EPHRATA – Ephrata Middle School continues to see steady participation in its athletic programs, with 179 students taking part in fall sports this year, according to Athletic Director PJ Anderson. Last year, 300 students participated in one or more sports, and Anderson expects this year’s total to be close to that mark.

“This is our tenth year offering middle school sports,” Anderson said. “Participation has been very consistent since the program began, and turnout rates remain high with little fluctuation from year to year.”

EMS offers 13 sports throughout the year, including cross country, football, girls soccer, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls wrestling, baseball, fastpitch softball, boys soccer, and boys and girls track and field. Baseball and girls wrestling were added in the past three years.

The middle school teams compete in two leagues. Most sports participate in the North Central Washington (NCW) Middle School League, spanning schools from Moses Lake to Chelan. Baseball and softball are part of the Mid-Columbia Middle School Athletic Association (MCMSAA), including schools from Royal City to Benton City.

“Baseball was added three years ago, and our acceptance into the MCMSAA allowed us to (add) baseball and softball,” Anderson said, noting the association schedules both sports together, a convenience for the program.

Here's a look at competitions earlier this fall.