rays team,” said Robison. “The kids are enjoying it, and they trust their coaches.”

Robison introduced the newest swim coaches for the Manta Rays this season: Nayeli Andrade and Neil Anderson. Both are veterans of the Manta Ray Swim Team and are both are entering their senior year at Virgin Valley High School.

In addition, both coaches are decorated swimmers for the Virgin Valley High School Swim Team. Andrade recently became the 3A State Swimming Champion in the 100 meter breaststroke.
Anderson said that it was particularly meaningful for him to be coaching the team this summer. “It’s great to have the opportunity to coach for the team that I grew up swimming for,” Anderson said. “I love being able to see all the progress that the kids have made so far this year and being able to see the potential they have as swimmers. As I grew up swimming I’ve always loved my coaches and looked up to them, and I hope these kids can look up to me as well.”

The Manta Ray Swim Team has been competing in the Mesquite community for over 10 years.
In order to join the team youth must meet particular swimming requirements. All swimmers must be able to swim fluently in Freestyle, Backstroke, and Breaststroke without touching the bottom or sides of the pool or be a Level 4 Red Cross certified swimmer.

There are a total of five swim meets throughout the swim season with the championship being held at Utah Tech University in St. George. The team has already competed in two of the meets.
“The last two meets have gone so well!” said Coach Andrade. “I have really enjoyed seeing the kids be able to race and have fun!”

Andrade said that through the years she has been swimming competitively, she has grown to love the sport and has created some really great memories. “As a coach I hope to help these kids also grow a love for the sport,” she said. “I hope to develop their strokes and endurance so they can see that they can do hard things, create memories, and have fun throughout the season!”

The Manta Rays have a total of three swim meets left. On July 9 the team will be heading to Kanab, Utah for a competition. Then on July 16, the team will be traveling to Hurricane, Utah for the “Beat The Heat” invitationals. The final meet of the season will be the championship being held at Utah Tech University on July 29-30.

In addition to the two dedicated coaches, there are also lifeguards in charge of the swimming lessons being offered at the Mesquite Recreation Center.