By STEPHEN GLOVER

For the Call

Although a top ranking at the state championships may be out of reach this season, the boys’ swimming and diving team at Oakville Senior High does expect some success.

“It’s been a good couple of weeks of practice for us,” Oakville head coach Dan Schoenfeldt told the Call. “I think we’ll do pretty well this year.”

Senior co-captains Greg Marx and Kyle Tracy lead the Tigers this season.

Marx, the team’s freestyle specialist, should see action in the 100- and 200-yard freestyle events.

Schoenfeldt is looking for Marx to crack the top 16 at state in the 100-yard freestyle this season.

“Greg’s definitely our No. 1 freestyle specialist,” Schoenfeldt said. “We expect Greg to make the Top 16 in the 100 free this year.”

Tracy will be the team’s 100-yard butterfly specialist and is hoping to qualify for the state championships, which are in February.

“Kyle leads by example,” Schoenfeldt said. “Everyone looks up to him and I’m hoping that he qualifies for state this year in the 100 fly.”

Sophomore Chris Duckworth is another sprint freestyler with high expectations. Schoenfeldt believes he will be much improved after putting on some bulk in the offseason.

“Chris showed up for the water polo season and made a complete turnaround,” Schoenfeldt said. “State is definitely a goal for him and he’s been coming in and working like a champ.”

The 100-yard backstroke will feature sophomore Joe Eweing, who qualified for state in the event as a freshman and placed 20th with a time of 58.32 seconds.

“Joe qualified for state as a freshman in the 100 back,” Schoenfeldt said. “He had a good swim and we expect him to make the top 16 this year.”

Swimming the 500-yard freestyle for the Tigers will be sophomore Jared Bronson, who just moved to Oakville from New Mexico.

“I’m excited to see what Jared can do for us this year,” Schoenfeldt said.

The Tigers also feature two divers who could qualify for state this season in junior captain Mike Swallow and freshman Nick Stuppleman.

“Mike’s been solid for us for three years and has really prepared for the upcoming season,” Schoenfeldt said.

“Nick dives in the offseason for Clayton and has been sharp in practice. I think it will turn into a good season for him this year.”

The Tigers compete in the University City Relays at 6 p.m. Friday.

Oakville placed third last season and is expected to be one of the leaders in the 12-team format.

“We took third last year and we’re looking to repeat that,” Schoenfeldt said.

“There are a lot of tough teams in that meet and it’s going to be a matter of a second or two and how we finish our races.”