HISTORY

2003-2004
"Let me get this straight," grunted the Atheletic Director as he shifted his weight so that he was now leaning across the table, glaring at Jarrod. "You want to start a club sport that involves hitting a cork with feathers in it with a tennis racquet that isn't a tennis racquet"

"Well...yes; I guess that would summarize badminton," Jarrod meekly replied. Jarrod waited patiently as the Athletic Director continued glaring at him.

Finally the Athletic Director broke his stern visage. "This idea of yours is crazy, but it's just god damn crazy enough to work. Let There Be Badminton!" Jarrod breathed a sigh of relief as the Director's declaration resonated through the room.

Jarrod let himself recline back into his seat as he thought about where it all started, on the streets of Saratoga Springs. Back then, things were simple. Jarrod Orszulak and his hometown friend Ross Falotico had envisioned Badminton not just as a recreational activity, but as a club sport. Come freshmen year they teamed up with Matthew Hall and went about founding the University of Rochester Badminton Club.

2004-2005
Cofounders Matthew Hall and Ross Falotico left the University of Rochester their sophomore year, presumably from the pressure of founding the Badminton Club. Thankfully, Jarrod continued to run the club in stride. During these infancy years there was a noticable presence of graduate students and community members, which helped bolster the club's support. The club became such a success that Jarrod was able to argue for the addition of badminton fittings in Court B to supplement those of Court C. This year also marked the arrival of our previous coaches Helen and Claus.

2005-2006
Another great year which brought many new freshmen recruits. The year was also significant for being the first in which we faced Syracuse in a tournament, a friendly feud that continues to this day.

2006-2007
Alex Moore overtook the presidency as Jarrod ascended to the presidency of club sports. This turned out to be another great year as we participated in more tournaments and bolstered our rostered with new talent. This year was also notable for an incident affectionately known as "Roger's Folly", stemming from our Business Manager's purchase of 40 tubes of plastics instead of 40 tubes of feathers.

2007-2008
The ascension of Brett Young to the presidency marked the beginning of golden age for the badminton club. The budget was expanded and the club completed its transition to feather birdies. The club also expanded its participation in scrimmages and open tournaments. Sadly, 2008 also brought the departure of James Bai, who is the only club member in history to have achieved perfect attendance.

2008-2009
The fall semester brought the arrival of our new coach Shaw-Ree Chen, an enthusiastic and talented badminton player who is expected to take our club to new heights. They year also brought one of the largest turnouts of freshmen yet, an indication of the club's growing popularity