Friday, May 15, 2009 11:44 PM CDT
Another Niemann follows badminton tradition
By BRIAN NIELSEN, Sports Editor
bnielsen@jg-tc.com
CHARLESTON -- While others checked brackets to learn their next badminton opponent, Olivia Niemann realized her challenges included simply the Niemann name.
“I have a lot to prove,” the Hinsdale South senior said. “Everyone has done well in my family.”
Most notably, sister Carissa Niemann won IHSA badminton state singles championships in 2002 and ’03.
The oldest of the sisters April was part of the 1999 doubles state champions.
Another sister Lanette finished sixth in the state in singles.
“I haven’t done that yet,” said Olivia Niemman who last year played on a Hinsdale South doubles team that went 2-2 at state.
The youngest of the Niemman girls got her singles start Friday with 21-13, 21-11 first-round win over Palatine’s Kylie Kosulic in the state tourney being played Friday and today at Eastern Illinois’ Student Recreation Center.
“I didn’t think I played as well as I should but it’s the morning,” Niemann said. “You play better as it goes along.”
Adding to the interest is the fact Carissa coaches Hinsdale South’s neighboring rival Hinsdale Central, whose Karishma Kollipara won 2005, ‘06 and ’08 state singles title helping Central to the team championship last year.
“She says she cheers for me but she also has to coach her team,” Olivia said of Carissa.
Few if any players have been to as many state tournaments as the Hinsdale South senior either as a participant or spectator for someone in her family.
“Oh, yeah, I’ve been to every one of them since 1998,” Niemann said. “I love it.”
She has watched state tourneys in Evanston and Downers Grove.
This is the fourth year the IHSA has brought badminton to Charleston even though all of the schools playing badminton are from the Chicago area.
But Niemann was not complaining about the trip down to the central part of the state.
“It was fun,” she said. “I like being with my team.”
This in fact might be culture shock for those from the suburbs.
“It’s a lot different,” Niemann said. “We have so many things around us at home. That view from the hotel, it’s all cornfields. It’s so different.”
Gas stations must like it
In these times of a rough economy, does it make sense for IHSA to continue to have its badminton tournament three hours from the homes of all the participants?
“Fair question,” tournament manager Kevin Hussey said. “We haven’t heard any of that yet. It’s just a nice state trip for the competitors.”
No Lantz Arena this year
One of the main reasons many have cited for taking the suburban schools to Eastern is because Hussey runs the tournament.
The Charleston native and EIU physical education instructor is a former international badminton competitor who knows how to run such an event.
This year Hussey’s facilities have been reduced.
Lantz Arena was used for Charleston High School’s graduation Friday night.
In the past singles matches were played at Lantz and doubles in the Student Recreation Center.
Now everything is at the Rec Center with 13 available badminton courts compared to the 18 in the past. Friday’s plans allowed for two more hours of play than in the past.
Hussey saw positives and negatives.
“For a meet manager it’s easier,” he said. “It’s just one facility. It’s obviously more crowded but it’s nice to have everyone in the same place.
“Initially, we weren’t real excited about it but I have fewer workers needs. I hope it turns out well. We have the same conflict next year.”
While glad to be playing in the state tournament at any court, Niemann would have liked the chance at Lantz Arena where Eastern’s basketball teams play.
“I played in this (rec center) last year when I played doubles,” the Hinsdale South senior said. “It would have been cool to have played in there with the balcony and everyone watching but it’s fun here, too. It’s OK.”
Local helpers
While all the competitors are from the area codes miles away, plenty of local involvement is included in the badminton state tournament.
Charleston High School junior Meg Borah sang the national anthem at the opening ceremonies.
Kevin’s son Ben, a Charleston graduate who has had his own international badminton playing experience, is among the three officials.
Casey-Westfield High School students helped provide scorekeepers.
This was more than just a way to get out of school Friday.
“I enjoy it,” said Kaleb Brandenburg, a member of Casey’s Class 2A state football runner-up team. “I like badminton a lot. We have it two weeks in school.”
Keeping up with the action and determining every point in the early rounds aren’t always easy.
Sometimes the way Brandenburg realizes who got the point is when one player tosses the shuttlecock to the opponent for a serve.
“You try t be quick,” he said.
Any complaints from players or fans?
“No,” Brandenburg said, “not yet.”
Contact Brian Nielsen at bnielsen@jg-tc.com or 238-6856.
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