NPPPA press release format_Layout 1 11/30/12 7:34 AM Page 1
NOT PROFESSIONAL PING PONG ASSOCIATION
A LEGEND AMONG US Stegeman leaves NPPPA for good; heads to Cincy LEXINGTON — John Stegeman is like the Chicago Cubs. Both are lovable losers. So it was no wonder why the Beaumont YMCA crowd stood on its feet Nov. 27 when Stegeman concluded his last act as a member of the Not Professional Ping Pong Association. Like many matches before, the result was the same. Arch rival Todd Krise defeated Stegeman in six games, 11-5, 4-11, 11-5, 12-10, 10-12 11-6. With that abrupt ending comes the collapse of one of America’s most beloved athletic leagues. Stegeman is off to Cincinnati to pursue other opportunities, while Krise is stuck in the “Horse Capital of the World” with no thoroughbred that can match Stegeman’s persistence. “John Stegeman is a class act in every way,” Krise said. “He will be sorely missed by me and everyone who had a chance to see him play table tennis.
“No regrets,” Stegeman said. “I left it all on the table. I hope I’ll be remembered as a fierce competitor, and a strong ambassador for the game within the local YMCA community.”
“I’m especially going to miss kicking his ass on a semi-weekly basis.”
In a surprise move, NPPPA officials retired Stegeman’s name in the YMCA rafters. They sewed a gigantic No. 2 below it to signify his usual spot in the league standings.
Stegeman, like always, had nothing but nice things to say following his final match.
For more information on the demise of the NPPPA, contact the media relations staff at 513-288-1466.