By Ali Mason

The Piranhas first practice of the 2018 season was held on Monday, June 4 at DeHart Park pool. Practices will be held Monday through Thursday in Stuart.

The majority of upcoming meets will be held at different locations; however there will be two home meets in Stuart during the month of July.

The team’s first meet will be Thursday, June 14, beginning at 6 p.m., in Elkin, N.C.

Members of the swim team will perform different types of strokes ranging from the butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.

Meets will include relays and 50 and 25 yard events in all of these strokes, as well as another competition: the 100 IM (Individual Medley), which is a combination of all 4 strokes.

This is Coach Austin Menear’s second year of guiding the swim team. When asked about his expectations for the upcoming Piranhas season, he said “(they are) slightly raised from last year, so we can truly see the kids get better in the water.”

Four youngsters participated in the first practice, but Menear said many others who are on the team are currently “participating in 4-H camps or on vacation.” He also encouraged more youngsters to join even though practices have already started.

The team is open to youngsters and teens, aged 5 to 18-years-old. The cost to participate is $40 for members at the pool or $60 for non-members. The fee is due on June 15; however Menear will allow people to join after the deadline. A flexible practice schedule is offered. Participants must be able to swim one length of the pool.