A mad craze for rackets and birdies swept over the gym as students dove and smash their way through the competition. Battling for the golden racket, 48 students participated in the annual badminton tournament, Feb. 5-8.
After four days of tournament play, the pool of 24 teams dwindled down to the final two. Seniors Coleton Hutchins and Justin Bridges defeated senior Carson Hopper. With his partner unavailable, Hopper faced off against Hutchins and Bridges alone.
“I knew I could beat most people by myself but I had no hope against Justin and Coleton,” Hopper said. “There was not enough of me to cover the court.”
Hutchins and Bridges’ victory marks the second time they had won the golden racket
“I had a very good partner and we were able to work together,” Bridges said. “We are the all-star badminton team of the high school.”
Though failing to make it to the semi-finals, sophomore Paige Powell enjoyed the tournament.
“It was challenging hitting the birdie back when people hit it towards your face,” Powell said . “Even though I am not very good I had fun because I enjoy playing badminton.”
Amongst the students, one stands out, Mitchell Callisch, ’09. As the excitement for badminton swept the school, Mitchell’s enthusiasm for the sport increased.
“I love badminton; it’s my absolute favorite sport,” said Mitchell.” However it being the second most popular sport world wide, I rarely get a chance to participate in it. That being said I do get to play with my dad (Scott Callisch) occasionally, but the main times I get to play are during intramurals and PE. Intramurals are a great way for me to take a break from the monotony of school, and play the sport I enjoy.”
With three years of successful intramural participation, leadership plans to bring it back next year.
“We do badminton intramurals each year because the students seem to enjoy it,” Scott Orcutt, ’09, said.” It changes up the normal schedule and gives students some entertainment during the lunch hour.”
Leadership will host basketball intramurals in March.
