Oxford, AL — The City of Oxford and North East Alabama Table Tennis (NEATT) proudly hosted the Dixie Division Regional Table Tennis Tournament on October 11, 2025, welcoming collegiate teams and competitors from across the Southeast to the Friendship Community Center. 

Teams from Louisiana Tech, University of South Alabama, University of Alabama–Tuscaloosa, University of Alabama–Huntsville, University of Alabama–Birmingham, and a local favorite — “Old School” — competed for top honors in this National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA) non-sanctioned event.

The hometown team, Old School, represented NEATT with impressive skill and determination, earning the Silver Medal among a field of strong college competitors. Their only loss came in a thrilling five-match final against the University of Alabama–Tuscaloosa, which was ultimately decided by a doubles match.  

Old School’s lineup featured three veteran players aged 55-Kip Chappell, 59-Mike Harris, and 75-Donnie McGinnis, proving that competitive passion and experience can rival even the youngest collegiate athletes. The team practices weekly in Oxford and continues to inspire players of all ages to stay active and competitive.

“We’re incredibly proud of Old School and all the teams that competed,” said Kip Chappell, Oxford Parks and Recreation representative and NEATT organizer. “Hosting this event in Oxford not only showcases our community’s facilities but also our growing enthusiasm for table tennis in Calhoun County, Alabama.”

The National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting competitive table tennis at the collegiate level across the United States and Canada. Through divisional and regional tournaments, top college teams advance to the NCTTA National Championships each spring.

Oxford and NEATT extend congratulations to all participating schools and special recognition to Old School for their remarkable Silver Medal performance.

Kip Chappell and Mike Harris are now planning the return of these collegiate teams in January 2026; more schools will join to participate, including Auburn University, LSU, and Mississippi State.