SHS badminton staying competitive

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore Spartans badminton team is in rebuilding mode this year, but already has over 50 eager players who have enthusiasm for the game.
The challenge for coach Kenton Zandee will be to find court time and getting the kids to work hard at leaving their comfort zone.
“I think we still have a good shot at a zone championship again,” said Zandee. “I need to see what our teams look like putting different players together in terms of doubles and singles.
“I think for this team it’s about court experience. They need more time on the court. I want my kids playing in as many events as they can just so I can coach them after the match to sort of give them certain hints and techniques as to what they should be doing in certain situations.”
There are 15 Grade 10 boys competing, and to give them court time, Zandee said, they’ll be playing as Grade 11 or Grade 12s.
“I like the synergy in the gym right now,” said Zandee. “I like our group’s optimism. They’re really learning and I think they’re learning off each other a little bit right now. We need some of our second, third-year players to step up a little bit and show the way and let our Grade 10s follow and see what good badminton looks like.”
The team is going to be participating in several tournaments this year, beginning in Brooks on March 19, before returning from Easter break to host teams that they haven’t seen before in their home tournament on April 9, including big Calgary badminton schools who’ll challenge for provincials.
Zandee feels their home tournament will be one of the most challenging in Alberta this year.
The team will be in Lethbridge on April 16, and then back at Strathmore High School to host the Feather tournament on April 23.
Counties versus Holy Cross Collegiate will be on April 28 and zones will be on April 30.
Provincials will be on May 6-7.