Spartans move to Category 1

Times Reporter    

 

Six Spartans from Strathmore High School traveled to badminton provincials in Lethbridge from May 2-3, and did not disappoint.

“We saw some improvement from last year, even though our points totals were down. Badminton’s an interesting sport,” coach Kenton Zandee said.

The Spartans won two bronzes last season at provincials – but in Category 2. This year, the team qualified for the top Category 1 level.

Jaden Smith and Jessica Murphy finished seventh in their respective singles events, but had won those Category 2 bronzes last season. Shayla Pollock earned thirteenth overall in the province, while the doubles team of Jared Dougan and Reid Muenchrath placed sixth. The top finisher was Lauren Zandee – fifth in Alberta.

“For some of them, it was their first provincials. Their nerves were there at times – I think next year they’ll be much more confident, and have better results,” coach Zandee said. “I was happy, I think they showed improvement. It doesn’t look like it, since last year we had two kids medal – but that was in Category 2.”

Jessica Murphy will be the only provincials player graduating and leaving the team.

“Everyone else should be looking good again for next year, I hope,” Zandee said.

Zandee was unsure of the teams he and the Spartans would compete against in Lethbridge, although a few had attended the same tournaments.

“Most of them came out of Calgary and Edmonton, and these are the kids that play club, or for academies. It’s the one sport that they do, and they probably play six or seven days a week,” Zandee said. “To lose to those kids is not a shame. The reality is some of those kids are that much better than ours, because they do it all year long.”