Not only did the huge “derecho” storm cause major power outages in and around the Falls Church area on Friday June 29, but it severely damaged the GMHS baseball backstop net.

The net, supported by six 100 foot poles and designed to prevent baseballs from falling onto I-66, is ripped in numerous spots and will need significant repair work to be returned to operational condition. The school’s athletic department has submitted a damage claim to its insurance carrier, and is currently awaiting a response, according to athletic director Tom Horn. Based on what the insurance carrier decides, plans will be made to either repair or replace the net.

The height of the net was the subject of considerable controversy when the baseball field was renovated a decade ago. First there was no backstop at all, and a subsequent one was deemed not high enough, leading to the mammoth structure damaged in the recent storm.