Blue Devils Honor Top Badminton Team Seniors

Huntington High School’s varsity badminton teams debuted in the spring of 2023 and immediately experienced growing pains. But the Blue Devils have become increasingly competitive, even winning meets this past season under head coach Alex Nelson and assistant coach Andy Marlow.

Huntington’s top graduating players were recognized at the 57th annual Blue Devil senior athletic awards night in the auditorium. “The two squads went up against many long established programs, but displayed wonderful skills and strategies that left opposing coaches believing that it won’t be long before both Huntington teams are challenging for the league titles,” awards night master of ceremonies Michael Schwendemann told the crowd of 300. “Blue Devil badminton is clearly on the rise.”

The boys’ team Coaches Award winner is Nicolas Francis; the Most Improved Player is Steven Palma and the MVP is Jose Davila Chitay.

The girls’ team Coaches Award winners are Nahomy Villanueva Vasquez and Sophia Weiss; the Most Improved Player is Elsy Benitez and the MVP is Angelique Ulloa.

Badminton is growing in popularity in the district at both the high school and at J. Taylor Finley Middle School. Intramural programs are planned at both schools to generate further interest. Badminton is also a physical education class unit.

New uniforms, racquets and shuttlecocks have been ordered and delivered to further assist efforts to build the program.