Inclind kicked off the First Annual Ping Pong Tournament on August 3, 2007. First match starting at high noon. We seeded the tournament by employment start date, so Shaun and I both received a bye in the 10 man single elimination tournament. The first match put together our two interns Bryan Cordrey and Mike Bender. Mike gave a valiant effort but Bryan pulled out the victory. Next up were newcomers Pete Stein and Frank Payton. Frank eliminated Pete with ease.

The second round was kicked off with Kevin Quillen playing Tom Brown. Kevin and Tom played like they never played before with Tom taking the win. On the other side of the bracket, Trey Browden and Jason Steagall took the court next with Jason surprisingly showing off his skills in the win. Frank Payton was up against the table owner, Steve Robison, Jr. Frank went down. Then, in a shocker, Shaun Tyndall went down to the intern. Oh yeah, his name is Bryan.

On to the semi-finals, which surprisingly saw two graphic designers remaining, Bryan confidently took the court against Jason. With what Bryan later called “help from the stands” (Tom yelling at Bryan’s every swing), Jason edged out the victory as Bryan stormed down the stairs in anger. Steve took Tom to the court and quickly made it apparent who would win the tournament.

The finals took place as Steve, drenched in sweat, played the cool and confident Jason. Jason claimed to not now how to return a great low spinning serve and although Steve was sloppy at the end and turned the obvious outcome a little closer than expected. A 21-19 win for Steve as the First Annual Ping Pong Tournament came to a close.

Kevin shrugged and still planned on drinking later that night in a celebratory loss.