When most students head off to class or hang out at the IRC before school every morning, what they don’t realize is there is a more active and engaging activity going on in the field house: Badminton Club.

Lucky for them, Badminton Club just started last week, and it’s not too late to sign up.

According to sponsor and physical education teacher Pamela Foerch Badminton Club has been around at West for a long time.

“Badminton club started 20 years ago,” she said. “I’ve only been here for 10 of those years.”

Unlike many other clubs that typically start at the beginning of the school year, Badminton Club gears up every year after spring break.

“We start every year after spring break, up until the end of the year. I definitely think it’s easier for students to get to school before there classes start when the weather is good and buses arrive earlier when there’s no threat of bad weather,” Foerch said.

But Badminton Club isn’t just about walking in, picking up a racket, and playing whoever you want. Members are encouraged to be competitive and face other teams in a bracket-style tournament.

“Normally, we have teams that face each other in winning brackets to claim the title of ‘King of the Court,'” Foerch said.

Members like to join Badminton Club because of their interest in the sport and because the club is a great way to kick start the day.

“I was interested in badminton ever since I was in middle school [at Parkview]. It’s definitely fun, and it’s a nice to have it before school because it helps wake me up and start my day,” sophomore Mohammad Fahad said.

Besides being a great way to start the day, there aren’t too many other clubs that allow students to engage in athletic activities without the commitment of an actual sports team.

“I would definitely recommend joining [Badminton Club] because not many clubs are athletic or offer you to play sports,” Fahad said.

Make sure to check out badminton club on Tuesdays and Thursdays before school at 7:30 am in the Field House.