As the Oakville boys swimming and diving team enter the 2022 season, the Tigers are looking to benefit from a solid core of returning juniors and seniors along with an influx of new talent. 

“The team’s a little bit bigger than we’ve had in a while,” Oakville head coach Dan Schoefeldt said. “We’ve got a good group of juniors returning and I think that we will be able to compete with anyone on our schedule.”

Senior Max Sillivan returns for the 2022 season and is considered the Tiger’s top threat in the 100-yard butterfly this season.

“Max is a great all around swimmer that’s very coachable and has been putting in 110 percent at practice,” Schoenfeldt said. “He’s got a pretty good chance at making the state cut in the 100 butterfly this year.”

The duo of juniors Ben and Jake Pantazo could also make the state championships come this November. Ben Pantazo will be counted on to dominate the 100- and 200-yard freestyle while Jake Pantazo will see action in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle as well as the 100-yard breaststroke. “They both had a good sophomore year,” Schoenfeldt said. “Jake became our best sprinter last year. Ben will be our best distance swimmer in the 200 and 500 free along with the 100 breaststroke.”

Junior Brayden Zimmerman is another threat in the sprint freestyle events this season for the Tigers as well as Oakville’s top threat in the 100 yard backstroke.

“Brayden is one of the better sprinters on the team and is also our best backstroker,” Schoenfeldt said. “He’s a big contributor to the team in every meet.”

The Tiger’s head coach is also looking to take advantage of the versatility of junior Trent Batten in a variety of events.

“Trent plays water polo and that competitiveness will definitely benefit our team,” Schoenfeldt said. “We’re going to be able to use him in a lot of different events this season.”

Sophomore Nathan Baker is another swimmer that will be instrumental in the Tiger’s success in 2022.

“Nathan has come a long way since he joined the team,” Schoenfeldt said. “He’ll definitely have the opportunity to score some points for us in dual meets and invitationals.”

The Tigers begin the 2022 season at home against Vianney Aug. 30 at 4 p.m.