CFNN Reporter Natalie Mitchell

Cape Fear just got new tennis courts last September, and they are already getting redone. This has left many students wondering ‘why are they being redone?’

“They Are being redone because the county did not approve of them the first time,” said Athletic Director Jonathan Dent.

Most tennis courts are made out of asphalt, which provides great traction and ball control.

The courts that were done in September happened to have the opposite problem. They were cracked and lumpy, which didn’t make a good surface for our tennis teams.

“They were cracked and needed to be repaired because asphalt doesn’t last forever,” said Men’s Tennis Head Coach Sam Bullard.

The last time the courts were done before last year was over ten years ago. It was in desperate need of being redone due to the cracks in the asphalt. Now it must be redone, due to the surface being uneven and cracking very early.

“They usually redo the courts about every 17 years because of the cracks. The cracks happen because water and grass gets under it. When a tennis ball hits a crack, it deflects and messes it up,” said Bullard.

This has had an effect on the Colts physical game, as well as their mental game. Many Colt Tennis Players are very upset about the courts needing to be redone and the effect it has had on practices.

“I took away the energy and the support that comes from our school. Playing at Arnette park is a far drive and it’s not the safest environment. I feel like we deserve to play on a nice court like other schools do,” said Junior Tennis Player Shea Bieniek.

Cape Fear is hoping to have the tennis courts done before the end of the boys season, so they can hopefully host a match at their home courts.
“I feel bad that I can’t play at Cape Fear, and the drive to Arnette park is so far for me,” said senior tennis player Tommaso Giovannetti.