Texas High Mens and Womens Tennis teams claimed 8 of the 10 regional slots in claiming their 20 th district title in Spring Tennis

Mens Singles
1. Grant Adams (SO)
2. Clay Sandefur (FR)

Womens Singles
1. Shea Smith (FR)
2. Alex Barlow (FR)

Mens Doubles
1. James Lewis (SR) / Will Harrell (SO ?)
2 Jacob Surlock (SR) / Weldon Murray (SO)

Womens Doubles
1. Liz Pulido (SR) / Jenni Markham (SO)
2. Newsom/Farrar - Longview

Mixed Doubles
1. Ray Sandefur (SO) / Meagan Rosser (SO)
2. Kent/Rawlings - Mount Pleasant

Team Totals
1. Texas High - 31
2. Pine Tree - 12
3. Longview - 8-1/2
4. Hallsville - 7-1/2
5. Mount Pleasant - 6-1/2
6. Sulphur Springs - 6
7. Marshall - 4

So... whats so great in Texarkana that makes yall build Tennis players so great? lol Do yall have a lot of facilities or parks for the summer and all? Maybe, you have camps for the youngins? Or is your coach just that good?

Someone from Texarkana can probably tell you more than I can, but I do know a few things that help make Texas High strong year after year. They do have some country clubs( I think 2 or 3) in town, so I'm sure some of their kids grow up playing, and get some private coaching. They do have 3 tennis coaches that are full time tennis(don't coach other sports). I'm sure all 3 are quality coaches. They do have a huge middle school program, which is pretty much a must if you want a legitimate program(especially if you don't have country club kids). They do get athletic kids coming out for tennis, which is always a plus. They have about 11 courts at the high school, with 3 of them being indoor. I'm also pretty sure that a winning tradition and support from their administrators/community goes a long way with getting the kids interested in tennis.

I think Bulldogtennis was pretty good in his assessment. Factors I see include:

- I am not sure of the numbers, but it is in excess of 100 kids in the middle school playing tennis. With numbers you find a couple of gems you can develop.

- Great youth program in the city. There is a community tennis program where kids are exposed to tennis.

- Two clubs with very good teaching pros that get kids involved in competitive tennis at an early age (6 to 7 years old). Most of the kids playing for the team are products of these private coaches. Most of the top players supplement their school practice with private lessons during the school year.

- Competition. This comes in two forms. One the teams searches out competition. They regularly travel to Waco, Wichita Falls, Dallas area, and Jenks Oklahoma to find quality matches. They also schedule matches on neutral courts to meet teams halfway for matches. The other form of competition is internal. The depth of the team allows the top players to work on their game against quality competition. The last 3 boys #1s have made it to state.

- Coach - Watson is very good at helping find opponents weaknesses, spotting changes in a players mechanics, and resetting a players mental state. Also in doubles he is good matching players that complement one another. Probably most importantly, he knows the local pros have developed most of the players strokes and he does not mess with their mechanics.

- Facilities - 8 outdoor courts and 3 indoor courts. The Boys and Girls have their private dressing areas. The administration recognizes the program and its success attract kids from neighboring districts to TISD and that generates revenue.

- Tradition - The kids are part of a winning program and they embrace the tradition. When you come to the Tiger Courts and see the names of the kids that have played in the last 20+ years and the program's success, it is builds confidence.