The Lawrence High girls tennis team received some disappointing news this summer. The girls were told the LHS courts were unplayable due to potholes, cracks, and divots in the ground. Varsity coach Chris Marshall had lots to say when asked about the situation.
“I was informed that we could practice and play JV matches on the courts,” Marshall said. “But due to the cracks in the surface area and unusual bounces we would not be playing varsity matches on our courts.”
Losing a varsity playing space is major, no matter the sport, but the lack of concern and awareness of this problem throughout the school upset many. Varsity tennis players said more attention to the issue could help resolve it quickly.
“I am just a little disappointed we don’t get to play at home,” senior Bebel Piepergerdes said.
This feeling of disappointment is shared by many, especially since the court was built around 15 years ago. Although it was upsetting to some, senior Emma Gadzia, felt unaffected. Apparently the courts had been raising concerns for years.
“I wasn’t very surprised. I mean they’re kinda bad,” Gadzia said.
The most noticeable issues seem to be potholes and cracks making them feel very uneven. One of the biggest concerns is the lack of attention to the courts’ issues over the past couple of years.
“They’ve always been bad, but I don’t know what, especially now, makes them unstable,” Gadzia said.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time something like this has happened.
“A couple years ago the courts were deemed unsafe and we could not play or practice on them at all. So, I was a little upset that the courts were not fixed,” Marshall shared.
Coach Marshall has yet to receive any news of an exact plan, but players and parents alike are curious about what will happen next.
“It is my understanding that the district is looking at different ways to possibly fix, relocate and build new tennis courts,” Marshall said. “I think it comes down to costs.”
Marshall hopes that the district will see the importance of these courts to the players and that they try their best to improve these courts and keep up with them moving forward.
“I do hope there is a resolution coming that doesn’t restrict our ability to practice or play in the future,” Marshall said.
