Basketball and wrestling team members celebrate state championships with a parade down Church Road.
First, let me be clear. Lake Highlands High School will not win the 2023 UIL’s 6A Lone Star Cup. Here’s something that’s also clear: for the first time in many years, the Wildcats will likely rank in the top 25 for the elite prize and are currently tied at number 20 in Class 6A. With 254 Class 6A schools in Texas, ranking in the top 8% is impressive, indeed.
The UIL Lone Star Cup is awarded each year to one high school in each of the UIL’s six classifications (1A – 6A) based on team performance in district and state championships. Standings are based on participation in team tennis, cross country, marching band, military marching band, volleyball, robotics, football, Congress, spirit, swimming/diving, wrestling, mariachi, film and basketball. Winning schools receive a trophy and a $1,000 scholarship.
The Woodlands is currently ranked first in 6A, and Southlake Carroll is in second place. Carroll won the Lone Star Cup last year, and The Woodlands won in 2021. LH is running with the big dogs in this race.
The Wildcats were boosted by a state championship in boys’ basketball and by Fernanda Lopez’s state wrestling title. Our baseball, football, boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball and girls’ basketball teams all qualified for the playoffs, and individual competitors extended their season beyond district play in girls’ cross country, golf, swimming, diving and wrestling. The LHHS marching band finished best-in-RISD.
“It’s truly an accomplishment to be mentioned in these categories,” says Cory Campbell, LHHS’ new head football coach and athletic coordinator. “It’s a credit to a school and its leadership, to the community that supports everything, and to the coaches and athletes/members of these special programs. Our schools are the heartbeat of our communities.”
Many of these teams, including basketball and wrestling, have key players returning to compete next year. The future is bright for Wildcat athletics, Campbell says.
The Lake Highlands Wildcat Club aids athletes in UIL-sanctioned sports at LHHS, LHJH and Forest Meadow. You may join online here to add your support for LH students.
