No sports team can wake up one day and make a name for themselves. A name that strikes fear in opponents and forces them to accept that they will return to the buses with an inevitable loss.

In order for a team to acquire a name with such power, the team must not only win, but crush the opposing team. Again and again and again.

The Texas High tennis team achieved this status by winning every district match for over 30 years. Now, for the first time in decades, some players are worried that the title they worked so hard for, will be stripped away from them August 30th after their matches with Longview. 

“Personally, I feel like we’re not as strong as we used to be, and we’re playing Longview earlier than we usually do,” senior Lakyn Austin said. “I don’t think we have a very good chance of winning this year, even though we’ve won district for the past 30-something years. I’m kind of nervous.”

Texas High and Longview have been district-rivals for years, yet Texas High has always prevailed. The difference this year compared to all the other years is half of the team might be slacking.

“Previous years, our boys have been way better, but lately, the boys just have not been as good as they used to be,” Austin said. “However, I feel great about my match. The Longview girls aren’t as good as the boys, and I’ve always done fine against Longview. I’m not worried about me.”

Austin is not the only one ready to conquer the Longview Lobos. Even though some believe that the boys are weighing the team down, the guys have something different to say. 

“I am feeling confident,” junior William Prewitt said. “I feel like it’s going to be a close match, but I feel like we can all come out with a win.”

The team has been preparing for this season since summer and pushing through their rigorous practice schedule. This has contributed to Prewitt’s faith in his team. 

“[During practice] we have consistency warming up and play the way we’re going to need to be able to play in a match,” Prewitt said. “Most days, we have practice until 5 after school.”

Hopefully, due to all the conditioning and confidence, the Tigers will be victorious and add another year to their streak. Without this win however, the players risk losing their impressive title they have worked so hard for. 

“I’m still worried, but we could pull it off,” Austin said. “The boys could surprise us, and we could continue our district win.”