65 compete in 50th Tourney Zhang captures top spot
The Hofer Ping Pong Tournament brought together Twin County players of all ages and skills for the 50th time with new faces, old stand-byes and a continued tradition of table tennis in the basement. 64 players participated in six classes over the two day tournament over the New Year’s weekend. Since 1970, over 450 players have participated in the annual tournament.
Jason Zhang beat Dave Anttila in the Class AA finals for the second year in a row for the overall title It was Zhang’s 14th crown in the top class. Riley Hegg finished third and Tony Hofer took fourth place in a class that featured four former AA champions.
Class A honors went to tourney newcomer Josh Tarbox who bested Jason Hofer in the finals. Hofer made the championship game by beating Scott Bell. Bradey Schultz took fourth place honors.
Tom Collins, fresh from last year’s title in Class CC, must have been practicing, as he made the finals in Class B before running into Adam Nolde who took the Class honors. Third place went to Taylor Edgecomb and fourth place to Cody Parkovich.
The Class CC title went to Derek Rieswitz who came out of the losers bracket beating Cooper Conway to claim the win that has long eluded him. Peter Hitch took third and Jenny Hofer grabbed the fourth place position.
Class C, where future champions begin their journeys up the brackets, was won by Allia Stewert who also came out of the losers bracket to outlast Francie Robertson for the crown. Megan Hofer finished third and Jodi Schultz fourth in the class.
And in a finish that only could happen in the basement, Fred Hofer Jr, bested Sam Hofer over ten sets to take the Legends Class, with Tom Hofer finishing third and Jim Hofer fourth. All four players were part of the field at the first tournament.