Ping-Pong Match Brings Davenport Group Collectively

The acquainted pop-pop of ping-pong balls stuffed the CLE at Davenport University’s W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus as college students, workers and a really particular competitor picked up paddles for a energetic afternoon of pleasant competitors.

Davenport President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D., joined the enjoyable on the inaugural campus ping-pong match, leaping into the motion alongside college students and workers. The occasion created a relaxed, energetic environment the place the Davenport group linked exterior the classroom whereas exhibiting off their desk tennis expertise.

For Pappas, the match was a return to a longtime ardour. “I have been playing ping pong my whole life and was a table tennis champion when I was young,” he stated earlier than the match began. “I thought it would be fun to play with Davenport students and staff, but I haven’t played in a few years, so I am sure I will lose in the first match.”

While he might have downplayed his probabilities, Pappas proved to be a formidable opponent, advancing all the way in which to the semi-finals earlier than being eradicated. Reflecting on the larger image, he shared that ping-pong teaches precious classes about fundamentals, sportsmanship and having enjoyable—whether or not you win or lose.

Danielle Pipal, assistant director of Student Life, stated the match introduced nice vitality to the CLE, with gamers and spectators alike having fun with the expertise. “It was especially fun to watch the students take on President Pappas,” she stated.

Among the opponents was Cole Fournier, a well being and human companies case administration main who has performed ping-pong for about eight years, principally in his good friend’s basement. “I enjoy ping-pong because it challenges me and because it is a game that can be played almost anywhere,” Fournier stated. He added that he entered the match merely “for fun,” echoing the lighthearted spirit of the occasion.

In the tip, Rowan Jamieson emerged victorious, taking dwelling the match win. Jamieson, a third-year advertising and marketing main, stated he has performed ping-pong together with his brother and father for about eight years and has grown to benefit from the sport. “I decided to enter the tournament because I had friends playing and thought it would be fun to compete with them,” Jamieson stated. Looking forward, he added, “I will definitely be back next year to defend my title.”

With spirited matches, pleasant rivalries and loads of laughs, the match served as a reminder that typically the easiest way to construct group is throughout a ping-pong desk.