Across the South, children look forward to summer because it is a chace to take a dive in the pool, and relax.

At the Troy Parks and Recreation Department, over 30 youngsters are hoping in to the pool, but not to relax. The Troy Tiger Sharks Swim Team is busy prepping for their first meet of the season on Saturday, June 1.

Tiger Sharks head coach Shane Tatum said that the kids are always excited to swim in their home pool.

“I always try to have our first meet as a home meet, because it relieves a lot of the anxiety for the kids,” said Tatum. “Being in your home pool kind of gives you an advantage, and being our first meet, we need all the advantages we can get.”

The Tiger Sharks will compete against teams from Dothan and Andalusia on Saturday at the Troy Recreation Department on Enzor Road.

The swimming program at Dothan is a year-round team, while Troy and Andalusia compete from May through July.

Tatum feels that though his team may not be the biggest in number, they will be competitive.

“Dothan will bring about 20 swimmers, and Andalusia will be in the neighborhood of 60,” Tatum said. “We may not have the largest team there on Satuday, but we will definitely hold our own.”

The Tiger Sharks will benefit in 2013 in having several returning swimmers of last year’s team.

Many swimmers set personal bests in the pool last season, something that Tatum believes can be improved on this season.

“We have seven returning swimmers from last year’s team, and we have goals set out for them,” Tatum said. “But we also have goals set for the new ones. The sport of swimming isn’t about competing against the person, it’s all about competing against the clock.”