Gus Wetter and Theresetta schools in Castor jointly hosted a badminton tournament last Wednesday, April 20, which had five winning teams from the William E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus (WEHSSC), with the boys outperforming the girls.
Among the winning teams were Grade 7 boys doubles – Randon Ross and Brody Zimmer, Grade 8 boys mixed doubles – Brooke Mulgrove and Daylan Kuefler, Grade 8 boys doubles – Ben Tschritter and Cole Nichols, Grade 8 boys singles Chase Cheater and Grade 9 boys singles Jordan Burkard.
Grade 9 boys doubles Delaney Anderson and Steele Nichols took second place.
"With so many kids and the changes that come at the final moments typical of badminton, the tournament started somewhat slowly, but athletes, volunteers, parents, and coaches pitched in to get the schedule running smoothly and the matches were done quite early," said coach Chris Langford. "Hats off to the Castor organizers for putting on the event."
According to Langford, all the coaches are of the same thought that they have a very nice group of kids to work with.
"They have been extremely receptive to coaching tips and have tried to come to the planned practices in this very short and intense training season," added Langford.
Earlier this year the Stettler Junior Badminton Club (SJBC) saw Bruce LaRocque retire as coach.
"Mr. LaRocque has been involved with badminton for 25 years and has been the coach, organizer and heart of the SJBC for at least 16 years and that's just how long I have been in this community," explained Langford. "It is because of his commitment to the sport and to our local club that the wall of champions displayed in the high school balcony has such an impressive badminton record."
Langford said that he was the person who introduced and developed the most successful players in the sport in our community.
"I really would love to see coach LaRocque acknowledged for all the time and energy he has volunteered," added Langford. "He has had a significant positive impact on many young people in our area."