With 42 students expressing interest in the program, Dean of Students Steve Rumbolt proposed the creation of a badminton club at the high school to the school committee on Dec. 4.

"Over the last 20 years, I have seen badminton evolve into one of the most popular activities in physical education," Rumbolt wrote in a proposal.

Surprised? This sport gets competitive.

"I'm concerned we're going to make this a blood sport because I know the rabidness that already exists in badminton, not only for the students but the staff," said Geoffrey Swett, school committee member and tennis coach, using some hyperbole.

From there, a humorous conversation commenced.

"I figured a tennis coach would appreciate the similarities between badminton and tennis," Principal Scott Palladino replied. "I'm not sure about blood sport."

"We will separate students if they like to be less competitive, so that there's students who just play for the love of the sport so to speak and those who play competitively," Rumbolt added.

"Can you articulate the number of injuries that have occurred," Swett sarcastically asked Rumbolt.

"Zero," Rumbolt replied.

"No one confessed any injuries," Swett questioned.

"Confession has nothing to do with it, there have been no injuries," Rumbolt said. "It's a fast sport, but we don't use the same shuttles they use at an Olympic level."

Palladino and Rumbolt presented the proposal to the school committee. The proposal passed 4-0-0.

The program would allow students to understand the basics of the sport, reinforcing what they learn in gym class, while also learning more complex strategies and techniques.

Rumbolt was willing to donate his stipend to buy equipment for the club. The sport is affordable though, with rackets costing $15 and shuttlecocks costing $3 for six.

"That's very commendable -- part of the going above and beyond effort at the high school," said committee member Michael Flaherty. "You're truly a volunteer."

As time goes on, Rumbolt hopes to invite other schools outside of the district to compete in friendly competition with the high school.

Rumbolt is seeking at least 25 students to participate, and is welcoming staff to join.

"Twenty-five kids: that's a large club at the high school," Palladino said.

"We want a sport people can play their whole lives," Rumbolt said.