Oxford, AL — Calhoun County welcomed collegiate table tennis competition this past weekend as Kip Chappell and Michael Harris hosted the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA) Dixie Division Regional Tournament at the Friendship Community Center in Oxford.
College teams from across the Southeast gathered to compete for advancement to the College National Table Tennis Championships, bringing high-level collegiate play and regional rivalries to the area. Among the competing schools were Auburn University, The University of Alabama, Tulane University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama A&M University, and the University of South Alabama.
The weekend featured competition in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events, with student-athletes representing their universities throughout the tournament. One of the most anticipated matchups mirrored one of the South’s most storied sports rivalries as Auburn University and The University of Alabama faced off across the table tennis courts — a contest organizers described as the “Iron Bowl of Table Tennis.”
Most teams traveled by car from nearby cities including Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Mobile, and Birmingham. However, Tulane University’s Fiona Hu made a notably longer journey to compete. As the only Tulane athlete attending, Hu traveled approximately 10 hours by Amtrak train from New Orleans to Oxford, arriving Saturday evening. She competed in the singles division before departing early Sunday morning to return to New Orleans in time for Monday classes.
At the conclusion of tournament play, The University of Alabama emerged as the Dixie Division champion, earning advancement to the College National Table Tennis Championships in Texas and continuing the program’s strong presence on the collegiate stage.
Organizers noted that the event highlighted both competitive excellence and the dedication of student-athletes balancing academics, travel, and tournament play. The regional competition also reinforced Oxford’s growing role as a host city for collegiate and regional table tennis events.
Upcoming Pickleball Opportunities in Oxford
Following the weekend tournament, the Oxford Parks and Recreation Department announced upcoming pickleball classes at the Friendship Community Center, offering opportunities for both new and experienced players.
Pickleball 101 for Beginners, instructed by Kip Chappell, is a six-week program beginning Monday, February 16, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The course will introduce participants to rules, scoring, and basic fundamentals through guided drills and gameplay. The class is open to all ages and no prior experience is required. Cost is $30 per person, and participants are asked to bring their own paddle and water.
Advanced Skills Pickleball, also led by Chappell, will begin Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This six-week program is designed for players with prior experience and will focus on advanced drills, strategy, shot placement, and court awareness. The cost is $30 per person, with participants asked to provide their own paddle and water.
Registration and payment for both classes are being accepted at the Friendship Community Center, located at 2930 Friendship Road in Oxford.
