As first-year head coach Nick Aboussie takes the reins of the Oakville boys swimming and diving team, he’s already set the tone that the Tigers will get better every day.
“We have 10 seniors this year, and that really sets the tone for the team,” Aboussie said. “The guys are working hard and they’re getting back into the swing of things. They’re getting stronger every day by spending time in the weight room and the pool.”
Senior Parker Givens comes into the 2025 season as a freestyle specialist who has the potential to have his best season yet at Oakville.
“I think Parker has been overlooked, but he keeps crafting himself into being a great swimmer,” Aboussie said. “He’s not only gotten faster, but he’s really become the leader on this team.”
The Tigers’ head coach is also looking for a group of seniors to step up in their final season at Oakville. Blake Beranek, Blake Hallsten, Cameron Latzke, Coleman Leuthen, Bjorn Mehmeti, Cooper Miller, Oliver Nelson, Ethan Schulz and Mirza Softic all have the potential to score points at the conference championships, but possibly qualify for state.
“We really need them to be the leadership group for this team during practice,” Aboussie said. “I think that they can put themselves into a position to get some conference awards and maybe even qualify for state this season.”
Sophomore Wesley Givens is a distance freestyle and individual medley specialist who has some experience at the state championships on the Tigers’ relay teams.
“Wesley’s a hard worker who leads by example,” Aboussie said. “He’s able to motivate other guys on the team, and it’s great that he’s willing to show and teach the other swimmers how to handle their business in and out of the pool.”
Another sophomore that fans should keep an eye on this year is Schafer Spitznagel, who will compete in the backstroke and breaststroke events for the Tigers this season.
“Schafer is the kind of swimmer that takes constructive notes from the coaching staff during practice,” Aboussie said. “I think he’ll continue to grow as an Oakville swimmer over these next few years.”