A year of growth featuring major tournaments, youth development, and national recognition
67 players participated with 337 matches played during intense competition. Ludovic Gombos won the Open Championship, with Winfrey Addy from Oklahoma finishing in 2nd place. The tournament featured multiple rating events and age categories.
The traditional Double Ten tournament was once again a complete success. This non-sanctioned tournament provided events based on age, singles, and doubles. Russ Hamilton won the Singles Division, followed by Alex Wong (2nd) and Rodovan Polasek (3rd). In Women's Division, Serena Kong finished 1st, Judy Chen 2nd, and Helen Deng 3rd.
Team Dallas ended with two finalist medals during the summer JCC Maccabi Games 2006. 10 players ages 12-16 tried out for 2 spots to represent Team Dallas. More than 500 games were played with over 5,000 points scored during the 4-day competition. 39 athletes from 12 cities represented table tennis, including U.S., Australia, Mexico, and Israel. Athletes: Collin Ray and Andrew Rubinett.
All table tennis athletes during the JCC Maccabi Games had an opportunity to meet Tybie (Thelma) Sommer, former World Mixed Doubles champion (with Dick Miles). They listened to her successful story about her World Championship experience in 1948!
DFWTT participated in the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA) and ACUI Collegiate Championships. Donna Chen and Daniel Rutenberg were involved in planning, execution, and participation under the Sport Information division. Their volunteer contribution helped ensure the success of this important table tennis community event.
112 players participated with 530 matches played! Ludovic Gombos from Texas Wesleyan University won the tournament, defeating his teammate Courtney Roberts who finished in 2nd place. The tournament featured multiple divisions, rating events, and age categories, establishing it as a major regional competition.
DFWTT started the year with a clinic and exhibition at the First United Methodist of Coppell. Kim Kill-Soo and Daniel Rutenberg demonstrated how table tennis is played to over 100 church members during their 1st Pre-Super Bowl Ping Pong Tournament.
Daniel Rutenberg was awarded the recognition of Volunteer Coach of the Year 2005 by USATT and was one of the top 5 finalists for the Volunteer Coach of the Year Award by the United States Olympic Committee. Coach Rutenberg was the first-ever top 5 finalist nominated by the USOC for Volunteer Coach of the Year. Congratulations Daniel!
The DFWTT Youth Training Program continued its growth and became one of the most significant activities in developing young players and contributing to the table tennis community in the DFW area. The after-school and specialized training programs provided quality training for those stepping into table tennis, especially at a young age. Supported by coaches: Donna Chen, Coach Li, Keith Evans, and Daniel Rutenberg.
DFWTT was involved with the Jewish Community Center (JCC) Maccabi Games program. Team Dallas held practices twice a week for well over 5 months between March and August 2006. An invitational championship was held prior to the Games. The program was coordinated by Daniel Rutenberg, Head Coach Team Dallas for table tennis.
2006 featured major tournament growth and the establishment of comprehensive youth programs