Davidson, featured, Kenaston, Loreburn, Sports

Junior badminton program sees spike in players

Davidson's Jordan Matheson and Avery Ebenal both have their eye on the birdie during a mixed doubles match against Kenaston's Carson George and Brooke Villeneuve on Tuesday.
Davidson’s Jordan Matheson and Avery Ebenal both have their eye on the birdie during a mixed doubles match against Kenaston’s Carson George and Brooke Villeneuve on Tuesday.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — A dramatic rise in the number of Grade 7 players enrolled means Davidson School has two junior badminton teams this year.

Coach Ian Osmond reported that around 20 players in Grade 7 have joined the program this year, along with 17 players in grades 8 and 9.

“We actually had to split the teams up this year,” he said, noting that Karen McConnell has agreed to coach the younger players.

He said the Grade 7 class is an active bunch, which may account for their high level of interest in the sport.

“They love sports, they love taking part in school activities,” said Osmond, “and they’re a big class.”

Davidson’s Grade 8 and 9 players hosted the teams from Kenaston, Loreburn and Outlook in exhibition matches on Tuesday afternoon, allowing them to enjoy some low-stakes play and to scope the competition for this year.

Kenaston coach Evan Pasternak said he has seven junior badminton players registered this year — mostly boys, with just one girl, Brooke Villeneuve, taking part.

He said his players are looking to have fun and improve their skills, adding, “We’re not a serious, hardcore badminton team by any means.”

Grant Abbott is coaching both the junior and senior teams at Loreburn Central School. They started up in mid-March.

Abbott said they have a young junior team this year, with six players in grades 7 and 8.

Among them is Alyssa Glubis, who reached district finals last year but lost to a player from Biggar. Abbott said he’s hopeful she’ll reach finals again this year.

He added that he was pleased to see the high level of involvement among Davidson’s juniors this year, even if it likely means tougher competition for his school.

The season is moving ahead quickly, with intersectionals scheduled for April 21. Loreburn will host Outlook, and Kenaston will host Davidson.

Sectionals will follow on April 26 at Outlook High School, while district competition will wrap up the season on April 30, with competing junior players heading to Rosetown.

For the full story, see the April 11 edition of The Davidson Leader.