The NVCC Ping Pong Club

From Top to Bottom and Back

by Thomas Leszczynski, Ping Pong Club Advisor and Guest Contributor

Lottery

This story begins long ago, in the beforefore time. In 2015, I was walking to my interview here at NVCC, and as I passed the cafeteria, I heard a soft but distinct “ping… pop… ping… pop.” My heart leapt for joy and I knew that this school would play a central role in my life from that moment on: the Siren’s Song of ping pong being played inspires joy like no other.

As an adjunct, I would race over to campus after my high school job ended. I would play until 5:30 PM twice a week with some of the best people ever. I learned so much during those four years. Facing the relentless chop of Andre, the fury of Maleek, the confidence and power of Gardy, the graceful play of Evan, the loops of Kyle, and the rapid accurate returns of Mike. These Bonjwas of NVCC Ping Pong helped make me who I am today. Full time employment here brought me great hope: we could start a club, and our community would be recognized with the potential to do so much more.

All of these hopes were dashed in March of 2020, when schools were closed and social interaction was prohibited. The Lockdown of 2020-2021 took its terrible toll. For almost two years, I longed for the community that I missed, but never gave up the hope of seeing it again. When schools reopened, I returned to a different scene. The cafeteria was empty, and I realized a terrible truth: I would never see some of my friends again. I felt so foolish that I did nott even know their last names! I had no contacts with them, at all. The task of bringing life back to the heart of campus seemed impossible.

Nevertheless, I persevered—with help. Thanks to Interim Dean of Administration, Dana Elm, the cafeteria was reopened for use. I began to recruit students to create a club. Most had never played before, but I knew some FUNdamental truths. First, those who joined would love the sport and we could rebuild. This is necessary no matter what, as a new generation must always come through. But I also knew that the same sweet sound that caught my ear seven years earlier would once again call to players with its undeniable charm.

As the club started meeting, heads would turn as students passed the cafeteria door. Our numbers grew, and we now have constant play at the tables. Our players brought friends, who bring friends, and life has returned! We now have a great mix of Bonjwas and up and coming stars.

On December 1st, from 10AM to 4PM, we capped off a great semester with a tournament. 19 players came and competed for almost six hours. Highlights for the event can be found here: Link to video: Tournament video.mp4. Click and watch! And come down to play, we’d love to have you! And this spring, there is so much more!