By Kohl Jackson
Students, a lab tech, and a 1967 alumnus walk into a building. This may sound like a set up for a joke, but ping pong is no laughing matter at OBU.
On October 2nd, Bison from all college generations gathered in the RAWC to face each other in the fall ping pong tournament held by OBU intramurals.
“There’s a lot of good competition. This is actually the best turnout since I’ve been here.” said Grant Holand.
Holand, a junior student at OBU estimated that he started taking ping pong seriously six years prior to the tournament. However, a wide variety of ages and skill levels were welcome to join in at the event, allowing a diverse group to arrive. This group included a young father that competed while his wife and toddler supported him from the nearby benches.
The tournament started at 7 p.m. and was set to last around two hours–no qualifying and no second day of competition.
“We have differences between leagues and tournaments. Tournaments are typically the day of. You can walk in, sign up, and typically we make brackets. It’s a little bit rushed, but it’s all good. It’s easier because you can sign up any time. You don’t have to worry about signing up before a deadline,” said Joey Frizell, the event organizer.
In contrast, leagues require an early sign-up and may offer multiple rounds of play. However, both formats are known across campus to bring competitive crowds in their own ways.
“It’s pretty difficult when you get to a certain level. A lot of mechanics, a lot of luck, and a lot of skill. There’s a lot of people here that meet these requirements and so it’s going to be just as tough as a flag football playoff or anything like that,” said Holand
Despite the fast-paced tournament structure, players competed with enthusiasm and endurance.
“Well, honestly, it’s one of the most competitive events at OBU. I would say I’ve played a lot of them and this is by far one of the most competitive, in my opinion,” said Holand
Although players competed solo against each other, the singles ping pong tournament allowed an opportunity for them to form alliances leading up to the spring doubles tournament just around the corner.
“I don’t want to set my mind on anybody just yet, but there’s definitely some people here that I’d want to play with,” said Holland.
Beyond the doubles tournament in the spring, there will be multiple intramural events upcoming, and any student who is interested in joining may find the necessary information on the @obu_intramurals Instagram page.
“[Follow] us on Instagram. We do constant updates, and IMLeagues is where you can see everything upcoming,” said Frizell.
Through the IMLeagues app students can access event dates, create teams with unique names, and check individual performance statistics across all categories of sports. Students are encouraged to get involved and join the available intramural events during their spare time.
“I feel like it is just a great bonding time between the Bison community. You can meet so many people. It can be professor against student and you don’t have to worry about your grades getting hurt,” said Frizzel.
Photos by Jacob Zander
