Every Harritonian knows of Stock Club and Harriton Lacrosse. It is almost certain they are well acquainted with the Latin club, from their fabulous pep rally presentations.

But often, small and noteworthy clubs fall into the background when they too deserve to be in the spotlight. Take table tennis for example! We interviewed Zach Alfred-Levow, the founder and president of the Table Tennis Club (otherwise known as Ping Pong), and the Vice President, Nick Kwass.

HB: What led you to start this club?

Z: I started the club because I’m pretty good at table tennis, and I wanted to play it more often. In the beginning of the year, I asked around a little bit, and people told me that they would also be interested in this opportunity. I got it approved by Mr. Ferguson, and then we started up after getting people to sign up at RAM day.

HB: Nick, how did you team up with Zach to start this club?

N: Zach and I had always joked about making a table tennis club (I think it was really my idea.) I had never been serious about making a club, but Zach took the initiative and made it happen. It was really Zach who made the club, but I have been with him throughout the process. My job consists of suggesting ideas to Zach and working on the little things.

HB: What is a typical “meeting” (or is it practice?) like?  How often do you meet?

Z: We have seven tables, so at each meeting, one or two are designated as tables for people to just mess around and play. Generally, people who come once in a while or people who don’t want to play competitively take this route. The other tables are used to play our inter-club tournament. There are currently 22 players in this tournament, and we’re about a quarter of the way through the regular season of the tournament. We meet like this every Friday, from 3 to 4:15 in the cafeteria. The first couple minutes are devoted to setting up the tables, and then we just play for that time. We blast music and occasionally chase a runaway ball, some of which we never end up finding. There’s actually one under the vending machine right now! It’s a really fun atmosphere, and everyone seems to like it.

HB: I was led to believe you guys compete against other schools. Is this true?

Z: That’s kind of right. We have a tournament at Haverford this Friday, but we generally don’t play other schools. Haverford invited us because someone told them that Harriton now has a club too. I think maybe next year, Nick and I might consider planning more inter-school tournaments, or even making the club into an actual team.

HB: How long have you played table tennis before this club, and where would/do you play?

Z: I’ve never actually played seriously. I kind of just picked the game up over the years and worked on my own. I used to have a table down at the shore, but I don’t go there anymore, and I play at this place around here called Trolley Car Table Tennis Club. It’s a pretty cool place. It’s for serious players, and has tons of tables everywhere.

N: I started playing table tennis in my basement when I was about five years old. That is still where I usually play. I also play at the Trolley Car Table Tennis Club, which is located in Philadelphia.

HB: Is there anything you think is important for readers to know about the club?

Z: I guess I would like the readers to know that the club is a place where you can play a sport that gets ridiculed a lot, even though it takes an immense amount of skill. Also, we want everyone to come and try it out, regardless of how good you are, because the club is mainly about having fun over a game of table tennis!

N: We are always looking for new members! We have a wide range of skill levels and you do not need to be good to join. Also, the club is about more than just table tennis. It is a great way to meet new people and socialize. Remember, we meet every Friday from 3- 4:15 in the cafeteria.

HB: What do you enjoy most about the game of table tennis?

Z: I think the thing I love most about table tennis would be the feeling of winning a rally by hitting a great shot or the adrenaline when you’re waiting to hit a serve back. If you really get into it, the game can be a thrill.

N: I love the fact that you can be any age to play table tennis. I have played people way older and younger than me. It is also a great way to meet new people.

If you want to hone your Table Tennis skills, actually learn them, or simply meet new people, give this club a try! As Nick and Zach said, the club meets every Friday from 3-4:15 in the cafeteria. Go on and take a swing! Or is it a tap? (You’ll have to ask them!)