By Aaron Valdez
Out of all the established sports programs at Arcadia High School, it’s hard to believe the one that’s been around for only three years would be the most successful this season.
Led by coach Mike Stiles, Arcadia’s coed badminton team was a force to be reckoned with not only across the San Gabriel Valley, but all of Southern California. The Apaches went 18-0 on the season until they ran into perennial powerhouse Diamond Bar in the CIF Southern Section Open Division Championship on May 12.
Going into the championship fixture, Diamond Bar had not lost a single match in seven years. Unfortunately for Arcadia, that run continued as the Brahmas proved to be too experienced despite a formidable effort from the Apaches.
This marked the first time in program history – albeit a short history – that the Apaches made a championship game appearance. Arcadia also repeated as Almont League champs this season.
It wasn’t the ideal ending to such a promising season, but it’s definitely safe to say that Arcadia will continue grow and prosper under the tutelage of Stiles for years to come.
