Goshen High school is currently in its first full season of competitive swimming at the state level.

After spending a year on the probationary level the Eagles started their true competition in September with two swimmers.

“We are eligible for sectionals and state meets,” said swim coach Shane Tatum. “We had two swimmers last year and this year, but the excitement is starting to grow.”

The team consists of freshman Bryce Tatum and Dallas Daughtry. The Eagles have participated in meets in Birmingham and in Auburn and will close out their season this weekend in Dothan.

The goal for the both Tatum and Daughtry is to hit their qualifying time which would make them eligible to attend the sectional swim meet in Mobile on Nov. 20. Currently Tatum is about a half second from hitting his mark while Daughtry is about a second off.

“Last year I think it was kind of new for everybody,” Coach Tatum said. “When you add a high school team, especially in this area, it’s going to be new. It starts with a foundation. The two swimmers I have this year have been with me for a while. Hopefully we can keep growing and keep having interest in the sport.”

Proving they can compete at the high school level is important, as well.

“We are trying to get the word out and showing these kids that they have a chance to compete at a high school level,” Tatum said. “It’s a high school sport that is recognized by the Alabama High School Athletic Association.”

The sport of swimming at the high school level is considered a varsity sport, but students can start competing as early as eighth grade.

“It teaches people the benefit of swimming,” Tatum said. “Some people can’t go out and throw a baseball. A lot of people can swim. Swimming is all about technique and determination. One of the things I like about swimming is that it teaches the kids a lot about organizational skill.”

Once the word gets out Coach Tatum believes the sport of swimming at Goshen will grow. Tatum envisions a team with about 10 swimmers who are passionate and competitive in swimming.

“I can see us adding three or four more individuals next year and hopefully get up to around 10 kids,” Tatum said. “A good team in South Alabama consist eight or nine kids.”

The Eagles spend four days out of the week practicing for two hours a day at the Troy University Natorium in preparation for their meets this season