It’s a hazy July morning and despite the fact that the start of the fall season is a month away, the tennis courts teem with activity. But instead of the choonk! of the ball machine or the familiar thwack! of a cleanly hit forehand, the groaning of heavy machinery cuts the thick morning air. The tennis courts are getting a makeover.

Over the years the courts slowly fell prey to the elements as runoff from the berm and the invasive tendrils of bamboo roots methodically worked their way through the hardcourt. Over a half mile of cracks spread across the courts, as though the tremors of an earthquake radiated outward. On court one, deep gorges cut through the service court while tiny tributaries branch off toward the sideline. Courts three and four are bisected by a wide fissure that runs under both nets. A volcanic crater has erupted in the far corner of court five. The seismic activity forced the Bears to play their matches at Stony Brook University for the last four seasons, but this fall the Blue and White will return home.

Thanks to generous alumni donations, the courts will be refinished by mid-August and Head of School Joshua Crane’s vision to activate stagnant areas on campus will unfurl a bit more. Over the next month, the rivers of cracks will be filled, all six courts will be resurfaced with a blue hardcourt, the fencing around the perimeter will be replaced, and a paved path will be put down, allowing easier access for the carts and ball machine.

It’s time for the Bears to once again hold court.

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July 7th

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July 22nd

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