In early May 1922, top high school tennis players from across Texas traveled to Austin to compete in the UIL State Tournament, held on the campus of the University of Texas.

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The University Interscholastic League (UIL) had steadily expanded its tennis offerings over the previous decade—introducing boys' doubles in 1914, boys' singles in 1919, and girls' singles and doubles in 1920. Students earned their place in the state tournament through local competitions, eager for a chance to shine on the courts in Austin. But nothing could have prepared them for the dramatic turn the event would take.

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That Thursday morning began quietly, with clear skies and little wind. By midday, the air had grown warm and humid, clouds had gathered, but conditions still seemed manageable. It wasn't until later that afternoon that the sky darkened ominously. Towering storm clouds formed to the north and northeast of the campus. By late afternoon, the skies were so dark that artificial lighting was needed inside university buildings, and tournament play was halted.

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A massive supercell thunderstorm produced two devastating tornadoes—one cutting a path through East Austin, the other tearing directly through downtown. These "twin tornadoes" remain the most violent ever recorded in Austin’s history. The east tornado, estimated at an F2 on the Fujita scale, damaged areas including East Austin, Travis Heights, St. Edward’s University, Penn Field, St. Elmo, and Manchaca. The more powerful downtown twister, believed to be an F4, struck the University of Texas campus itself, severely damaging or destroying several buildings. Miraculously, no one on campus was seriously injured. However, the storm claimed 16 lives and caused millions in property damage across the city.

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In the aftermath of the storm, with lawn courts waterlogged and the city in recovery, the prospect of completing the tournament seemed unlikely. But Dr. Daniel A. Penick, UIL’s tennis director and a revered figure later known as the "Grand Old Man of Texas Tennis," devised a bold solution.

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He arranged for a newly paved stretch of Colorado Street, just west of the Texas Capitol between 11th and 13th Streets, to be closed to traffic. There, five makeshift tennis courts were laid out end-to-end. Net posts were installed, and with no backstops, a group of young boys was hired to retrieve balls. Play resumed early Friday morning.

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Dr. Penick later recalled:

“The matches were just starting on a Thursday, when Austin was struck by two tornadoes... the tennis courts were flooded... there were no other facilities available. The street immediately west of the State Capitol... had just been paved. It was in fine condition—smooth and wide. The city authorities kindly blocked off the street and five tennis courts were laid off end to end. Net posts were set up, and since there were no backstops, a dozen or so small boys were hired to chase balls.”

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By Saturday, the original courts had dried, storm damage had been repaired, and the tournament’s semi-finals and finals were completed as scheduled. That afternoon, Dr. Penick announced the winners:
 

• Boys’ Doubles: Douglas Bush & Allen Smith, Waco

• Boys’ Singles: John Barr, Dallas Oak Cliff

• Girls’ Doubles: Josie Probst & Kindois Riggs, George West

• Girls’ Singles: Ida Hoghland, Abilene
   

The 1922 UIL State Tournament remains one of the most dramatic in Texas tennis history—a testament to perseverance, community support, and the leadership of Dr. Penick.