R.F. Staples School will have representation at badminton provincials next weekend, with a familiar face earning silver at zones, and in doing so, securing a provincial berth.
Coach Jon Radke said 15 T-Birds made the trip to Edmonton to participate in North Central Zones on April 27, with a silver medal and several bronzes highlighting the day.
While he wasn’t able to attend zones himself, Radke commended his athletes for a great all-around performance.
“We sent more students to zones than we normally do and I would say they performed better at zones than we’ve been accustomed to in the past,” Radke said.
“I think the students went in with a little more confidence than they normally have. The coach that went said they all played really well and they laid it all out there.”
Kaitlyn Comeau took silver in the senior girls singles category and will be make the trip back to Edmonton to compete at ASAA Badminton Provincials at Harry Ainlay High School May 6-7.
“We’re really proud of her, of course,” Radke said.
Radke said it will be Comeau’s second trip to provincials as she previously competed in doubles.
“She kind of knows what to expect a little bit in terms of competition, I’m hoping that she’s pumped to go,” Radke said.
“Singles is a little bit new to her this year. It took a bit of convincing to get her to play singles, but we’re sure glad she stuck with it.”
Radke said he believes she has what it takes to be competitive at the provincial level.
“She’s a very smart player. She moves her opponent around really well, that’s how she wins her games,” he said.
Four boys teams returned home with bronze medals. Despite the good showings, it was the end of the road for them in 2016 with only the Top 2 finishers qualifying for provincials.
The intermediate boys doubles pairing of Jett Ziehe and Josh Lemoine and individuals Curtis Vesely junior boys singles, Aaron Felstad intermediate boys singles, Daneel Lategan senior boys singles all placed third.
“They performed really well. We don’t normally win as many medals as we did this time,” Radke said.
