Watson Lake players dominate championships

Good coaching and facilities will only get you so far, say Watson Lake junior badminton players.
Dedication and practice are equally important, they said.
“Hard work and training,” said Watson Lake’s Jason Carlson, 16, when asked for the source of his success. “We all come to the gym and work out together—it’s a team thing.
“We usually do more training right before a big tournament, but we’re always training at least twice a week, if not more.”
Only four Watson Lakers were among the more than 80 players competing in the Yukon Junior Badminton Championships at Porter Creek Secondary over the weekend.
But their names could be found atop many of the results.
Carlson’s weekend could not have gone better, finishing first in the under-19 boys’ singles and doubles, as well as in the mixed doubles.
For the singles title, Carlson produced a win over Richard Fulop of Whitehorse, a player who’s had his number in the past.
“He’s a very strong player that I’ve never been able to beat in a tournament,” said Carlson. “This time I finally got him. That’s the one that stands out the most.”