Owls bring home NWOSSA medals

Ken Johnston

RRHS Sr. Girls Doubles team Hillary Hansen and Chantel Heyens smashed their way to the All Ontario when they went 4-1 at NWOSSA’s last Wednesday in Thunder Bay.
The pair and six other RRHS students, Carling Nordin, Nick Ashworth, Dan Usiski, Jr., Molly Bartlett, Kristin Moen and Joel Ashworth, made the trip and no one came home with anything less than bronze.
Hansen and Heyens played five matches winning all of them except one.
Match 1 against Sioux Lookout saw RRHS win 15-4 and 15-7. Match 2 against Michotpicton they lost the first one 8-15 before rebounding to win 15-7 and 15-4. Match 3 against Churchil saw RRHS win 15-8 and 15-13. In the fourth match they beat Manitouwadge 15-6 and 15-9. Their last match was against another undefeated team, Marathon. That would be the only team Hansen and Heyens could not beat losing 8-15 and 3-15 to capture NWOSSA silver and a berth to OFSSAs in Timmins, Ont. on May 3, 2006.
“The girls were strong all day and even though the competition was tough they held their own and won keys games to advance to Timmins,” said coach Donnie Gall. “This is only the second time that RRHS has sent a badminton team to OFSAA. I am very proud of their accomplishments and hope they have a great time!”
The other senior team NORWOSSA Mixed Doubles Champs Joel Ashworth and Carling Nordin also played well but came up against some tough teams and came up one game short of making it to OFSAA. They were in a 3 way tied for third and ended up winning the tie breaker with a convincing win over Atikokan to scoop up a bronze medal.
“The team was great all season and a bronze medal at this level is tremendous. Good Job!” said Gall.
In Junior Action Nick Ashworth and Danny Usiski were in tough as well but were able to win a bronze medal in Boys Doubles. The teams at this level are a lot different then back home and the boys had some stiffer competitors to battle.
“Once again bronze is super at the NWOSSA level and I am proud of their effort,” said Gall.
In Junior Girls action NORWOSSA Champions Molly Bartlett and Kristen Moen also won a bronze medal with some tough opponents challenging them throughout the day.
The girls played super and were right in the thick of things battling for gold. Even though they came up a bit short they can take this experience into next season when the become Seniors and have a chance to advance to OFSAA.
“We seen some great badminton in Thunder Bay and all I can say is that we gave the rest of the schools a great challenge in the tournament. Coming home with a silver and three bronze is the best the RRHS has ever accomplished and the players should all be proud of that feat. Well Done Team!” said Gall.
Good Luck to Chantel and Hillary at OFSAA!!!