The Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) senior badminton team delivered an impressive performance at a recent invitational tournament in Weyburn, bringing home three gold medals.
Dongjun Won made history in boys’ singles, becoming the first player to win the title three years in a row. Jane Contillo claimed gold in girls’ singles, while the boys’ doubles team of Xave Sequito and Moksh Rabari rounded out the team’s medal haul with a first-place finish of their own.
Beyond the podium success, the tournament provided valuable preparation as the team gears up for a busy competition schedule. With playoffs on the horizon, ECS players are sharpening their skills and maintaining their momentum. Many train year-round, attending a local community badminton club to stay at the top of their game. Coach Sheena Summers added that the team is focused on continuous improvement, knowing tough competition lies ahead.
“We’re really working on refining our skills and getting ready to take on some of the best players in Saskatchewan,” Summers said. “We’re also hosting provincials at ECS this year, so our players are putting in the effort to represent our school well.”
With several athletes dedicated to year-round training, the team boasts a high level of skill.
“We have a couple of players who take this very seriously and practice all year round, so their skill level is obviously extremely high,” Summers said. "We have a community badminton club here. So, they've been going to that as well as practices for us. So, it's been they've been getting a lot of badminton play right now."
Next up for the team is the pre-district tournament in Oxbow on April 12. The top two players in each category will advance to districts in Weyburn on April 17. Those who qualify will move on to regionals, hosted at ECS on May 3, with provincials to follow at the same venue.
With a strong mix of experience, dedication and momentum, the ECS badminton team is eager to continue its journey and make a statement in the next round of competitions.