Paddlers Embark On Gratifying Opening Season

Oliver O. ’20 prepares to hit a forehand during a table tennis match at Horace Mann School, Jan. 16, 2020. The table tennis team debuted as the latest athletic offering at Browning this winter. (Da Ping Luo)

On Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, the cafeteria was no longer where students and faculty ate their meals. Instead, it transformed into the facility for the newly-created table tennis team to practice for matches against other schools.

“I was very excited to create the first table tennis team,” team founder Taran P. ’20 said. “It was always a sport that I was passionate about.”

As a freshman, Taran felt that he lacked something he truly cared about, so he went on to establish the ping pong club that year with two of his peers, Liam L. ’20 and Oliver O. ’20, and faculty advisor Michael Klein. They knew that the club would generate student interest and took advantage of the free period they had each week to hit the ball around and have fun.

However, Taran wanted more of a competitive scene. He knew that there were other players who were willing to take it more seriously, but he never thought that he would be able to create a table tennis team.

At the end of last year, Athletics Director Andrew West ’92 informed Taran that three other schools—Léman, Fieldston, and Horace Mann—had a table tennis league. Taran was interested in creating a team for Browning and felt confident in his ability to do so, but he had doubts whether he could find enough players who would commit to play on the team. 

“It was hard to find the last few people,” Taran said. “I knew a few from the club who would be interested, but fortunately enough, more players came to the tryout meeting than expected.”

In addition, Taran had to deal with the various logistics of establishing a sports team, such as equipment management and the setting of times and locations for practices. In order to maximize the time they had during practice, the squad bought an additional table. 

Many of the players from the club had to adjust from the recreational “ping pong” to the more formal “table tennis.” 

“The match format is very different from when you are just hanging out and playing with your buddies,” Coach Klein said. “Matches are best of 5 games, first to 11 games, for doubles, you can only serve in one direction, and you have to toss the ball up.”

With five of its starters being seniors, Coach Klein hopes for the younger players to take on their roles.

Coach Michael Klein, left, with members of the table tennis team, Jan. 16, 2020. (Da Ping Luo)

“As long as there are others who want to play, we can field the team,” Coach Klein said. “When you are older and something interests you, you will pursue it a little differently than if you are younger.”

Overall, without any expectations coming into the season, the table tennis team ended its debut season with a record of 2-5. Regardless, many of the players were glad that the school created a team for one of their interests.

“It was an honor to play in Browning’s first official table tennis team,” Yeil C. ’21 said. “I always looked forward to practices and considered it a constant highlight of my week.”