Women’s badminton program seeks to continue dominance

By Sol Ladvieka
Contributing Writer

With all of the prominent sports programs at City College, badminton is one that has flown under the radar during the past couple of seasons.

Last season, after breezing past conference competition, the Rams women’s badminton team was one victory away from claiming a California state championship, coming up just short to Irvine City College, a team that was comprised partially of international Olympic badminton players.

After finishing second in the state in 2009, with a perfect 8-0 regular season, the team’s two head coaches said they are looking to have repeat success as they near the start of the 2010 season.

“We were very successful last season,” Rams coach Coni Staff said.  “We had both singles and doubles players that qualified for state, as well as the team.”  She, along with fellow coach Fred Glosser, are entering their third full season leading the badminton program.

With returning players such as Jody Chan, Maggie Choy, Rufina Wu, and Wendy Zhu, the Rams have a bevy of sophomore talent that Glosser feels they can rely on all season.

“This team may be even a little bit better than last season,” he said. “We have two really good players at the top of the team and a lot of other experienced players. I think we are going to be really strong once again.”

With the number of returning players, along with the sheer dominance in conference play last year, Staff and Glosser both feel they have every reason to be confident and excited.

“I’m excited about this season,” Staff said.  “If we have the same results as last year, then I’ll be satisfied. As far as the season goes, the players simply have to play with heart and do well in conference once again.”

The Rams are set to begin their season on the road against De Anza College in an early tournament on March 20. They will then travel to Mission College, to begin Coast Conference play on March 23.