Tony Tashnick

A native of Detroit, Michigan, versatile swimmer Tony Tashnick (born 1938) led his Mackenzie Stags to a first-place trophy at the 1956 city league (DPSSAL) championships. Teaming with Howard Scarborough, JC Smith and Richard Boka; Tashnick and company sealed victory for Mackenzie by defeating Denby High in the final event. During the summer of 1956, high school All-Americans Tashnick, Scarborough and Smith competed at the United States Olympic Trials.[1]

Two years later, Tony was US collegiate champion in the 100 & 200 yard butterfly; his double-victory led the University of Michigan to the 1958 National Collegiate Athletic Association swimming title[2][3]

By the late 1950s, Tashnick had firmly established himself as one of the best all-around swimmers in the United States; setting US Open records in the 100-yard butterfly, the 200-yard butterfly, and 200-yard individual medley. In 1959, Tony competed at the Pan American Games in Chicago; finishing fourth in the 200-meter butterfly.[4] During his senior year at the University of Michigan, team captain Tashnick swam the 200-meter butterfly at the 1960 United States Olympic Trials. In the final 20-meters of a fiercely contested race, Wolverine teammate Dave Gillanders moved ahead of Tony for the final Olympic berth.[5] Finishing in third place, Tony Tashnick had narrowly missed a trip to the Summer Games of Rome, Italy.[6][7]