Guys' Night

On just about every Thursday evening this school year we've held Guys Night at my buddy Dan Henderson's apartment. Four of us (a fifth was added later in the year) would get together, eat pizza, watch DVDs, but most importantly we would play ping pong. Early in the year I was given a jersey with my nickname (The Senator) on it by Dan and Brian Bates. Then it got serious.

Let's meet the players:
"The Gentleman": Dan Henderson: probably the best player of the bunch. It's his table and he's tough to beat on it. He got his nickname because of the motion that he makes after he serves a ball - he sort of sweeps his left hand around his body as if he's opening a door for someone.

"The Rebel": Brian Bates: We gave him this nickname because he runs around the ping pong table like Andre Agassi. Agassi was a spokesman for The Rebel camera back in his playing days. The Rebel has a bad back, so it's tough for him to play, but he gives it all he has.

"The Sarge": Tim Kao: Tim is a member of the administrative team at the middle/high school, so he's the highest ranking member of the club, hence the name. Tim has both a power and finesse game. He and I try to unseat The Gentleman every Thursday as the number one seeded player.

"The Kid": Jeff Chen: Jeff lives in Dan's building but didn't start coming to play until the last half of the year. He's by far the most improved player, but has yet to record his first victory on the table. It could come soon.

"The Senator": John Taylor: I got this name because at the beginning of the year I was in a picture wearing a tie as I was running around the athletic track during Sports Day at the school. People told me that I looked like a politician on the campaign trail - thus, The Senator was born. I am also the only player who utilizes a two-handed backhand at certain times during a match. This is usually followed by my catch phrase, "Thanks for your vote."



The Great Wall of Ping Pong. The Kid was late for picture night.


Guys night always begins with a large BBQ Chicken pizza from Papa John's. The meal of champions.


Henderson Memorial Gardens

I'd think twice before messing with these two on a ping pong table.


People have told me that my game reminds them of a "violent ballet" - powerful yet beautiful at the same time. That's sheer athleticism, folks.


When The Gentleman gets that windmill of a forehand going, he's tough to beat.


The Rebel has battled some back injuries this season, but he's a fiesty competitor.


The Sarge can cover a lot of ground - catlike quickness is the key to his game.