A native of Detroit, Michigan, versatile swimmer Tony Tashnick[1] (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.

[6] During his senior year at the University of Michigan, team captain Tashnick swam the 200-meter butterfly at the 1960 United States Olympic Trials.

[7] Finishing in third place, Tony Tashnick had narrowly missed a trip to the Summer Games of Rome, Italy.