Cougars badminton keeping competitive spirits

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Crowther Memorial Junior High School’s badminton teams are going to be strong in this short season but know that there will be ongoing development for the younger group.
“We still have one team at Crowther Memorial, breaking it down within the age groups, there is the bantam, midgets and juvenile. Each team has their own coaches, Travis Ericksteen and Scott Koller have the Grade 9’s,” said Brad Huntley, badminton coordinator.
“Lori d’Argent, Rod Neaves and myself run the Grade 8’s and Ivan Wright and Anne Paskevich run the Grade 7’s.”
The three teams have been picked for a while now, but being such short season means limited practice time and only two tournaments.
“Unfortunately, we got one practice a week per grade for two hours and there is one day where we alternate. The Grade 9’s are done, they’re just identifying who’s playing what, I do mine a little different, my team is already made, we’re just ironing out spots for mixed doubles,” said Huntley. “Grade 7’s are close because they get 60 kids try and it’s the biggest in a while I’ve had in Grade 8.”
There are cuts because of such big groups. All the players are divided into different categories of badminton.
“There is boys and girls singles, doubles and mixed double and in each you’re allowed three entries into counties per division and that’s what limits your team’s structure,” said Huntley. “In the end, it works out to 12 boys and 12 girls for each age level and typically it’s up to each coach.”
He added that spares are a must on the teams as they are a great asset to have during practices and in case of injury.
“We do three guys and girls spares that practice with the teams and if something happens before counties at least they get to fill in. I’d say each team brings 28-30 kids,” said Huntley.
The teams will be strong heading into counties as most players have had experience from the previous year.
“The Grade 9s are going to be fairly strong this year. I coached them last year and they were pretty successful in Grade 8 last year,” said Huntley. “The Grade 8’s look like they have a lot of potential with a couple of bright spots on the team. The Grade 7’s are fresh and new so it’ll be interesting to see how they pan out.”
The Grade 7 and 8’s will be hosting counties at Strathmore High School and the Grade 9’s will be at Holy Cross Collegiate. A
ll games will be played on April 22, which will determine who will go to zones a week later.