They’re grrreat! Anniston YMCA starts Mini Tiger Shark Swim Team

Avery Fisher, 6, of the Mini Tiger Sharks practices her swimming techniques at the Anniston YMCA. Photo: Kevin Qualls/The Anniston Star

As the young swimmers, aged 5 and older, watch Waverly Polak and Patrick Williams glide across the pool they dream of being Tiger Sharks.

As the whistle blows, they giggle and trot, goggles and fins in tow, to the shallow end of the YMCA pool and wait for intructions from coach Carrie.

They are not ready for the big team yet but they are proud to be Mini Tiger Sharks.

Anniston YMCA aquatic director and head swim coach, Carrie Smith, started the Mini Tiger Shark Swim Team, made up of children 5 years of age and older, June 5.

“We are treating it like a very advanced swim lesson,” said Coach Smith. “(It is) for those kids that want to have an idea about what the Tiger Sharks would be like.”

The Mini Tiger Shark program is designed to help young swimmers “learn their breast stroke, their butterfly and racing dives,” Coach Smith said.

“Once they’ve learned all those then we’ll pop them up to the big team where they will be able to compete.”

Patrick Williams, 17, a four-year member of the YMCA’s competitive Tiger Shark Swim Team, sees the new program as an advantage for younger swimmers.

“It helps them work up to it and be able to grow into the swim team, grow mentally and physically,” Williams said.

That approach seems to be working.

“The kids are loving it, having a great time,” said Coach Smith. “Our goal is for them to eventually love the sport so much that they want to continue on.”

The young swimmers are allowed to compete during home meets, the first of which is expected to be in February.

Practice for the Mini Tiger Shark Swim Team is held year-round on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. at the Anniston YMCA.

The program is opened to members and non-members and there is a monthly fee of $27 to $37. Parents can contact Carrie Smith at 238-9622 for a free week of practice.