2008 News Archive

DFWTT did a table tennis exhibition for the newest Coppell HS table tennis club with more than 75 students. The club showed true colors, enthusiasm, and good talent for the sport. Daniel and Donna demonstrated fundamentals and got students involved in activities.

DFWTT did a table tennis clinic for the JJ Pearce High School table tennis club with another strong start to the academic year. More than 20 club members attended this first practice. Thanks to Mrs. Heider (club sponsor) and Allen Hung (club President) for their continued support.

DFWTT participated in the 2nd annual Youth Explore Sports at Collin Creek Mall alongside many other Olympic sports. Donna Chen and Daniel Rutenberg introduced table tennis to Plano and Collin County residents with an exhibition where community members got involved.

More than 72 players participated on 14 tables celebrating Taiwanese festivities. Russ Hamilton won the championship, defeating Alex Wang in a spectacular match. Sara Fu and Eddie James Yang won the doubles competition, defeating Russ Hamilton & Kevin Tsai in the final. 15 different events were played.

Team Dallas was well represented with 4 athletes and brought back three bronze medals in Singles Age 15-16 and Doubles Ages 13-14 & 15-16 categories. More than 35 teenagers from 12 different cities represented table tennis. Team Dallas athletes: Alex Kaufman, Benji Leiner, Andrew Rubinett, and Teddy Garber.

Daniel Rutenberg was interviewed by the Dallas Morning News about the US Open 2008, providing insights into the tournament and the sport of table tennis.

USATT reminded players that a number of rubbers have been banned by the ITTF effective July 1, 2008. Players were advised to check the ITTF list of approved table tennis equipment to ensure compliance.

Ludovic Gombos won the DFWTT 2008 Spring Tournament! Over 100 players entered with competition on 17 Butterfly tables in Giant Round Robin format. Gombos defeated Timothy Wang (Houston) in the 5th game after a classic match. The tournament attracted players from Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. DFWTT donated $2 per player to children's education and earthquake relief in China.

DFWTT did a table tennis exhibition for the newest JJ Pearce High School Table Tennis Club. With attendance from the assistant Principal, sponsored teachers, faculty, and club members, DFWTT demonstrated how table tennis is played and got students involved in fundamentals and drills.

Stephen Shropshire (Jesuit) defeated Allen Hung (JJ Pearce) 3-0 in Class A finals to win the first championship! Alex Kaufman (JCC Akiba) won Class B. 17 players representing 4 different area high schools participated in this experimental event to set foundations for an annual high school tournament.

DFWTT received 14 new Match Rollway tables that were assembled and ready for use! These sanctioned tables were used in the upcoming Spring Tournament. Special thanks to volunteers Vic, Teres, Tom, Larry, Carl, Allysa, Andrew, and Aston for helping with assembly.

DFWTT was present at Reuben Johnson Elementary School where over 350 students saw table tennis for the first time. Students were split by grades (3rd, 4th, 5th) and learned about table tennis history, when it became Olympic, and had hands-on experience playing against Newgy's Robo-pong 2040. Thanks to Lisa Stout and the PE Teachers team.

DFWTT started its newest after school program with unconditional support from Coach Gregg Hatt. Over 20 kids ages 6-11 were excited to learn about table tennis. Parents got involved in initial drills and had opportunity to share with their kids. The program runs every Tuesday evening.

Congratulations to JJ Pearce High School in Richardson for creating their table tennis club! With DFWTT's support, advice, and expertise, JJ Pearce managed to get 5 tables and 72 registered club members. Special thanks to Allen Hung, Mrs. Kim Heider, and Mrs. Marilynn Moore for their efforts.

Over 30 athletes participated in table tennis tryouts to secure 4 spots for Team Dallas representing JCC Dallas in the Maccabi Games 2008 in San Diego, California. Practices were underway twice a week under Head Coach Daniel Rutenberg's coordination.

Ludovic Gombos won the 2008 DFWTT Texas Winter Games Tournament! Over 70 table tennis athletes from Austin, Houston, Minneapolis, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and DFW participated. Newgy Industries donated a Robo-Pong 2040 that was raffled among players and spectators, won by Junior Player Sam Lu. DFWTT donated $2 per player to Rainbow Days.

DFWTT started a new initiative to help organizations devoted to children's education. For each participant at DFWTT tournaments, DFWTT makes a $2 donation to non-profit children's educational organizations. By 2008, DFWTT had contributed $735 total.