With a large crowd gathering on the map side of the student center, Asbury Student Congress hosted the third annual ping pong tournament. The competition was open to the entire campus and provided free Taco Bell to all who attended.
Over the course of two hours, each player battled it out for the chance to win a first-place prize of $100 and a second-place prize of $50. With 53 players involved, the tournament was split into an A league and a B league. Each had a single elimination with four rounds of competition.
The tournament started two years ago as a way to get students involved. “It’s really competitive, so students love to come and cheer on their friends and get some free food.” said Julianne Knox, ASC publicist.
The ping pong tables are a staple in the student center, with students checking out paddles and balls every day of the week. The sport is one that connects many different areas of campus, which makes this event so popular.
This year’s competition saw around 130 people attending, both spectators and players. Free t-shirts were given out to all players. The excitement in the room was palpable, as many students came to watch their friends or just wandered in for free food. No matter the reason they came, the audience was able to be entertained.
With three tables keeping the competition moving fast, players were constantly switching back and forth. Throughout the night, spectators watched, reacting to every spin serve and lightning-fast return. By the end of the night, many of the more experienced players got into games that stretched into tense back-and-forth rallies, having the audience holding their breath.
At the end of the day, the event is one that continues to encourage the use of the student center and ping pong on campus. It promotes community and fellowship for all while watching or playing a game so many students love.
