St. Thomas finished first among all-male 6A private institutions in Texas in the annual Henderson Cup, awarded by the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) for exemplary school performances in 27 state championships.

St. Thomas totaled 45 overall points, 37 from athletics and eight from fine arts, on a scale rewarding both team and individual excellence based on playoff participation and results in regional and state competitions.

In April, Ryan Chandler ‘17 earned three first-place distinctions … Ready Writing, Persuasive Speaking and Original Oratory … at the TAPPS State Academic, Speech and Debate competition in Waco.

Eagle Baseball led another strong surge of St. Thomas team results, capturing the 24th state championship in program history, fourth since 2010 and second in four years with head coach Ryan Lousteau.

The Eagles defeated Beaumont Monsignor Kelly Catholic 15-1 in a five-inning state final to complete a six-game blitz through the playoffs by a combined score of 68-12.  The 12-game  winning streak to close the season gave Eagle Baseball a 34-5 record and a phenomenal 64-7-1 mark during the previous two seasons.

The state title earned St. Thomas 10 points while Eagle Basketball and Eagle Cross Country each contributed six points for third-place showings at the state stage, along with postseason births from Eagle Football, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis and Wrestling.

Athletic director Mike Netzel said ‘this reflects the commitment and outstanding contributions of our student-athletes, staff, faculty and parents.  It’s been so rewarding to watch our young men excel across so many disciplines.”

Comparing only boys athletics, St. Thomas was second overall in Texas, finishing ahead of St. Pius X, Awty International, Addison Trinity Christian, Plano Prestonwood Christian, Dallas Bishop Lynch, Dallas Bishop Dunne and Fort Worth Nolan Catholic among others from across the state.

The Henderson Cup is named for the late Johnie Henderson, TAPPS’ first full-time executive director.

Catholic.  Basilian.  Teaching Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge since 1900.