The Sandspur

Issue date: 2/26/07 Section: Sports

He's a fighter, he's a champ, he's President Duncan. It was a very quiet morning on that
Saturday February 17th as the world was prepping for Duncan's return to the Rollins College Ping Pong tournament.

Set up above the gym are two ping pong tables where the action all takes place. While the majority of competitors meandered in slowly, the devoted champion for two semesters in a row goes to the gym early. Duncan was loyal to his competitive self; he
was there long before the deadly three o'clock hour to warm up his killer backspin. Was it worth it to go early? I believe so… he is now undefeated for the third time in a
row!

How did it all begin? Petamber and Bouch have always had an interest in ping pong.
In one of their rituals of hitting around above the gym, they had the brilliant idea to develop a ping-pong intramural league.
They believed that it would offer the Rollins College student body and faculty the opportunity to compete. Working in conjunction with Nathan Arrowsmith, the
director of intramural athletics, they were able to get this done. This is living proof of students following through with an
inspiring idea to start something on campus. Who doesn't like an intense game of ping-pong? Not only are these events a wonderful
social opportunity, but they are a chance to heighten your competitive drive and try to win. Of course the winners not only get pride, they also get shirts, and often other fabulous prizes like gift certificates! It is remarkable how the ping-pong league has grown. Starting with only six students, now it is swarming with over thirty! There are opportunities for people to practice and hit to prepare for the tournament which happens once a semester

At 3 o'clock on Saturday the upstairs gym was full of 32 anxious ping-pong competitors.
They were waiting to find out who they were to play next. It is done on a random ladder system. The winners keep playing the other winners until the finals round where we are left with the champion! All of the games
are played till 11 and you had to win the best out of three. Don't worry if you have no clue about ping-pong, there is a huge range of talent and experience participating in the tournament. While some have played for years with fancy spins and attack shots, others were there for the fun and stimulating
competitive environment. Some even go to meet people and make new friend.

Next time you are looking for a little competition or a way to engage why not check out the ping-pong intramural league. The
greater the demand is, then the more opportunities there will be to play! It is also worth checking out all of the other tremendous opportunities the intramurals
have to offer.

Duncan, 3rd time champ in a row, needs a little competition…. Anyone up for the challenge!? Rollins College, do you dare?

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