By Stephen Glover
For the Call 

After placing 37th overall at the 2018 Missouri Class 1 boys swimming and diving championships, the Oakville High Tigers are hoping that a strong group of underclassmen can help improve on last year’s performance. 

“There’s a lot of talent on the underclass- men side of this year’s team,” Oakville head Dan Schoenfeldt said. “We definitely would like to get two if not three of our relays qualified because we’re expecting to score some points at state this year.” 

Leading the way for the Tigers in the mid- to long-distance freestyle events this season are junior Luke Schmidt and soph- omore Seth Steinbrueck. 

Last season Steinbrueck placed 21st in the 500-yard free with a time of 5:13.91. He should also be a solid threat for the Tigers in the 200-yard free. 

“Seth looks like a beast in the pool,” Schoenfeldt said. “He has his eyes set on breaking the school record and he looks determined and focused.” 

Schmidt took 29th in the 500-yard free with a time of 5:24.69 and could also make an appearance at state in the 200-yard free. Sophomore Douglas Poertner will swim in a trio of events this season after placing 24th in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 56.37. Schoenfeldt also sees Poertner swimming in the 50-yard free as well as the 200-yard individual medley. 

“Doug’s looking really good right now,” Schoenfeldt said. “It looks like he’s had a 

really good summer of training.” 

The Tigers will also rely on the double threat of juniors Steven Boaz and Alex Waller on the 1-meter springboard. Last season Boaz took 28th overall. 

“We’re really expecting Steven to make it back to state this year and score some points,” Schoenfeldt said. “Steven and Alex really push each other and I expect to see Alex qualify for state. I think that this year is going to be his year.” 

Oakville may be talented with underclassmen, but the Tigers head coach is looking for seniors Chris Givens and Scott Wolf to provide a key leadership role as well as solid performances in the 100 and 200-yard free along with the 100-yard backstroke.