Brees' old team rooting for him

AUSTIN (KXAN) - At Westlake High School, Drew Brees is known as the resilient quarterback who led the Chaparrals to their last State Championship in 1996.

He is still inspiring the team.

It has been 13 years since Brees attended Westlake, but he still keeps up with his former team. Brees sent the Chaparrals an e-mail in December before the team played in the State Championship. Brees sent his congratulations and told the team to enjoy the experience.

Now, the Chaps are cheering for Brees and hope he can win the Super Bowl and represent Westlake on another championship team.

"I remember even back in '96 going to the game, and while watching him play, and my dad told me one day he's going to be a great player," said Louie Swope, a Westlake High School running back. "Obviously, he is now."

"That's cool that a guy from our school has done something that incredible - going to the Super Bowl and probably going to win the Super Bowl," said Bryce Hagar, a Westlake senior linebacker. "At least, that's my hope."

Brees also serves as inspiration for the Westlake Chaps in another way. He came back from an injury in 1995 to lead that '96 team to state, and played in college outside of the Big 12 at Purdue. He proved that the road to success is not always a typical one.