Ping Pong serves it up

It's Johns Hopkins' number one ranked sports team. No, it's not lacrosse, but rather the official JHU table tennis team, otherwise known as "ping-pong" to the common man. Most people have little idea that Hopkins has a very competitive table tennis team that is one of the tops in the country. But the first rule of thumb is never to call it ping-pong; it's always table tennis. With over 150 members, it's the largest collegiate ping-pong club in the nation.

"One of the biggest misconceptions of our club is that only good people can play," says junior Grant Roch, club president and organizer.

From recreational beginners to extremely talented competitors, there's a place for everyone.

"The club is designed for people to have fun. Table tennis is a sport that anyone can play. Our goal is to introduce table tennis to as many people as possible," says Roch. Table tennis offers openings to all students both undergrads and grads who are interested in learning how to play the game or for those ready for competition.

Team practices are held in the Rec Center offering a variety of services and wide-ranging opportunities that give players the chance to improve their skills and techniques. A new ladder system has just been established that allows people to compete for a ranking within the school and move up or down depending on how well they do. For the most part though, practices are just for fun -- it's a chance to play with fellow teammates and friends. "We're enthusiastic about the sport, but don't live or die by it ... the club encourages anyone who is interested in playing to give it a try -- we [even] have paddles that people can borrow," says Grant Roch.

In addition, the team does in fact attend local tournaments at least once a month, where individuals have a chance to receive ratings which then allows them to enter more competitive and higher ranking events at tournaments. Participating in the team tournaments are varsity and junior varsity teams, each composed of four players. The next national tournament will be held in the spring, so make sure you keep an eye out for the date.

The Johns Hopkins table tennis team has an impressive list of achievements. The varsity team has won the NCTTA (National Collegiate Table Tennis Championships) three out of the past six years and has won the NCTAA mid-Atlantic Division since the NCTAA began. The team also just won the first division meet held on Nov. 3.

You might not have heard much about the team, the players or the tournaments, but make sure you check out their practices held three times a week on Thursdays and Fridays from 8-11 and on Saturdays from 5-8 p.m. On Thursdays, one of the nations best table tennis players offers free coaching to anyone who is interested. Whether you just want to learn the sport, compete in a few in-school matches or travel to compete against other universities, the table tennis team gives you the opportunity.

With its long list of credentials and motivated participants, this team has gained widespread fame. The team members, coaches and leaders all have fun and work hard to bring the sport of table tennis to the Johns Hopkins student body. Even though it is overshadowed by other so-called "real" sports, the table tennis team is actually one of the most impressive sports teams on campus. It's definitely worth checking out; you'll be thoroughly impressed whether you play the sport or not.