The Sandhills Sandsharks blazed past the competition to win the Moore County Swim League (MCSL) Championships recently at the Elks Club in Southern Pines.

The six teams participating in the league this summer included the Sandsharks’ summer league team, the Elks Club, CCNC, Seven Lakes, Pinehurst Area Swim Team and Pinehurst Parks and Recreation.

Swimmers competed in races ranging from 25 meters in all four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle) for 6-and-under, 7/8 and 9/10 age groups, to 50-meter races for 11/12 and 13/14 age groups, up to 100-meter IMs and 200-meter relays.

In spite of a rainy season, participation numbers were strong, as swimmers ages 6 to 14 competed in several meets during the six-week season.

Hans Johnson, 13, and Fiona Duffy, 12, both of Sandsharks, were top male and female performers, exhibiting performances in line with USA Swimming’s time standards while each winning two individual events and participating on winning relays.

MCSL is a developmental program run by Sandhills Sandsharks, Moore County’s longest running year-round USA Swimming swim club.

All Sandshark swimmers are eligible to compete in meets across the state on a monthly basis; qualified athletes have opportunities to compete at the regional and national levels.

Sandhills Sandsharks began its year-round season with swim camp, skills assessments and swim lessons. Swim camp started in late August, and continues through Sept. 11, with its swim team season beginning on Sept. 12. More information and registration can be found at www.sandshark.org.