Florida Gators Win Panhandle Division
An NCTTA Feature - February 2012

By Andy Kanengiser
NCTTA Media Relations Chair

Never mess with a Florida Gator in the Swamp.

At NCTTA headquarters, we know that's great advice after the University of Florida table tennis punished all its foes in the Panhandle Division tournament on its home turf on the Gainesville campus. The newly revamped Panhandle Division spans portions of the Sunshine State and the neighboring Peach State of Georgia.

“We came, we saw and we conquered should be the University of Florida's mantra,” says NCTTA President Willy Leparulo, who wears another hat as the Panhandle Division Director.
The Gators exited the Panhandle Division tournament with two crowns in February after finishing on top in the team and singles events led by impressive performances from senior Dashieo Neimark. His huge forehand loop was stunning, fans say.

When all was said and done in Gainesville, Florida and the second place North Florida will head to the South Regional NCTTA action in Atlanta March 3. Other stellar teams traveling to Atlanta include Mississippi College, winners of the Dixie Division title. Perennial powerhouse Texas Wesleyan is also booked for the games in Georgia's capital city.

Other teams competing in Panhandle Division this season included Florida State, Darton College, newcomer Florida A&M in Tallahassee, and Valdosta State in South Georgia. In the Gainesville competition, Florida A&M's team was fired up and its players say they enjoyed the event after joining the NCTTA this season as a transitional school.

“We had a great time and learned a great deal of what we can expect in the future,” said Eric Spears, captain of the Florida A&M Rattlers. FAMU defeated Darton College in doubles action on the UF campus.

But all season long, the Florida Gators played like champions. The Gators beat every team 4-0 except for a 3-2 win over the FSU Seminoles in doubles. Florida State showed a pretty nice brand of table tennis after team leaders convinced ex-Mexican nationals star Olmo Zavala to come out of retirement.

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