Almost every day during 8^th hour, a group of elite senior ping pong players partake in small games of table tennis.

Stephen Umhoefer, Joe Weber and Matt Elmer are among the senior students who have to wait for younger siblings or who just want to stay around to have fun.

“We usually play games to 11 or 21 and connect two benchless lunch tables together so we can play,” said Umhoefer.  “It’s not very competitive; we play for fun.”

Joe Weber came up with the idea to start the after-school ping pong activities, and he also supplies the net and paddles which now are always stored in someone’s locker.   Thus, if Weber is not at school or leaves early, the games will always continue.

Weber said, “I got the idea when I saw Brad Ertl and others play ping pong in the Commons during the Sweethearts’ dance last year, so I brought a net one day and it fit perfectly.”

“We all used to sit around and do homework, but ever since Joe brought it up, we’ve played every day,” said Elmer.  “Joe plays like a lion.  He reminds me of Richard the Lion-Hearted.”

No matter what happens, the group always plays ping pong.  If the Commons is closed or being used, they move to the back hallway by the auditorium.  If they forget a paddle, they play only with their hands.

“Anyone can come and play,” said Weber.  “It is usually the same people playing, but anyone is invited.”