The bugs were attacking like crazy at the first home match on the new Rochester High School tennis courts this past September 24. Players, coaches, and spectators were distracted by the variety of bugs swarming the new tennis courts. There were butterflies, grasshoppers, mosquitoes, and many others. There was a whole group of bees by the front fence, swarming the player’s bags. “Basically, all the bugs that bite are on the court,” senior Julia Musgrave said. She plays number one doubles and singles. The bug infestation is a big effect because it’s hard for people to practice and the bugs distract Rochester’s team and opposing teams from playing.
During the first home match, players found their bags, bodies, and water bottles were covered in these tiny black gnats. All of the players were shocked and it was throwing them off their game. “The gnats were all over me for the whole match,” junior Cora Haupt said, “they are annoying, disruptive, and I have red bumps all over me.” Cora plays number three singles and number one doubles. These effects could negatively impact the team. Other players also shared this concern, claiming the bumps were everywhere and itchy.
Athletic Director J.R. Boudouris has been made aware of the issue because it was brought to his attention. He stated that he didn’t know a lot about the bugs, but if brought to his attention he could help find a solution. However, since no one knew what these bugs were, they couldn’t describe them very well. “The bugs may be from tearing up the courts and placing new ones,” Boudouris claimed. “This would make sense since all the bugs could have been hiding underneath.” Mr. Boudouris is in charge of all the athletic activities at the school, so his reasoning for the bug infestation made sense. These bugs have had a big impact on the tennis team only for the few days the courts have been open. Hopefully the bugs will habituate to new surroundings and move away from the courts soon.
