SHS holds largest badminton tournament in province
Amy Gregson – Times Reporter
More than 400 badminton players came from 12 schools across Alberta March 27 as Strathmore High School hosted the provinces largest badminton tournament.
With so many players, the tournament had to be held at Strathmore High School, Crowther Memorial Jr. High and Wheatland Elementary School.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s really good competition for the kids,” said Kenton Zandee, badminton coach.
Jennifer Murray was able to win the bronze medal in girls singles, her first placing this badminton season.
Zandee said Murray was a bit surprised because singles is not her strong suit as she usually plays doubles.
“It was a pleasant surprise,” said Zandee.
Zandee said he thinks the entire team competed very well as they were up against some of the best in the province, especially because a lot will make it to provincials.
“Some of my players I moved up into higher age categories to make it more difficult for them just because it will pay off when they go to county and zone’s themselves,” said Zandee.
The different disciplines were singles, doubles and mixed doubles and then students were divided into junior, intermediate and senior based on age.
Gavin and Carly Malcher from Standard School received a sliver medal in junior mixed doubles.
“They don’t usually play together,” said Ed Yu, coach. “It was nice to see them be able to play without practicing and play well.”
Their record in the round robin was six and one and they ended up playing a three game match against a pair from Eagle Butte.
The pair lost the first game and game back to win in the second, but couldn’t pull off a win in the third game.
After the Easter break, SHS will host the county tournament April 14 starting at 12:30 p.m. and than host Zones April 24 for those students who qualified from the county tournament.