A look at some of the medal winners through the early part of the season for the Vikings badminton program. (Facebook/North Battleford Comprehensive High School)

By Martin Martinson

Vikings Rolling

NBCHS making statement with strong start to badminton season

Apr 1, 2022 | 3:00 PM

North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) is off to a sizzling start to the badminton season.

The Vikings, who feature both doubles, singles and mixed badminton teams, wasted no time hitting the ground running this year, from the get-go as tournament play began in March.

Coach with the senior team, Mark Kotchorek said it’s been something special to see the team find the success they have to start the season, after a bit of uncertainty heading into the year.

“We weren’t really sure what to expect after basically being out for two years with the whole COVID situation, but we knew we had some strong players and we were pleasantly surprised in our first tournament in Rosetown where we brought back five medals,” he said.

From there, things have only continued to roll for the Vikings as highlighted by another standout showing at their home tournament, which saw the senior team medal in each one of the disciplines – from girls singles and boys singles, to mixed doubles, girls doubles and boys doubles.

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Kotchorek said after being unable to play the last two years due to the pandemic, it’s been a real boon to the students and athletes to be able to return to the court again this year.

“The kids are really excited about it and it’s shown by their commitment to practice, their attending tournaments and the medals they’ve been able to bring back,” he said. “We don’t want them to get too overconfident, but we just want to make sure they’re focused on improving their skillset, which happens through going to tournaments and seeing what the competition is going to be like.”

Earlier this week, NBCHS played exhibition matches with John Paul II Collegiate and Meadow Lake, in preparation for their return to tournament play this weekend, as the senior team will travel to Unity Saturday.

This weekend’s tournament will feature a number of schools from around the region, including JPII locally, as well as the hosts from Unity, and Wilkie, St. Walburg and Maidstone.

Following the Easter break later this month, conference playdowns will be held April 27 in Leoville, with districts to follow in Wilkie that weekend. From there, winners will advance to Regionals, and then Provincials, which will conclude the season in May.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1