St. Charles East’s Kathryn Chappel and Krupa Patel have a mixed three years of badminton enjoy.
But Chappel and Patel each have been short studies, advancing to this weekend’s state badminton singles event at Eastern Illinois University.
Chappel, a sophomore, faces off in opposition to Tina Tsai of Glenbrook North inside the first spherical on Friday, while Patel, a junior, takes on Diya Rao of Hoffman Estates.
Chappel, who placed 0.33 in singles at the Prospect Sectional, enters the two-day state tourney with a 26-6 report. In her first year on the varsity, Chappel stated it’d been a terrific journey from a neophyte to a kingdom qualifier.
“I commenced gambling due to the fact we performed it for approximately months in the school fitness center, and once I heard the excessive college had a crew, I changed into excited all 12 months for tryouts,” Chappel stated. “But I failed to recognize the intensity of the game until I walked into the place I determined to begin training at, Midwest Badminton Club. Looking around and seeing those amazing players is a humbling revel, but I had already determined I wanted to be an extreme badminton participant.”
Patel, who placed fourth at sectionals, sports a 28-3 record. She credits her father with introducing her to badminton two years ago. Patel said her largest spotlight became gambling Chappel at sectionals.
Despite being the primary immediate family member to play badminton, Patel said she has high hopes for this weekend.
“My power is hitting crosscourt instead of hitting the birdie straight, so I should live wonderful at the court docket and do my first-class and revel in playing,” Patel said.
Chappel stated her conditioning is a massive plus, which shows up in lengthy matches. She noted that retaining calm and not getting annoyed are key points of emphasis this weekend.
“I love the undertaking of badminton,” she said. “It’s intellectual, approach, skill, velocity, and energy. There’s continually something you can enhance on, and it’s a variety of a laugh to check your degree of play against someone else.”
St. Charles East teacher Tricia DeNorio said Chappel and Patel can do well at state this weekend.
“They both are extraordinary badminton gamers,” she said. “They can potentially move the chicken across the court docket very well. They have strategic movements that get their opponents off their feet.”
