Broncos Badminton adds two strong male recruits

The Olds College Broncos badminton coaching staff have been busy over the last six months with retention and recruitment as the program reaches a state of stability that it hasn't had in recent years. The coaching staff have signed five new recruits for this upcoming season to join three returning student-athletes. Red Deer's Alex Boulier and Wilkie, SK's Rylan Head return from last year's team and will be joined by Gleichen, AB's Layce Donaldson who is returning after a year away from Olds College.

This year's recruiting class includes three women, one of which is a dual-sport student-athlete and another who is moving from Guyana to attend Olds College) and two men.

Here's what you need to know about these recruits, starting with the male recruits:

Troy Morgan: 5'9"

Hometown: Hythe, AB

2018/19 club: Thompson Rivers University cross country and track team

Academic Program: Bachelor of Applied Science- Horticulture

Why did you choose Olds College: "I look forward to the opportunity to play badminton and to represent Olds College.  I am excited to have new experiences and make new memories with my teammates and as a Bronco."

Head Coach Mary Smith's analysis: "Troy Morgan is a driven, competitive, positive and supportive athlete that understands the meaning of training hard and being prepared for competition.   Troy has been competing for the last number of years in cross country and we welcome him to the Broncos Badminton team this season.   As a rookie to the Broncos he is an athlete to have your eye on this year as he is setting his sights on achieving an ACAC medal with hopes to then move on to national.   Troy will be our top male singles player and will also be competing in other disciplines throughout the season."

Previous coaches analysis: "In his two years at TRU, Troy always displayed a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to his teammates and to the program. When it came to racing, Troy was always a fierce competitor who would battle anyone near him all the way to the finish line. Troy displayed real leadership qualities, stepping in to fill the role of co-Captain for the team in just his second year, after many members of the squad graduated at the end of Troy's first year. Troy represented TRU XC both years at the U Sports XC National Championships, and in the spring of his second year, Troy ran a series of personal bests at distances from the 800 to the 10 K"

Carmin Mazzotta
Head Coach, WolfPack Cross Country and Indoor Track & Field
Thompson Rivers University

Previous accolades and achievements: Won the Kenna Cartright Memorial Award and the Jack & Verna Miller Athletics Award while at TRU. Male Athlete of the Year in Grade 9, 11 & 12, Alberta Summer Games 2016 Track team, Alberta Winter Games 2016 Badminton team. Participated in Badminton Provincials in Grades 11 & 12, winning bronze in Grade 12. Participated in Track & Field Provincials in Grades 11 & 12.  Top 10 in cross country Provincials in Grade 11.

Noah Jeffrey: 5'6"

Hometown: Lloydminster, AB

2018/19 club: Lloydminster Comprehensive High School

Academic Program: Heavy Duty certificate

Why did you choose Olds College: "It has been a dream of mine to compete at the college level and am very grateful Olds will give me that chance."

Head Coach Mary Smith's analysis: "Noah Jeffrey is committed to improving his skills every practice.   Noah puts 110% into everything he does and is excited to be part of the team this season.   Noah has been competing in badminton for many years and has had the chance to compete at the provincial level over the course of his high school career.   Noah brings with him a positive attitude for success and is an asset to the Broncos badminton team this season."

To learn more about Olds College, the Olds College Broncos and the badminton teams go to gobroncos.ca; like the Facebook page and follow @OldsBroncos on Twitter and Instagram.