All-State Trip for Badminton Players Marks End To Incredible Season

By Michael O'Sullivan

ETHS Badminton team warming up before sectionals on May 2.

The ETHS varsity badminton team's season came to a close last Saturday after one of their best seasons in school history. The girls, led by head coach Sydney Siegal, had an incredible regular season this year, placing second in the conference behind New Trier.

They also sent four players, all seniors, to the state tournament at Eastern Illinois University last weekend: Meredith Nelson, Jane Handle, Rachel Kaminski and Nikimera Moore. Kaminski and Moore competed as a doubles team, and Nelson and Handle competed in singles.

"Just to have competed in the state tournament was an unforgettable experience," said senior captain Nelson. "Playing the sport you love in a setting like this is just so incredible and it brings out the best in each player."

"We knew that we had a chance to get down state at the beginning of the year because of our chemistry as a team and our passion for the sport," said Kaminski. "Being here and playing is something that none of us will ever forget, and it brought a lot of attention to the sport of badminton at our school, which is great." Handle and the doubles team of Kaminski and Moore were eliminated in the the third round. Nelson lost a heartbreaker in the quarterfinals, but placed 9th in the state.

"It was a very tough loss, but I am very pleased with the way I played, as well as how our team played," said Nelson. "We came out here and gave it our all, and that is all you can do in a tournament like this. I think this year's team has set the pace for future teams, and given them a hope that they, too, can reach the state tournament. All you have to do is play together, have confidence in one another, and always believe in yourself and your teammates."

The success of this year's team shined a much-needed light on the often forgotten, yet exciting, sport of badminton, establishing a strong foundation for the future of the sport at ETHS.

Evanston Team Wins 50 Medals in Spring Special Olympics

Story and photos by Larry Gavin

On May 4, a beautiful spring day, 539 athletes from throughout suburban Cook County gathered to compete in the 39th annual Special Olympics Annual Track and Field Meet held at Evanston Township High School. The meet was sponsored by Special Olympics Illinois and Northwestern to Benefit Special Olympics. Gold-medal winners qualify to compete in the Special Olympics Summer Games to be held on June 13-15 at Illinois State University in Normal.

Evanston resident Lucas Johnson took a gold medal in the long jump.

The Evanston team fielded about 25 athletes, Leonard Woodson, the City's program manager for special recreation, told the RoundTable. The Evanston team took home 24 gold, 19 silver, and 7 bronze medals.

Mr. Woodson said about 150 Evanstonians participate in the City's special recreation programs throughout the year, and about 250 participate in summer camp programs. Programs in basketball, swimming, track, bowling, bocce and ice skating are offered.

Ravi Randhava, co-chair of Northwestern to Benefit Special Olympics, said this was the 31st year Northwestern University has sponsored the event. He said about 300 Northwestern students volunteer throughout the year as coaches at sites in the Evanston catchments area, and that the University raises a substantial portion of the necessary funds for the event. About 120 NU students volunteered at the May 4 meet.

Caroline Colianne, an Evanston resident, won the gold in the 200-meter.

Mr. Randhava said ETHS and the Justin Wynn Leadership Academy have been great partners and that the Kiwanis Club donated 750 lunches and Whole Foods made donations to the event.
Special Olympics Area Director Katie Grisham said the games could not go on without terrific volunteer support. "We rely on volunteers to help run every aspect of the Spring Games. But even more importantly, the athletes look forward to the friendship and encouragement they receive from the volunteers."

Hooked on Fishing

Spring Fishing Starts Strong

By Dick Peach

Spring fishing is off to a great start. The Skokie Lagoons are producing some good catches of crappies and largemouth bass. The bass are averaging 14-16 inches, about 1-3 pounds, a sign the bass population is doing very well. Fishermen are reporting the crappies are still hitting around the dam areas. On Lake Michigan the salmon fishing has been really good early this year. Fishermen are hoping it stays this way, as they could be in for one of the best years in a long while. The perch have been a little elusive so far, but it is still early in the season, and things should pick up.

At Lovelace Park on Saturday, fishing was good, as always. A number of young fishermen were there, trying their luck and having what appeared to be a great time -- and this fisherman even managed to catch a small bass.

Speaking of Lovelace Park, the Lovelace Park Fishing Fundraiser on May 31 promises to be a great day at a local fishing spot. The staff is planning a good time for everyone, especially the kids. There will be fishing clinics, along with a casting competition for the kids. And what would a day of fishing be without a fish fry for lunch? The cost for the day is $10 a person, with all proceeds going to purchase equipment and bait for the Lovelace program. Come on out, enjoy a great day of fishing and fun, and support an outstanding program for the kids.

The next column will talk about spring feeding patterns to help fishermen put more fish on the line and improve their catching percentage.

Until then, keep a tight line ...

Visit Dick at ...hookedonfishing@comcast.net