By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor

What is it about New Braunfels and its tennis?

Credit John Newcombe’s Tennis Ranch, a nationally recognized academy that attracts some of the best young players from across the globe. But also give credit to a few other factors that make the Unicorns the most dangerous threat to Westlake’s regional reign since the Chaps started their string of state berths in 2003.

Credit a community that understands just how difficult a backhand slice can be. Credit a recent tradition that makes New Braunfels High School one of the state’s elite. Heck, credit the hamlet’s wurst.

But most of all, says Westlake coach Kim Riley, credit the kids who play club tennis for coming out for the high school team.

“Playing team sports is popular right now so all the top kids are coming out for tennis,” Riley says. “Team tennis is popular. That wasn’t the case five or seven years ago.”

A little irony may catch up with the Chaps thist weekend as they take their next step toward the defense of their Class 5A state title. Earlier this decade, Westlake spearheaded the trend of accomplished club players donning school colors with players such as Drew Petersen, Rachel Knight and Brett Powers. Programs like New Braunfels soon jumped aboard that bandwagon, and recent successes at state reflect the results.

Westlake has appeared in five consecutive state tournaments and won last year’s title. New Braunfels broke Alamo Heights’ stranglehold on Class 4A Region IV in 2005 and hasn’t missed a state berth since. Like Westlake, the Unicorns won state a year ago.

That makes the Region IV tournament such a pleasure. Two defending champions, two legacies of success, and just one state spot available.

Label New Braunfels the favorite, largely because of a 16-2 win over Westlake earlier this season. But never underestimate the heart of a champion, regardless of which side of the court it beats. 

What: Class 5A Region IV tennis tournament

When: Friday and Saturday

Where: H-E-B Tennis Center, Corpus Christi