Approximately 20 students in grades 10 to 12 are members of the Kamsack Comprehensive Institute’s senior badminton team, which began practices for the season in late February.
The team, which is coached by Ryan Lambert, was host to teams from seven district schools at its annual home tournament on March 15. Attending were teams from Invermay, Norquay, Canora, Keeseekoose First Nation, Yorkton, Sturgis and Preeceville.
At the tournament, the KCI team consisted of 11 players: Hannah Pennell and Julianna Raabel in girls singles; Jayden Raabel, boys singles; Devin Klapatiuk and Adrian Pearson, boys doubles; Kyle Morgan and Lexie Tomochko, mixed doubles, and Allison Thomsen and Breanna Bland and Shani Bear and Cassidy Aker, girls doubles.
“Of the 11 players, we had eight advance to the playoff round, and considering this was our first competitive play of the year, I was impressed by both the skill and sportsmanship that was displayed,” said Lambert.
“After all the medal round play finished, we had two teams receive medals: Kyle Morgan and Lexie Tomochko won gold in mixed doubles, and Adrian Pearson and Devin Klapatiuk won gold in boys doubles,” Lambert said. “We had several teams finish just out of contention – there could have easily been several more bronze medals – so the team met my expectations for the evening, and I have high hopes again for the season.”
On April 7 the senior team travelled to Melville for a competition. Playing for the KCI team were Jayden Chutskoff, boys singles; Kaylie Bowes, girls singles; Kyle Morgan and Lexie Tomochko, mixed doubles; Henry Thomas and Michael Chan, boys doubles, and Allison Thomsen and Breanna Bland, girls doubles.
“Our teams at Melville competed well,” he said. “Henry and Michael brought home the silver medal in boys doubles, losing a very close gold medal game to the Sacred Heart team.
“Kyle and Lexie had advanced to the semi-final and were up one set and leading in the second, but had to withdraw from competition due to an injury. They would have at least earned a silver if they had been able to finish the game.”
Next up for the KCI team are the two rounds of the pre-districts playoffs which will be played at KCI and Keeseekoose.
