Students can look forward to getting familiar with the rhythmic, clacking sounds of ping pong with the debut of the Ping Pong Club in mid September. Club president senior Jeremiah Yazon has been promoting the club’s ideals, purposes, and goals.

            “Getting the word out there was the hardest part,” Yazon said. “I told everyone, every teacher, every coach. Especially when I was looking for a sponsor, I was everywhere.”

            The idea of a ping pong club struck Yazon during junior year, and struck again during his summer vacation.

            “Kids were always talking about it,” Yazon said. “I really wanted to create something special senior year, so while I was playing ping pong this summer with friends, I thought I should create a club for me, my friends and everyone.”

            Senior Brett Freeman, vice president, was on board and could not have been more excited about bringing the club together.

            “I have a friend at Kettle Run [senior Gary James] and we thought it would be awesome to have clubs at both schools and create tournaments,” Freeman said.

            Coach MJ Carter agreed to act as the club’s sponsor. Carter’s appreciation for the sport matched Yazon, and Freeman’s.

            “I never would have thought about having a ping pong club here is at FHS,” Carter said. “The fact that they wanted to do it and create something that has never been done before is awesome. I really don’t want them to fail, especially since they are taking it in such a good direction.”

            Carter explained the process of creating a club is more than just getting the word out.

            “We needed to go over the rules; it was funny because they are so hyped to just start playing,” Carter said. “The good thing is that they had an idea. They needed a powerpoint to show Assistant Principal Jim Raines and they put it all together and sold the idea.”

            When Yazon arrived at the first meeting, there were only four people. He was surprised, however, when a total of 56 students showed up. The club meets every other week on Wednesday and Friday; the next meeting is November 30^th.

            “I just hope that kids can stay as committed as I am to show up to every meeting,” Yazon said. “Everyone is welcome. I’m willing to help people get better.”

            With 20 members that are committed to the club, the past meetings held in the cafeteria have been proved successful. The club is always welcoming and requires a $15 member fees to go towards supplies, Freeman and Yazon has since then provided two tables and hope that the club is not just extracurricular activity, but also something that will keep their peers out of trouble.

            “It’s so much fun; I can’t wait to set up tournaments. I want to get ping pong noticed, in general,” Yazon said. “One of the main points is to able to make new friends and meet kids I have never talked to that are also interested in the sport.”

            Tournaments talks will begin as soon as Kettle Run’s ping pong club is set up. For now, the club is hosting mini games and sessions to work on moves and servings to help its members improve their skills.

            Carter is content with the direction that the club is taking, as club members are involved in developing leadership skills and learning how to be a part of a team, just like any other sport.

            “I do wish that more teachers could get involved. I expect to see big things with the club,” Carter said. “It just makes you smile how the club keeps growing and how kids see the club in such a positive light.”