Hosting the Northern Ontario Badminton Championships last weekend, the Sudbury Junior Badminton Club looked particularly strong in the U14 age classification, sweeping all five categories that were contested.
The accomplishment was led by 13 year-old Connor Coutu, who recorded one of just two "triple crowns" over the course of the two-day event, finishing first in singles play, pairing with Anthony Thom in taking gold in boys doubles, and sharing mixed doubles honours with partner Renée Proulx.
Wil Hausenblas of Elliot Lake duplicated that feat at the U19 level, adding a pairs win with both Sebastien Stefankow of Sudbury (boys doubles) and sister Tess Hausenblas (mixed doubles) to his triumph in the boys singles grouping.
Completing the run of Sudbury winners in the U14 division were Cierra St Germain, first place finisher in girls singles play, and Karine Boucher, who teamed with St Germain in taking the girls doubles title.
A pair of Sudbury teams emerged victorious in the U16 grouping, as Kalie Rheault and Angèle Seguin earned girls doubles bragging rights, while Rheault and Patrick Thom did the same in the mixed doubles competition.
As for the young up and comer, he can thank his older brother Tyler for opening the door to this current opportunity on the court.
"I came to one of my brother's practices, and they asked me if I just wanted to play a game," said the younger Coutu.
"Before that, I would goof around and hit the bird, but had never played an actual game. I guess I'm a natural."
The grade 8 student at Macdonald-Cartier joined the local club, and a more committed basis, this past fall, quickly absorbing the various technical aspects that are critical to success.
"I know where to hit the bird, I make them run," said Coutu. "They teach me that at club. If they set you up, you can smash. If they try and clear it, you can drop it on the opposite side that they are on."
Practicing twice a week, the young teenager, who will transition to his first love of lacrosse in April, has noted a lure towards one event in particular, with racquet in hand.
"Singles is most fun, I like being alone on the court," he said.
"I don't have to worry about me hitting my partner, or we both go for the bird at the same time."
With the bulk of the club season behind him, Coutu will now focus his efforts towards a handful of upcoming elementary tournaments, while his older clubmates ready themselves for both the city and NOSSA championships in the weeks ahead.
Following is a complete breakdown of all category winners from the Northern Ontario Badminton Championships:
19U Division
Boys Singles - Wil Hausenblas (Elliot Lake)
Girls Singles - Madyson St Onge Laprise (Theriault)
Boys Doubles - Wil Hausenblas/Sebastien Stefankow (EL/Sudbury)
Girls Doubles - Ellie Perry/Tess Hausenblas (Elliot Lake)
Mixed Doubles - Wil Hausenblas/Tess Hausenblas (Elliot Lake)
16U Division
Boys Singles - Gabriel Pharand (KTP* - North Bay)
Girls Singles - Jessie Zhou (KTP - North Bay)
Boys Doubles - Gabriel Pharand/Nick Babich (KTP - North Bay)
Girls Doubles - Kalie Rheault/Angèle Seguin (Sudbury)
Mixed Doubles - Kalie Rheault/Patrick Thom (Sudbury)
* Kurt Templeton
14U Division
Boys Singles - Connor Coutu (Sudbury)
Girls Singles - Cierra St Germain (Sudbury)
Boys Doubles - Connor Coutu/Anthony Thom (Sudbury)
Girls Doubles - Karine Boucher/Cierra St Germain (Sudbury)
Mixed Doubles - Renée Proulx/Connor Coutu (Sudbury)
