On Monday, October 4, the Townsend Harris boys varsity badminton team played their first game since the 2019-2020 season. This game was their first time competing without the seniors that had previously guided their team to success; Even still, the team took their first victory against Flushing International High School. Since then, the team has earned an additional eight victories, including its first ever 5-0 sweep against Hunter College High School.
As the fall PSAL season comes to a close, the team members reminisced about their games. Junior Sean Zhou said,“The season has been going great so far. There have definitely been some challenging games with Hunter and Bronx Science who have consistently been our main competition. For many years we haven’t been able to overcome the hurdle of those schools, repeatedly losing 2-3, but this year a lot of great people have stepped up.”
Despite the time apart due to quarantine, the team spirit is stronger than ever. Junior Brian Hsu said, “The best moments are of course still being able to practice after school and just enjoy spending time together as a team. I can’t think of any bad moments with this team; everyone’s friendly and chill in their own way and it’s pretty much always a good time.” This tight bond was on full display during Townsend Harris’s Spirit Week, team members donning matching Demon Slayer shirts on Friday, November 5 for Twin Day.
Due to new COVID-19 safety regulations enacted by the PSAL, THHS indoor sports games have new restrictions for spectators. In response to how these restrictions have affected the team, Sean said, “The atmosphere of the team has been amazing and everyone has been super supportive, not only for success in games but with the academics we are all also balancing. We can only have a limited number on each side of the badminton net and with COVID-19, our team is slightly smaller. Regardless, the upperclassmen have been great role models for the underclassmen.”
With seven out of nine games won in the season so far excluding three forfeits, the team added yet another victory under their belts earlier today against Franklin D. Roosevelt in their second playoff match, winning 5-0. Securing them a placement in the finals, the team will face off Stuyvesant this Tuesday where they will be competing for the first place spot.
Photo courtesy of Gary Yang
