Hearing the words 'please hand me my shuttlecock' uttered on campus would probably get a few chuckles anywhere except one place, a UW-Madison Badminton Club practice.
The Badminton Club is one of 31 recreational sports offered at UW-Madison. It has approximately 60 members comprised of students, faculty and staff. The club practices weekly at the Natatorium.
According to Michael Conti in a commentary at www.worldbadminton.com, anyone looking for a full-body workout should definitely check out badminton. While it is not one of the more popular sports in the United States, it does offer an intense conditioning workout consisting of running, stretching, and jumping. It is a sport that is both mentally and physically stimulating, where size and power take a backseat to agility and stamina. Badminton provides a fast-paced game, making it fun to play and entertaining to watch. Plus the equipment (rackets and shuttles) and basic techniques are easy to use and learn.
Those seeking this type of lightning-fast action should look no further than the Badminton Club. Watching a practice is a sight to behold. All six courts are filled with a wide range of members who all seem to be having a blast.
'We want to provide everybody a chance to play, not just people at competitive levels. We could have a try out, but we chose not to so that everyone can get involved,' said Phiphat Phruksarojanakun, club president and UW-Madison graduate student.
Phruksarojanakun's aspiration can easily been seen on the courts. Freshmen play against seniors and no one stays at the side of a court long before being offered playing time. UW-Madison freshmen Alex Lewein has witnessed this as a new member.
'It's something that is pretty inclusive and is a good way to meet people and they are very friendly,' Lewein said.
However, the club's inclusive nature does not stop it from being competitive. Friendly shouts of triumph can be heard throughout the gym during a practice and people are always asking to have a match with others. While it is still a club, the group takes part in team events throughout the Midwest.
'We try to go to as many tournaments as we can,' Phruksarojanakun said. The club travels to states such as Indiana and Illinois to compete as well as test their skills against other schools.
'We do travel, so the university is represented not only in our tournaments but at other schools,' said Dan Mehr, club treasurer and UW-Madison junior.
The UW-Madison Badminton Club does indeed back up Mehr's claim and thoroughly represents the university. In March, the club won the first-ever Midwest Intercollegiate Badminton Tournament held in Indiana. The trophy sits proudly displayed in the UW-Madison Club Sports trophy case in the Natatorium. The club will host the 2006 tournament this coming March.
Even with this competitive nature, the club's ideal of inclusive participation still rings true. Though Lewein had just joined the club this fall, he was able to take part in competitions.
'I was surprised that I was able to go to a tournament right away,' he said, reflecting on his recent travels.
More than just a competitive and inclusive athletic organization, there are other perks that the badminton club enjoys.
'I think our courts are probably one of the best in the Big Ten,' Phruksarojanakun said. The club practices in the Natatorium, which has lining and lights perfect for badminton action.
Members can also benefit from the services the Natatorium provides. According to the club's website, people can borrow rackets and buy shuttles at the Natatorium.
Looking past the competitiveness and material qualities of the club, one can see that it offers an experience that is as rewarding as it is rare.
'Locally it provides a whole range of different students and staff the opportunity to play a sport that's not offered in an organized fashion,' Mehr said.
Anyone looking to get involved in this fast-paced sport should definitely seek out more information about the club. The club practices in gyms two and four at the Natatorium on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Those interested should check out the club's Web site at badminton.rso.wisc.edu for more information including club photos and tournament listings.
Although the construction in front of the Natatorium may look daunting, a trek past the clutter can be a bold new experience into the world of a little known sport that provides an exhilarating, fun and friendly workout'badminton.
