OPRF Badminton Program Sees Growth,Aims for State Qualification
Oak Park and River Forest (OPRF) high school’s badminton program is experiencing a surge in player interest,leading too optimism for the current season and beyond. Head coach Paul Wright, now in his 13th season, credits the rising numbers to the school’s commitment to providing ample space despite ongoing campus construction.
Increased Participation Leads to New Opportunities
With the support of OPRF athletic director Nicole Ebsen, the program has expanded to 18 courts in the fieldhouse. This growth has allowed the addition of a junior-varsity two level and freshman ‘B’ games, accommodating an additional 25 athletes. Wright emphasizes the importance of the extra junior-varsity level, stating it provides crucial growth and fosters a stronger connection to the school and the sport.
Huskies Set Sights on State
last season, OPRF achieved a 10-6 record in dual matches and sent the doubles team of anika Gupta and Lilianna Jasinska to the state tournament, where they recorded a 2-2 result. This year’s team features returning varsity players Josie Badrinath, Alice Cadwell, Sonja Emerson, Anika Gupta, and Ada Klein. Key newcomers include Evelyn Cultra,Malini datta-Nemana,Stella Ludwig,mariana Nache,emily Smith,Ally Sugita,Olive Tepfer,and Wes Wong.
Championship Expectations
Wright identifies the Conant Invite on April 26 as a key indicator of the team’s progress and state readiness. Looking at the West Suburban Silver conference,he anticipates strong competition from Hinsdale Central and York. OPRF’s goal for the season is ambitious: to qualify two doubles teams and a singles player for the state tournament.
Season opens soon
The Huskies begin their season on March 19 at Leyden Township, followed by their home opener against Hinsdale Central on March 21 at 4:30 p.m.
How does the increased court space at OPRF contribute to the badminton program’s growth and success?
OPRF Badminton Program Sees Growth,Aims for State Qualification
Oak Park and River Forest (OPRF) high school’s badminton program is experiencing a surge in player interest,leading too optimism for the current season and beyond. Head coach Paul Wright, now in his 13th season, credits the rising numbers to the school’s commitment to providing ample space despite ongoing campus construction.
Increased Participation Leads to New Opportunities
With the support of OPRF athletic director Nicole ebsen,the program has expanded to 18 courts in the fieldhouse. This growth has allowed the addition of a junior-varsity two level and freshman ‘B’ games, accommodating an additional 25 athletes.Wright emphasizes the importance of the extra junior-varsity level,stating it provides crucial growth and fosters a stronger connection to the school and the sport.
Huskies Set Sights on State
last season, OPRF achieved a 10-6 record in dual matches and sent the doubles team of anika Gupta and Lilianna Jasinska to the state tournament, where they recorded a 2-2 result.This year’s team features returning varsity players Josie Badrinath, Alice Cadwell, Sonja Emerson, Anika Gupta, and Ada Klein. Key newcomers include Evelyn Cultra,Malini datta-Nemana,Stella Ludwig,mariana Nache,emily Smith,Ally Sugita,Olive Tepfer,and Wes Wong.
Championship Expectations
Wright identifies the Conant Invite on April 26 as a key indicator of the team’s progress and state readiness. Looking at the West Suburban Silver conference,he anticipates strong competition from Hinsdale Central and York. OPRF’s goal for the season is ambitious: to qualify two doubles teams and a singles player for the state tournament.
Season opens soon
The Huskies begin their season on March 19 at Leyden Township,followed by their home opener against hinsdale Central on March 21 at 4:30 p.m.
OPRF Badminton Program: Q&A
- Why is the OPRF badminton program growing?
- Head coach Paul Wright credits the increase to the school’s commitment to providing ample space, now boasting 18 courts in the fieldhouse, despite campus construction.
- What are the new opportunities for players?
- The program has expanded to include two junior-varsity levels and freshman ‘B’ games, accommodating an additional 25 athletes, fostering growth and a stronger connection to the school and the sport.
- Who are key players to watch this season?
- Returning varsity players include Josie Badrinath, Alice Cadwell, sonja Emerson, Anika Gupta, and Ada Klein. Newcomers to keep an eye on are Evelyn Cultra, Malini datta-Nemana, Stella Ludwig, mariana Nache, emily Smith, Ally sugita, Olive Tepfer, and Wes Wong.
- what are the team’s goals for this season?
- OPRF aims to qualify two doubles teams and a singles player for the state tournament, facing strong competition from Hinsdale Central and York in the West Suburban Silver conference. A key indicator of their progress will be the Conant Invite on April 26.
- When and where can I watch the huskies play?
- The season begins March 19 at Leyden Township,followed by the home opener against Hinsdale Central on March 21 at 4:30 p.m.
Follow the OPRF badminton team’s journey as they strive for state qualification and witness the exciting growth of the program!
