Oakville Tigers head coach Mike Genge has been coaching football for 28 years, going on seven at Oakville. He says the grind has stayed the same despite the job changing dramatically over the years.
The key to Genge’s longevity has been being willing to fail and learn, take criticism and improve from it and continuously reinvent yourself.
Genge says the team had a critical change of mindset last year, starting a practice of not focusing on who they’re playing. The idea came from the athletes themselves, who go as far as not naming their opponents, opting instead to refer to them by the week they face off.
The Tigers finished the 2025 season with an 8-3 record, falling to Jackson High School in the district semifinals.
“It was an eye-opening experience, but it was a good eye-opening experience. Like, ‘this is what it takes to be at this level,’” Genge said in reference to the Jackson game.
“This offseason has been really focused on learning how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t shy away from being uncomfortable — embrace it, take the challenge, step up and everything should take care of itself,” Genge said.
The longtime coach refers to the Tigers as the “team of no superstars,” referring to their ability to fall into their roles and mesh well together.
“We have a good family-like atmosphere,” Genge said. “Our motto is ‘we over me.’ We talk about it all the time; this is a selfless sport.”
Genge says the 14 other coaches understand they are there to serve the kids and share an appreciation for their athletes choosing to spend their time working and evolving with the team.
With 23 seniors on the roster this season, the Tigers continue their trend of retaining around 20 seniors each season over the past few years.
Senior Kaden Updike was named All-Conference and second-team All-District, playing the tight end and defensive end roles. He ended the 2025 season with six sacks, 16 tackles for loss and 67 total tackles, and has received seven offers to play in college to date.
Lucas Skinner, also a senior, was named second-team All-Conference defensive back. He ended the 2025 season with four interceptions, eight passes broken up and 52 total tackles, and has received four offers to play in college.
The Tigers will open their season on Aug. 28 playing away against Seckman High School, then will return home for a game against Lindbergh on Sept. 3.