Smitten with badminton

Badminton club, a newly initiated activity at Northwest, provides a fun and relaxing environment for those who are interested in partaking.

Claudia Chen, Writer|October 7, 2013

Maddison Barley

As this school year is getting into full swing, so are the racquets of the members on the new badminton club.

Senior Sam Newton said that he initiated the badminton club because he had been playing outside of school for a long time, and wanted to find a way to get involved with the school. The club was approved by administration around three weeks ago and its first meeting was on Sept. 30. Members meet every Monday from 3-4 pm.

“You just show up, play some badminton, [and] talk,” Newton said. “Absolutely anyone can join.”

The sponsor of the badminton club is U.S. History and American Government teacher, Amy Newsum.

“I played a lot of badminton in my day,” Newsum said. “Long ago I had sponsored the water polo club, yet I had no idea about water polo, so this is a better fit.”

Newton said that badminton at Northwest is a great activity to get involved with because of the relaxed environment.

“We just have a lot of fun,” Newton said. “It’s a very likeable group of people. Newsum is a great sponsor and badminton is just a fun game.”

Senior Katiana Hutchinson has been playing badminton since seventh grade, and said that having Newsum as the sponsor helps contribute to the club’s overall environment.

“I think the sponsor says a lot,” Hutchinson said. “When the sponsor’s just a good person it gives a lot to the club’s energy…[Badminton] is a good stress reliever and I’m really optimistic about it.”

The club itself provides the necessary racquets, birdies, and other equipment. Newsum said that those interested can come any Monday they would like, but that she hopes more dedicated members can attend at least two meetings a month.

“It’s just goofy fun,” Newsum said. “We’ve got a ping pong club, so why not badminton [club]?”