MVSL History
The first written record of an MVSL was recorded June 19, 1975, at a meeting held at the Sunnyside pool. The league was originally formed as an association of six swim teams which included: Selah, Wapato, Toppenish, Sunnyside, Grandview, and Prosser. Prior to this time there was a loose association of Yakima Valley teams that participated in swimming and diving competitions.
The first record of a MVSL championship was in 1972. On a rotating basis, each team has hosted the yearly league championships.
Some of the original members instrumental in organizing the MVSL were: Dale and Kay Olsen, Carolyn Wilson, and Bernadine Paganelli of Wapato; Francis and Arlene Hull and Joyce Clark of Toppenish; Brian and Val Hammons, James Brackins, and Dave Chaplin of Selah; Jim Rice, Glen Manley, and Dick Diener of Grandview; John Burgett, Phil Blakney, and Bob Early of Prosser; Frank Filicetti, Larry Budden, and Dennis Quisinberry of Sunnyside.
Phil Blakney was the first temporary President and Carolyn Wilson was the temporary Secretary/Treasurer. The first elected officers were Frank Filicetti, President; Phil Blakney, Vice President; Carolyn Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer.
Naches was admitted to the league in 1985.
Othello was admitted to the league in 2010.
