By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor

After reaching the state tournament in four sports, Westlake claimed its annual spot among the state’s elite athletic programs.

The Chaps finished second in the final Lone Star Cup Class 5A standings with 90 points. The Woodlands defended its Lone Star Cup title with 112 points.

Since the UIL created the competition in 1997, the Lone Star Cup has provided the state’s only comprehensive measurement of a high school’s cumulative success in athletics, academics and other extracurricular activities. The competition awards points based on district titles and playoff success in all UIL-sanctioned sports. It also tallies results from the state academic meet, marching band competition and one-act play contest.

State-tournament showings by Westlake’s volleyball, swimming, baseball and golf teams – including a state title by the Chaps’ boys golf squad – helped the school finish with its highest spot in the standings since winning the Lone Star Cup in 2002. In addition, the Chaps qualified in the boys doubles bracket at the spring tennis state tournament.

Westlake’s 90 points matches the school’s highest tally reached in 2007.

With its top-10 finish, Westlake added to its status as one of the state’s most successful programs. The school has finished in the top 10 since the competition’s inception.

San Antonio Reagan and Katy tied for third with 74 points, and Flower Mound Marcus placed fifth with 72 points. Humble Kingwood (64) and Coppell (58) placed sixth and seventh, respectively. A&M Consolidated, Clear Lake, Katy Cinco Ranch and Pearland tied for eight with 52 points.

The standings will become final on July 1.