OLDS — Head coach Mary Smith says she’s “extremely proud” of the Olds College badminton team.
The Broncos won four medals during the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) championships in Edmonton Feb. 22-23.
Also, Priyanna Ramdhani, a member of the team, won a silver medal in women’s singles and was named to the 2019-20 ACAC badminton all-conference team.
As a result of that performance, Ramdhani secured a spot on the ACAC wild card team that was to compete in Ontario during the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships on March 3.
“The entire team was very supportive of one another. They listened intently to the advice I offered them and often came back and won games after starting off in a deficit,” Smith wrote in an email.
“For Olds to secure a silver in women's singles, three bronze (medals) in men's singles, men's doubles and women’s doubles is truly amazing.”
Smith said it was “a complete joy” to watch Bronco Troy Morgan because of his “positive attitude, determination and willingness to stay focused and make every rally matter.”
“Kat Wildt, Jenna Kardos, and Beau Stevenson all had personal bests at this tournament and I felt really grew as fierce competitors, which will serve them well when they return next year to compete,” she added.
Noah Jeffrey “is a truly talented defensive player” Smith wrote, adding he has improved his technique and movement over the course of the season.
“The Broncos are fortunate he is returning next season as he will be a force on the courts,” she said.
Ramdhani and Layce Donaldson won one of the team’s bronze medals in women’s doubles.
“Layce Donaldson pushed through injuries and really put her all into the games and of course Caribbean champ Priyanna Ramdhani's excellent footwork and technique supported the team finishing third,” Smith wrote.
She was pleased for Ramdhani to obtain that silver medal in women's singles because she had placed third all season.
“I'm grateful, honoured and truly proud of my team,” Smith wrote. "They are not only determined athletes, but also great people off the court and will be future leaders of the next generation."
