Badminton Club memories from 1972

By C. Scott Holland

The sport of badminton has been around since Leamington’s early beginnings as a village and while it is not often covered, some dominating players have emerged from the Leamington Badminton Club.

One of the best examples was in 1971-72 with the club’s “A” championships, which had several future stars for the club. The club’s president at the time was Ernie Jackiw, who was retiring with Doug Stephens becoming the new president. Jackiw’s hard work with the club was recognized, as Stephens gave Jackiw a parting gift on behalf of the group.

Leamington Badminton club winners in 1971-72 were, left to right, Chris Frederick, Mary Jane Barnet, Prosser Moran, Jan Pearson, Doreen Bachmeier and Henry Kosepel. Doug Stephens was absent.

The four “A” flight championships featured some good matches. In the Ladies singles, Doreen Bachmeier outlasted Jill Jackson, who in a few short years would dominate the category.

In the men’s singles, another future star, Chris Frederick defeated Henry Kosempel, while in the men’s doubles, veteran member Prosser Moran teamed with Doug Stephens to beat the young duo of Chris Frederick and Gary Baker.

In the ladies doubles, Jan Pearson and Mary Jane Barnet beat Linda Adams and Doreen Bachmeier.