Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Governors State University is also tooting its horn about its new table tennis team this fall. "Our mix of races, ethnicities and generations sets GSU apart from most other universities,'' writes President Elaine P. Maimon on the school's web site. "That diversity in the student body truly makes us what I like to call a public square, an inclusive community,'' says the leader of an Illinois school that seeks to reach out to traditionally underserved students.
 
Certainly, Governors State University's new table tennis team adds diversity to the mix on the University Park campus in the Chicago area. School leaders got the opportunity to see the team perform in a major tournament at the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association's Upper Midwest Regional Tournament at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Oct. 25. It was a way for the new GSU club to begin to learn the ropes on a big tournament stage. Ranked #4 in pre-season polls, the University of Wisconsin-Madison was unbeatable and swept to a first-place finish. Purdue and Northwestern were the best of the rest in their tight battle for the No. 2 spot. A total of six schools and 11 teams competed.
 
But really, the much bigger news was the participation of Governors State as they brought their paddles and played with heart. Dr. T.J. Wang, a professor at the school, started the program. The club represents the first official investment for GSU, says Linda Leaf, Upper Midwest Division Director. It is a school sport as opposed to a student recreational club. The GSU team traveled by bus to the NCTTA regional and the school covered their hotel expenses and provided uniforms for the squad.
 
Like Wang, Dr. Gebe Ejigu, executive vice president/chief of staff and treasurer at the school, was excited about getting the opportunity to see the tournament in Milwaukee. "This kind of extracurriculra exposure enriches our students' overall educational experience,'' Ejigu said. "I was delighted to observe them in action. I look forward to seeing our team participate in similar competitions.''
 
Governors State table tennis players were pumped, too, about their first taste of NCTTA tourney action. Said GSU player Liuzhen Zheng: "It's really amazing that we can interact with students from other universities. I do appreciate GSU for providing us with good equipment.''
 
Added another GSU player Xiaoke Yi: "I really enjoyed the trip. I am glad that I can participate in this wonderful sport with our team members.''
 
While GSU is just getting its team launched and giving them some experience at a tournament arena in Wisconsin, they know they have a long ways to go to knock off more established Big Ten Conference powers like Wisconsin, Purdue and Northwestern. While they didn't win, the GSU team and the university, felt the Milwaukee tournament was really a huge plus for their new squad. GSU player Georges Yacoub summed it up nicely in seven words. "Wow, what a great and exciting experience.''
 
For more information about Governors State University and its new team, contact Professor T.J. Wang at wang_tingjie@yahoo.com and to learn more about development in the Upper Midwest Division, contact Linda Leaf at upper.midwest@nctta.org
 
Got an idea for an NCTTA feature, drop me a line.
Andy Kanengiser at publicrelations@nctta.org