In today's special edition of the Islanders Tennis Update we sit down with head coach Mike Center of the Texas Longhorns, who captured the 50th Annual H-E-B Tournament of Champions over the weekend.
How did you feel coming down for the 50th Annual H-E-B Tournament of Champions?
We were honored to be invited down to play in the 50th H-E-B. We knew this would be a great tournament. I have been down here with Kansas and TCU and I knew the tradition of this tournament and knew what coach Moore has done with his program and the recognition it has gained nationally. The H-E-B attracts great teams and great programs and we're just happy to be a part of it and come out on top.
What reputation does the H-E-B carry in collegiate tennis?
The H-E-B is one of, if not the most prestigious team tournaments at the college level. H-E-B is synonymous with great tennis and this tournament is the longest running team tournament in the country. There is a long running tradition of great teams playing in the H-E-B and this year was no different. The H-E-B Tennis Center has hosted an NCAA Championship and the support that Steve and this community give to the H-E-B make it one of the best tournaments to play in. You know the Islanders and this tennis community are going to run a first class event every year and it's an honor to be invited.
You've known coach Moore for 20+ years, coaching against him at Texas Tech/Kansas, TCU/SMU, Texas A&M/Texas and now with Steve returning home to A&M-Corpus Christi. What's that relationship like?
I've been coaching against Steve forever now. We had one of the best battles I've ever been a part of back when he was at Texas Tech and I was at Kansas. That match ended in a tiebreak on the third set of the final court in play. I consider Steve one of my best friends and have a tremendous amount of respect for him. What he's done here in Corpus Christi and the way he's energized the community is fantastic. The Islanders are lucky to have him leading such a great program.
What are your thoughts on the rivalry with the Islanders over the years?
You know you're going to get a fight when you play the Islanders. This team has gained a national reputation as being a competitive team that is going to fight to the end. We play every year and it's always a battle. What Steve has done with this program and the national recognition it is receiving is really impressive and is great for Corpus Christi. This is a great team and a great program.
What's it like to play in the H-E-B, named for former Longhorn and H-E-B founder Howard, E. Butt?
It's a tremendous honor to play in the H-E-B. This is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country and the community here in Corpus Christi puts on a great event. The way they support this tournament is amazing and we could not be more happy to play in the H-E-B. It was a first class event all the way around and we look forward to returning to Corpus Christi.
How do you feel this tournament helps your team moving forward?
You really get the elements here. At this point of the season, you are still trying to get acclimated to playing outdoors and here, you get the heat, you get a lot of wind. It challenges your players and I thought our guys played well and we had a lot of people contribute so I am happy. The H-E-B provides some great competition and I know this weekend, playing three matches in two days, will help us as we prepare for the BIG 12, which is the toughest conference in the country right now.
