Sports

FORTY YEARS OF WITNESSING GREATNESS NEVER GETS OLD

Highland Park’s athletic legacy of unprecedented success and unmatched tradition dates back multiple generations.

For the past 40 years, Park Cities People has been fortunate enough to tell the stories of numerous champions who have thrilled and TODD JORGENSON inspired us — whether on fields or courts, in the pool or on the course.

It’s remarkable to reflect on what we’ve witnessed during the past four decades of covering HP.

No diehard Scots fans will forget any of the four state football championships under coach Randy Allen. There was the dominating 59-0 thrashing that Matthew Stafford and crew gave to Marshall to win the 4A crown in 2005 and three consecutive 5A titles from 2016 to 2018.

LEFT: Scots baseball celebrates a state championship in June 1998. RIGHT: A decade of dominance begins in 2001

with the girls of the Blue Wave capping every season with a state title through 2010. (PHOTOS: PEOPLE NEWSPAPERS ARCHIVES)

Besides Stafford, of course, a handful of other HP football standouts have gone on to successful pro careers in recent history, such as linemen Dave Richards and Kyle Williams, linebacker Anthony Schlegel, and kickers Nick Rose and Daniel Sepulveda.

On the baseball field, the Scots earned a state championship in 1998 and have produced stars such as Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw and Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young, among others.

HP has won more state titles than any other school in Texas in girls soccer, with seven since 1994, including an undefeated run to the crown in 2017.

The decorated golf program has turned out numerous team and individual champions, from the Kuehne siblings — Hank, Kelli, and Trip — to Harrison Frazar, Cody Gribble, and current PGA Tour standout Scottie Scheffler.

In the swimming pool, nobody could catch the HP girls during their decade of dominance from 2001 to 2010, when the Blue Wave capped every season with a state title. The boys have won three times, too. And we still recall the scintillating skill of future Olympic gold medalists Mike Heath and Shaun Jordan during the 1980s.

Of course, HP is a perennial powerhouse both in boys lacrosse — with nine state championships to its credit — and in girls cross country, in which the Lady Scots have sent at least one runner to the state meet every year since the mid-1970s.

Legendary wrestling coach Tim Marzuola has five team titles to his credit between 1999 and 2006, not to mention numerous individual gold medalists since launching the program in 1982.

Last but certainly not least, there’s the HP tennis team, which has amassed more hardware than any other, with a sensational 21 team crowns and numerous individual prizewinners. And head coach Dan Holden’s squad only seems to get stronger every year.

Great athletes, top-notch coaches, and expectations for greatness: That’s why HP has more championships across all sports than any other school in Texas. For 40 years, we’ve been along for the ride and can’t wait to see what accomplishments we’ll chronicle in the next 40.

After a Century, Scots Still Holding Court in Tennis Decorated program opens 100th anniversary season this fall

The dominance of the Highland Park tennis program over the past few decades is reflected in the 21 fall team championships, the numerous spring individual titles, and the dozens of alumni who have competed at the college level.

Such success is a product of tradition and work ethic, but also longevity. The Scots will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the program this season.

HP began competing in 1922, and in the early years, counted SMU’s tennis team among its annual opponents. In 1947, the Scots claimed their first two state titles courtesy of Dixon Osborne in boys singles and Joan Akin and Carol Claybaugh in girls doubles. Since then, 54 more boys and girls championships have been added to the program’s ledger.

The Scots have particularly thrived in team tennis ever since the University Interscholastic League introduced the format in 1987. The Scots took their first of 21 team titles in 1989. Their subsequent dominance includes a current streak of five in a row at the Class 5A level. HP has qualified for 33 consecutive fall state tournaments overall.

“There is so much tradition at our school, and to know that tennis’ unique success over the last century is a part of that makes it that much more rewarding to be a player in this program,” said senior Ray Saalfield.

Since arriving at HP more than 20 years ago, following a successful stint at the college level at Louisiana-Lafayette, head coach Dan Holden has amassed more than 400 match wins and 17 fall team titles.

“Every year, the team reshuffles with new players replacing graduating seniors, but we continue to produce the same outcome,” said senior Isabella McElfresh. “It’s a testament to the dedication and commitment from the players and coaches.”

The Scots graduated five primary contributors from the 2020 championship squad. However, plenty of talent returns seeking a sixth consecutive crown, including Saalfield and McElfresh, who were

FROM LEFT: Highland Park’s 2021 tennis captains Ray Saalfield, Isabella McElfresh, Bella Rosas, and Leo Hall. RIGHT: Highland Park tennis

players began competing in the 1920s. (PHOTOS: COURTESY HPHS TENNIS) runners-up as a mixed-doubles tandem last spring. Regional semifinalists Eden Rogoninski and Briana Rees in singles and Leo Hall and Carl Newell in doubles are also back. In addition to their District 13-5A matches this fall, the Scots will host Jesuit, PCP_September2021-1x10Banner_Draft2.pdf 1 8/11/2021 12:25:30 AM Ursuline, Allen, Plano West, and Southlake Carroll. – Staff report