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Sailfish

Invitational

set to begin

By ALLAN FLUHARTY

The Panama City Swim Team will host the 16th Annual Sailfish Invitational Swim Meet this weekend at the Panama City Swim and Tennis Club.

The meet begins 5 p.m. today with the long events, and implements a new format for the Saturday and Sunday sessions. The two biggest days of events will be split into two sessions, with ages 11-12 starting at 8:30 a.m. and ages 13 and up starting around 12:30 p.m.

``The competitors won't have to stand around all day waiting for their events this way,'' PCST head coach Jim Bucher said.

PCST won last year's meet, but repeating may be tough.

``I graduated quite a few seniors (boys and girls) from last year's team,'' Bucher said, ``so we're hurting a little in those classes. But we have lots of competitors in the younger age groups.''

With no senior girls entered, the team will receive no points in that age division unless a younger swimmer chooses to compete at that level. Bucher doesn't think that will bring positive results.

``That's a tough class to move up to,'' Bucher said. ``It's easier to move up into the 10 and under than up into the senior class.'' PCST does, however, have 16 qualifiers for the Junior Olympics, to be held July 27-29 in Memphis, Tenn.

Bucher expects a tough battle with several top area teams, including last year's top contenders Tyndall, Tallahassee MacClay, the Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club and Playground YMCA, from Fort Walton Beach.

While several other teams entered compete year-round, the PCST team competes only in the summer.

``We're at a disadvantage, not having year-round facilities,'' Bucher said.

``If we had the kind of practice time ...'' Meet Director Debbie Munroe said. ``These clubs swim year-round -- we face them four weeks after we've started practice.''

The six-lane outdoor pool at the Panama City Swim and Tennis Club offers a viewing deck for spectators. There is no charge for admission.