TJ’s Ping Pong club will soon need the help of underclassmen to support the sport. graphic by Tylin Holzer
Thomas Jefferson’s ping pong club is a remarkably entertaining after-school activity that desperately needs new members to join its ranks.
Ping Pong Club is coming to a close, and now is the time to start participating. Meetings are held every Tuesday after school from three to four in the dance room, and are hosted by Thomas Jefferson teachers William Forrester and Sean Silvers. Prospective table tennis players should try their hand at the activity in the few upcoming meetings left in the year, and perhaps consider joining. As TJ’s seniors begin the process of checking out, they take their experience and ability with them. This, and the fact that they comprise the majority of the club’s members, means that the club needs new members more than ever.
An average meeting in Ping Pong Club is focused on honing its members’ abilities, without a focus on competition. Perhaps with their numbers bolstered and time to enhance their players, new members will soon find the courage to attempt serious competitive play. Until then, however, the club’s environment will remain peaceful and focused on personal growth. To help players progress, fellow students take up roles as mentors to guide their fellow members into improving their form, reflexes, and decision-making abilities. Hosts Forrester and Silvers, seasoned ping pong players in their own right, often have guidance of their own to offer as well.
Coach Silvers has played table tennis for many years, and was excited at the opportunity to share his passion with TJ’s students and co-found the Ping Pong club. “It’s great to see new students make that transition into becoming a better player,” he stated. Now that the year is coming to a close, however, Silvers is anxious about his club’s future. With all the seniors taking their leave, the idea of being the last club member alongside Forrester is a very real concern for him. He urges anyone interested to attend as soon and as frequently as they can, as he would like to begin filling the spots seniors will leave behind after their checkout. One such spot includes the role of Team Captain, a position currently held by talented senior Hunter Wall. Any players are needed, however, no matter the skill level. Wall insists that “Forrester and Silvers are great instructors, who can teach you the ropes even if you’ve never played before.”
If you’re not interested in being a replacement player or boosting the club’s competitive viability, don’t discredit the idea of visiting just yet. Ping Pong, even at a beginner’s level, is still an incredibly interesting game sure to hold the attention of anyone willing to learn. Beginning player and senior student Rachin Rai first began attending club meetings at the beginning of 2019, and has blossomed into a great player with an extensive knowledge of different strokes and techniques. “Ping pong club has been an awesome experience because of how my knowledge and appreciation of the sport has grown,” Rai commented. He especially appreciates the club’s hosts, who have helped him immensely on his journey. “My coaches were responsible for the majority of my improvement, and I’m really grateful for their help,” Rai reflected.
Ping Pong is an incredible game, capable of uniting players of all skill levels around the same table. All interested, whether for improving their skill or for an enjoyable time, are welcome to attend. Meetings, once again, are held after school every Tuesday in the dance room. The club needs members more than ever as TJ’s seniors begin to take their leave, so make sure to pay them a visit. Remember, the future of Ping Pong Club depends on you!
