Danny Tseng '04

By mid-October, the long-anticipated tennis complex will replace the bare expanse that currently occupies a large lot on the lower level. The old clay courts were taken down last spring and are being replaced with a new 18-court tennis complex that Milton "Chuck' Williams '72, head of the Academy physical plant department, said, "will be spectacular"

The new courts will not only have a green on green surface (dark green on the court and light green around the court), but they will be made of a ten-layer cushioning design, known as "nova-ultra cushion." Many colleges and universities use the same type of court. Professionals claim that nova-ultra cushioning is one of the best surfaces on the market. The court's medium-speed playing surface that is also gentler on the knees and joints is preferred for high school coaching.

Unlike the previous clay courts, the nova-ultra cushion will be much easier to maintain. The old clay courts would freeze during the winter term, and in some years the teams could not train until April. With these new courts, tennis players can begin practicing much sooner.

The new complex will also encourage more fans to watch the tennis games, as the new facility will have spectacular spectator bleachers with a pagoda to protect from the sun. "It's going to be a glorious facility," said girls' varsity tennis Coach David Dickinson.

The inspiration for the change first came about ten years ago when Mr. Dickinson, boys' varsity tennis Coach Jay Morsman '55, and others discussed the benefits of hard courts. In 1998, with the backing of Headmaster Eric Widmer, they presented the Board of Trustees with the plan for the new tennis courts.

Earlier, the neighboring Keith and Creelman families contested the construction of the tennis complex for a variety of reasons. Above all, they were concerned that the project would block the views from their property. They were also frustrated by a lack of communication with the Academy.

Among others displeased with the new tennis courts, Mr. Widmer joked that he prefers the clay courts, because it "makes it easier for [him] to beat underclassmen Deerfield players."