DIXFIELD – Good things come to Dirigo High School tennis players who wait.

After more than a decade of having to play on less then ideal surfaces, the tennis programs at Dirigo soon will be able to utilize three newly-constructed courts behind the high school. In the 1980s, the teams played on courts located 20 feet behind the high school, but those fell into disrepair.

Dirigo currently practices and plays on two courts behind the T.W. Kelly Middle School.

“It will be great,” Dirigo girls coach Art Chamberlin said. “The Superintendent (Dr. Dave Pierce) wanted to put in two with lights, but he asked for my input several times. I held out for three, so we can play regular sets (and) the kids will be better prepared for playoffs.”

It hasn’t been decided whether or not thenew courts will have lights, but Chamberlin tis hopeful.

The additional courts will prevent one of the two teams from having a late practice. Presently the teams share the two courts, with practice times from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.

Chamberlin also will be able to expand his Cougar Tennis Camp in the summer. Last year, the older age group had to travel to the courts on Hancock Street in Rumford.

“It will be positive for everyone,” Chamberlin said. “Bob Karcher will be able to do tennis in physical education classes again, which will help his program and both teams. With match play right handy to the school and more accessible to Weld Street, we may even get more fans, and that will add to the excitement.”

Pierce made the decision to raze the old courts and usedthe space for parking, so he was committed to replacing them. Athletic Director Jeff Turnbull also supported the endeavor.

“I have had to cut the girls the numbers to 14 the last two years,” Chamberlin said. “I never cut before, even if it meant working with 20-plus kids. The success of the girls has kept the numbers high. I really hope that the new courts and the success that the boys are enjoying with (coach) Bruce Thompson will give the program a shot in the arm.”

A Cutter-less ship

Through the Winthrop boys’ tennis team’s success in the past decade, one name always stood out. The four Cutter brothers – Jay, Adam, Aaron and Neil – dominated the Ramblers’ scorebook on an annual basis until this spring.

Oldest sibling Jay was a senior playing No. 1 singles when twins Adam and Aaron were doubles partners as freshmen. Adam eventually climbed the ladder to No. 1 singles, and Neil also assumed the top spot. All four qualified and played in the state singles tournament.

“It’s a rarity to have a family dedicated to one sport as they have,” Winthrop coach Wilbur Shardlow said. “I certainly miss them, because they were always prepared and helped bring so many other players in to the program. I also have great admiration for their parents Mike and Paula, because they have always been so supportive of the program.”T

The Ramblers won an unprecedented nine straight MVC championships and two regional crowns, topped by the Class C state championship in 2001.

Each of the brothers played tennis at Saint Lawrence University in New York. Jay has graduated, and the twins will get their diplomas this month. Neil, a freshman, led the team with the most wins this spring.

Changes abound for Eddies

After nearly a decade of remaining near the top of the chart, the Edward Little boys’ team is currently undergoing a season of transition. The Red Eddies entered the week with a respectable 4-4 record, but they’ve hit a roadblock in recent weeks.

A combination of the elements and a step up in competition have the main reasons for the struggle. Junior Adam Platz was the lone returning starter. Platz, who earned SMAA second-team doubles honors last spring, is essentially starting over in the No. 1 singles spot.

“It’s really different coaching this team,” EL coach Norm Gellatly said. “After having graduated eight of the top 10 players, there are players who need the experience of competing at the varsity level. Plus, the inclement weather earlier this spring kept us from practicing. Now we are playing a lot of meets, and there’s no time set aside to step back and put anything in.”

Platz is joined by seniors Carl Clement and Bobby Guerette at second and third singles, respectively. Clement has vastly improved his all-around game. Guerette has a 5-3 record.

Both doubles teams are entirely new — featuring Brian Gleason and Raynor Large and Andrew Knapp and B. J. Levasseur — and holding their own.

Edward Little isn’t far away from getting in a groove, but losses to Biddeford and Westbrook were tough to swallow with powerhouses Deering and Lewiston still remaining on the schedule.

“Westbrook certainly deserved that one,” Gellatly said. “Our team is playing well and we will only lose three (seniors), so the future looks bright. This is our final year in the SMAA, so we’d like to leave with good showings. I was thinking last week that it’s kind of sad for Lewiston and us, because neither of us will be visiting or playing these schools again. It’s the end of an era.”

Edward Little and Lewiston will move to the KVAC next season.