The holidays are over, and it's time for area swimmers to get back in the pool and race.
The Walla Walla boys will host Moses Lake at 4 p.m. today at Harvey Pool. The Blue Devils last competed Dec. 17 against Eastmont in a dual meet that was postponed a week because of transportation issues.
"We've only had one dual meet," first-year Walla Walla coach Katharine Curles said. "It's crazy. It's been the weirdest season."
Curles tested her swimmers, who each got in 5,000-13,000 yards a day during break, through a practice dual meet last Friday.
"We scored it tournament scoring, so JV points counted," Curles said. "Every swimmer did three relays and three individuals."
On Saturday, Prosser will be back in action at Lions Pool in Yakima, while Richland and Hanford hit the road against Eastmont.
Richland/Hanford coach Kathy Piper, whose teams' last meet was Dec. 10 against Davis and Eisenhower, is happy the break is done and her swimmers have no more holiday distractions.
"It's hard to keep their attention (at practice)," Piper said. "They like to ski and see their families. It's also a good time for college visits."
Now, with the bulk of the season under way, these next few weeks could blow by in a blur. Districts are Feb. 3-4 in Ellensburg, and the state championships will be two weeks later in Federal Way.
Hermiston
The Bulldogs are very familiar with the 30-mile stretch of road between Hermiston and Pendleton.
Because of the lack of an indoor pool in Hermiston, the Bulldogs must travel to Blue Mountain Community College five days a week for practice.
Though gas prices are dropping, coach Kevin Hamblin said the swim program costs the most to operate out of all Hermiston sports because of the frequent traveling. The team needs $3,000-$4,000 a year, Hamblin said.
To help ease those expenses, a variety show fundraiser is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hermiston High School auditorium. Tickets are $5 per person, and several swimmers will be singing, dancing and playing instruments.
"If we can come up with $1,000, that would be fantastic," Hamblin said.
* Katie Dorsey: 509-582-1526; kdorsey@tricityherald.com
