Crowther Cougars pounce

Times Reporter    

 

Crowther Memorial Junior High had representation in all grades – 7, 8, and 9 – in all categories – singles, doubled, and mixed – at bandminton zones on May 1 in Okotoks. 

The school had won zone banners from the previous two years, and finished with two bronzes this time around.

“They did very well. We sent 29 badminton players. It was a very good showing by our gang,” Grade 7 coach Ivan Wright said. “We had a number of other teams that did well, but didn’t medal. In each category, there’s about 18 competitive teams. So to win a bronze is very good.”

Grade 9 Jane Jacobs took home third in girls singles, while Grade 8’s Geena Schramm and Tyler Strath earned third in mixed. Unfortunately for the junior high level, zones is as far as the competition goes; in high school, students can advance to provincials.

“Our kids do very well,” Wright said. “We’re very happy with the result.”

Wright saw a huge improvement throughout the year with his young players; at county finals, every Grade 7 team except for one was from Crowther.

“Between the Phys. Ed teachers and working after school, they came light-years in terms of their skill,” Wright said.

The future looks bright for other badminton zone banners, as the sport is so popular, the school is now to be divided into a playoff to see who will get the chance to compete at counties. Over 50 Grade 7 students tried out for the team, with other grades having similar numbers.

“Our Grade 7’s did really well in terms of representation,” Wright said. “The Grade 8’s and Grade 9’s, they’ve played before, but for the Grade 7’s, it’s quite a big jump having to learn the game and compete.”