Badminton team struggles, may face cuts

As budget cuts continue to affect the CVHS athletics program, the badminton team may be the first to go. Last year, a program designed to ask sports players at CVHS for donations unsuccessfully tried to rescue boys golf and badminton from a $3800 deficit. This year, some 60 badminton players will try to raise the $3800 to keep the team afloat.

The badminton team plans to raise the money needed by asking for the families of CVHS students to come watch and participate in the badminton and golf matches, and maybe stop by an occasional fundraiser or bake sale.

“I would love if people came to our events and help volunteer. We also have car washes and bake sales which all help the badminton team,” explained sophomore Kelly Chan.

The cause of the deficit is the effect of the recent economic downfall on badminton players, families, and sponsors. The sports teams were cut after the Castro Valley school district lost millions in budget cuts.

Last year, out of the 48 people on the badminton team, a record low of numbers of families paid their share to equip the team with supplies, an off-site badminton coach, and buses for transportation.

“But don’t just blame the team” said Andrew Fox, a badminton team member. “We normally get a lot more money from our sponsors, and this year we didn’t. We are $3800 short, but the team is working hard to keep it going.”

All sports teams ask for donations and normally receive them, but badminton and golf took an especially hard hit.
“It’s up to them,” said athletic director Mr. Popper. “All the teams pay; they can do it too.”

Although the future for the badminton team looks dark, members of the team feel like they can still make it.
“Last year we had about 48 people on the badminton team, this year, we have over one hundred people wanting to help, or play with the team,” said Chan.

CVHS began asking for sports donations in the 2010-2011 school year when student athletes were asked to pay $325 to continue the high school sports programs. The donation amount varied from sport to sport, but badminton was on the second list at $275 and up. While the badminton team came up short, sports like football and girls cheerleading were able to survive after getting numerous donations from players and families.

As the badminton team continues to struggle, they ask for the CVHS community to reach out and support them.
“It is as simple as stopping by at one of our games, or sending a small donation,” said Chan. “It’s that easy to keep the badminton team going, and to help out your community.”