SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
COVER PHOTO BY COACH JORDAN HOWELL
The 2025 US Open has officially kicked off, and the tennis world’s final major of the year has a lot to offer.
There will be a lot of tennis action in the tri-state area over the next two weeks. This past Saturday, the Arthur Ashe Kids Day was held. It’s an annual celebration where tennis fans of all ages can watch the players practice.
A local tennis group from East Orange had their 4th annual AAKD Trip. The group was invited by the United States Tennis Association, and the East Orange Recreation Department sent about 20 kids along with head coach Jordan Howell.
Also, there was a free concert held at the us open on Thursday night. A wheelchair championship in addition to a US Open qualifying tournament at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Big stars of the Open came out to show their support for this event, including Coco Gauff, Andre Agassi, Venus Williams, John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, Alex Michelsen and many more.
This year is extra special for East Orange, as the US Open is commemorating 75 years of Althea Gibson breaking the color barrier in the sport.
In other sports action, the New Jersey high school football season is finally back. The Orange Tornadoes will open their 2025 season at home against Voorhees High School at Bell Stadium. The Bloomfield Bengals will face the Central High School Blue Devils at Foley Field
Also this weekend, West Orange High School will host the four day 2025 Mountaineer Classic. The classic will feature St. Mary’s Rutherford against Verona, Bayonne vs. Morris Knolls, Burlington Township against Passaic County Tech and an Essex County battle between host West Orange vs. the Shabazz Bulldogs.
This is the second annual event at West Orange, and is sponsored by the New York Giants.
