Tennis shot:  Brian Kossman returns a serve during tryouts for the Boerne Chargers tennis team. Photo by Mike Reeder

The name of the school and its mascot may have changed, but Boerne Chargers Head Tennis Coach Joey Cantu still found himself grappling with an embarrassment of riches at Monday’s tryouts.

As has been the case now for several years, there are more hopefuls than roster spots, and while that’s a good problem for a coach it also means some tough decisions will have to be made.

“We have 33 boys and 32 girls so it’s a great turnout,” Cantu said. “Unfortunately, we can’t keep such a big number, so some people will have to get cut.”

Beyond talent and skill, Cantu said there are intangibles to consider.

“We talked about that and I told them it takes great character, great attitude, hard work and being coachable,” Cantu said. “Those are things that are keys to making a varsity team. Of course you want people who can win matches, but at the same time if you have those four things you’re going to win matches anyway.”

Having to turn back some players is the price Cantu pays for his team’s escalating success. Last year’s Boerne Greyhound team was his best yet, culminating in the school’s first state tennis championship of any kind in boys doubles. Now, the bar has been set even higher.

“You would think after winning a state championship people would be excited and ready to play,” Cantu said. “I hope that’s the case with all our players. But Boerne’s always been tough and we’ve always been at that level where we could win. I think last year’s break-through is going to help us out a whole bunch.”