Chaffey College’s Student Ping Pong Tournament
By Andre Manzo
Sports exist at all levels, in all nooks and crannies and among unpredictable relationships.
The Chaffey College Student Life Lounge (located at the Rancho Cucamonga campus) is a hot spot that fosters community through sports. Space is limited – yet perfect to accommodate a student ping-pong tournament.
Hosted on Sept. 23, signups were open for any students in the lounge until all 12 spots were taken. The winner was to receive a trophy and an enticing $50 gift card to the Chaffey Bookstore.
The tournament began with six head-to-head matchups of single elimination. This was later noticed to be an error, as 16 spots should have been opened for even matchups in later rounds.
(Photo by Andre Manzo)
Despite the bracket errors, the show went on. Eventually, the final four faced off in the semifinals, with students Gonzalo and Ryan making the final.
This final had different rules as it was a best of three games format to crown the winner.
Ryan took the first match easily with a quick early lead that never dwindled.
Gonzalo showed up in a close second match, prompting friendly banter as the final headed into game three.
Game three went back and forth, with several different lead changes. Curious onlookers became more engaged with such a close match. Ryan was the first to hit 10 points, making him the winner of game three and the champion of the ping-pong tournament.
(Photo by Andre Manzo)
While excitement radiated from Ryan after the win, the remaining lounge-goers departed in groups heading into busy college lives.
However, for that one hour, there were no cliques or classes – there was just ping-pong.
While the stakes seemed high, cooperation through the competition remained consistent. Handshakes after every match, smiles amidst close losses and frequent correspondence of the rules were displayed despite the absence of an official referee.
(Photo by Andre Manzo)
The student life lounge prioritizes itself as a safe space for all students. Whether to escape the heat of early fall or to study in a not so lonesome environment, its availability is consistent.
From hosting such events, the lounge attracts students to use the communal space in the future. Resources like these are meant to be utilized at Chaffey College to bring together the student community.
College sports, in any space, provide the foundation of unity.