Burnet team tennis goes right into district play

CAPTION: Callen Smith gets low for this return to extend the rally. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The Burnet High School team tennis hosts squad Jarrell at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District tennis courts.

It should have been a District 25-4A competition, but the Cougars forfeited. Still, the coaches wanted to play in an effort to help both programs, said Burnet head coach Jayci Craig.

“I am excited to watch these kids compete,” she aid. “Majority of them take very little time off in between seasons and work hard over the course of the year, so I have no doubts they will power through this first week of practice and compete well against Jarrell. We are fortunate that all teams in the district are starting the season the same.”

Other district members include Belton New Tech, Cameron Yoe, Lago Vista, which won the district crown in 2023, Liberty Hill Legacy Ranch, Little River Academy, which won the district title last year, Marble Falls and Salado.

The top four teams advance to the playoffs based on district records where everybody plays each other once. Teams play 19 matches against each other. Seven of them are doubles matches, while the others are singles matches. Teams accumulate points based on the results of the matches. The team that wins 10 matches first wins the head-to-head matchup in the district standings.

“Our district definitely has some competitors,” Craig said. “We will take each week to prepare ourselves as best as we can for each opponent. Fortunately, we have knowledgeable, skilled and competitive athletes that allow us to compete with all others in the district.”

What might benefit the Bulldogs the most is that most of these matches will be played on the Burnet courts.

“We are so excited to be hosting the majority of our matches,” the coach said. “This will allow my athletes to be comfortable with their environment and compete in an area where they are familiar with. It will also allow Burnet spectators to be a part and watch these kids build a great program. We really hope to see community support at our matches this year considering we are hosting the majority of them.”

Craig, who is entering her first year as the head coach, conducted a practice Aug. 1 and said these athletes show the Spirit, Pride and Honor that defines the high school.

“I have heard great things about the talent, character and work ethic these kids bring to the table, and I can’t wait to be a small part of this program,” she said. “I look forward to getting to know all of my athletes and watching their continued success.”

The program is selling drifit T-shirts, designed by XLR8, to celebrate the tennis team. Go to the XLR8 web site to place the order. The store closes Thursday, Aug. 14.

CAPTION: Alex Burns gets to the ball on the bounce for a successful return. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro