Adelphi Badminton Club Begins 2013 Season

Typically, people associate badminton with backyard lawns, family barbecues and (perhaps) a few too many brews. Unbeknownst to some, the oft-mocked stepsister in the world of competitive racket sports offers numerous health benefits for players of any age and is one of the most nuanced competitive sports. Following its adoption as an Olympic sport in 1992, badminton has shown the world that its elite competitors are much more serious, athletic and dedicated than Uncle Chip and that there is much more at stake in matches than family bragging rights. At its highest levels, badminton is a test of an athlete's strength, endurance, hand-eye coordination and decision-making.

Although is not an NCAA sanctioned sport, badminton is making waves on college campuses across the nation because of its adaptability and widespread appeal.

Here in Garden City, the Adelphi University Badminton Club is entering its third year of existence this fall, after first being established on campus in the fall of 2011. In this short time, it has grown into one of the largest clubs on campus. The root of the club's appeal? It does not discriminate based on experience. The current roster is a balanced mix of beginner players, who are looking to learn the game for the first time; intermediate players, who have had some experience with the game; and advanced players, who have had competitive experience on high school or club teams. The goal of the club is to foster a love of the sport and physical activity while forming friendships and having fun.

The inaugural Badminton Club team, Fall 2011.
(Photo credit: Jenna Cavuto)

Following its inaugural fall season, the club generated enough student interest and funds to begin traveling to local tournaments and universities to compete. Over the past year, the team has locked horns against New York University, Columbia University, Stony Brook University and Marist College; in addition, the club's executive board has been in contact with the badminton teams at Boston University and the College of William and Mary in an effort to take the team's talents out of state and expand its competitive horizons.

This blog will cover all aspects of the Adelphi Badminton Club for the fall semester; coverage will include photos and videos of team practices, interviews and features profiling the executive board and team members and recaps of any tournaments that the club may be invited to compete in this fall.