Several members of the Columbia River Swim Team (CRST) are competing in the 2013 Speedo Western Zone Champions, or commonly called “Senior Sectionals” at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

The event lasts four days and includes high-level swimmers from 12 states, according to Doug Lombard, co-founder of CRST. The swimmers included high school and college stars, as well as former Olympians.

“You have to be proficient and fast to even get there,” said Lombard.

The event is considered one step below Nationals and several of the swimmers are currently trying to attain Junior National and Olympic trials cuts.

Kasey Calwell (shown in this photo), who attends King’s Way and also swims for Camas High School, is competing in multiple events, alongside several of this teammates, including: Eric Bugna, Chris Xue, Alex Suk, Julia Sanders, Darya Samlee, Anna Pannebianco, and Andrea Young.

Calwell swam the 200 Breast and 100 Free today, and will compete in the 400 IM on Thursday, and the 100 Back and 100 Breast on Saturday. On Sunday, he competes in the 200 IM.

“So far today was great,” said Calwell. “I dropped three seconds in the 200 Breast and a tad in the Free. This is a crazy fast meet.”