Rob Sykes
Sports Reporter

Badminton star Raymond Wong is returning to Humber next fall, but his future as a Hawk is uncertain.
During his three years at Humber, Wong won two provincial gold medals, a national bronze in men’s singles and a national gold in mixed doubles this season with partner Renee Yip.
Wong said he recently decided to prolong his marketing program into the fall, and is considering continuing his badminton career at Humber.
Team captain Charlie Lay said he believes Wong won’t be able to stay away from the court if he returns. “I think he’s really coming back, he’s just keeping us in suspense.”
This year’s national gold medal victory has assistant coach Mike Kopinak believing Wong’s fire is back, and he may revisit men’s singles play.
“He was telling me that if he comes back, he wants to get his fitness levels back up and if he’s going into this he wants to be going full steam or not at all,” said Kopinak.
“If I put in an effort, like at nationals, I can still be as good as I was a few years ago,” Wong said.
Time, however, may be a factor in Wong’s comeback.
“I instruct at Mandarin Badminton at the Mandarin Golf and Country Club in Markham about 40 hours a week, plus school, so I might be too busy to play,” said Wong.
Kopinak said Wong’s experience could lead to coaching at Humber if he doesn’t play, an idea Wong embraces.
“If I’m here and not playing, I’d definitely want to help out with the team and help coach,” said Wong.
“I think he would be a great coach,” said Kopinak. “He gets along with everybody, and he knows the sport better than anybody.”
“With Ray around we’re all better players,” said Lay. “People tell me I’ve improved over the years and I think it’s because of playing and practicing with Ray.”