The Alamo Badminton traveled to Waco, Texas on February 8-9, for the 2002 Baylor Open. Players came from as far as Corpus Christi, Houston, Dallas and California. The Alamo Badminton Club members went with Bad(minton) intentions. Coach Mike Gamez and Assistant Coach Rita Gamez decided that the best course of action was to attack their opponents, divide and conquer.

Mike sent the team's finest warrior into battle, Ruth Menchaca, to set the tone of the competition. This was Ruth's first comeback tournament since her knee surgery in August. She watched her once-muscular leg turn into mush within the course of weeks, she lost all range of motion and extension. A month after surgery she endeavored into intense physical therapy for five months, hitting the bird, but unable to move around the court. A week before the trip to Waco, Ruth's leg was strong enough for her to receive a Titanium brace (giving her two badminton weapons made out of titanium) which now allows her to move worry free from corner to corner to corner, etc. Ruth went on to win 1st in the Collegiate Singles and Doubles, and 2nd in Open Doubles.

The Alamo Badminton Club was not finished battling for more awards. Mike then decided to send in the twins, Javier and Sergio Salas(Boys U-14). Sergio took 2nd in Singles and Xavier won 3rd in Singles. The bash brothers then teamed up to dominate as the U-14 boys doubles champions, scaring away much older doubles partners.

More players were sent into the Under-14 battle, Fernando Funakoshi took an impressive 3rd Place in Doubles with his partner from Houston, Austin Chang. Lynda Guerrero fearlessly took 3rd Place in girl's singles, winning her first badminton trophy, allowing her to taste the taste of victory and leaving her training for more.

Tina-Rose Cavazos is the baby of the team playing in the Under 12 category. This "baby" played like no baby out there. Tina plays in several other sports, making her one of the fittest players on the team. Her dedication and determination shines through not only at tournaments, but at practice. Never wanting to get off the court, she constantly looks for new ways to improve her game. Coach Mike says she is one of the few players to display this passion. Tina took 1st place in singles and 1st in doubles.

After a whole day long of battling for position and points, the tired and proud warriors of the ALAMO BADMINTON CLUB made it back to their vans to treat their bruises and aching muscles. All in All, the Alamo Badminton club came back with 12 trophies. Not bad for a day’s work.