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Created on Thursday, 24 March 2011 01:00

Written by Marta Bender

There were times when it seemed all of the spectators’ eyes were on the occupied tables: following an orange ball being volleyed rhythmically back and forth over the net; or watching the players at the next table hitting another ball with massive speed, always landing on different areas on the opponent’s side. Occasionally, some would catch a glance at a high-powered slam that would send the ball clear across the gym after its initial impact with the table.

This was the action that was both observed and participated in at the Morrison Table Tennis League’s 2011 tournament on Monday, March 21, 2011 at Southside Elementary School. Three winners emerged from this double-elimination tournament: Doug Litwiller, Larry Standaert, and Jim Fisher, who took home 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies, respectively.

The tournament lasted well into the night, with the final game to determine the champion being played at roughly 9:00 p.m. Many players were in attendance, including the dedicated Jim Coyle, who, even having undergone knee surgery only a week prior, both played in the tournament and participated in doubles matches that occurred amongst those who had finished their tournament run. An abundance of individuals also remained to watch the action.

Fifth grade students Breanna White, Madison Steines, Brayden White (pictured left to right above) and Linda VanZuiden (not photographed) also participated in the table tennis league; playing prior to the regular league from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

This year’s league had been playing every Monday night, since January 3, 2011. On the same night as the tournament, trophies were awarded to those in the league that won the most games during the regular season. First place in this category was Doug Litwiller, followed by Barry Ferguson, with Josh Coyle in third (pictured, left to right, to the right.).