The “EKTT 100” rankings are compiled after hours of research and meetings of a committee consisting of 5 players and one writer (Mike Crase). Each ranking will be accompanied by a player profile.
The criteria for the “EKTT 100” (in order of importance) are as follows:
- Titles Won & length of reigns/ defenses. Titles are weighted in importance.
- Longevity and events attended.
- Games Won.
- Major tournament wins and league achievements.
- Quality of opposition.
- Doubles Success will be factored into the rankings.
- Forfeiting titles will lead to deduction in the weight or success of title reigns/wins.
Title Guide and Abbreviations:
EKTT Championship (EKYCh) GPTT Championship (GPTT Ch)-league title WTTA Championship (WTTA Ch)-league title Inter-County Championship (I-C Ch.) Regional Championship (Reg. Ch) Cruiser Championship (Cr. Ch) Junior Championship (Jr. Ch. Under 18 y.o.) EKTT Doubles Championship (EKY Dbl. Ch.) EKTT Senior Championship (Sr. Ch.) EKTT Inter-County Doubles Championship (EKY I-C Dbl.)
The “EKTT 100” is a cumulative ranking from Dec. 3, 1987 until May 20, 2024. Players must have competed in at least 100 games over the course of EKTT’s 37 plus year history to be considered for ranking.
Each player will have the following listed by their name in parenthesis: years played (league), style, and highest league ranking.
It’s a monumental honor to be ranked in the EKTT 100 as over 1600 players have competed in EKTT from 1987 until now. If you are ranked on this list, then you are in the top seven percent of players that have been part of one of the oldest table tennis clubs in the U.S.
The EKTT 100 will drop 5 new players each Monday until the top 10 begins, then only one player per week will be featured as we begin the Top 10 Countdown. Enjoy!
71. THOMAS PATRICK
(4 ,Off, 3) Titles: Jr. Ch. 1x, Cr. Ch 1x, EKY Dbls. 3x Games Won: 572 Major Tournament Wins: EKC Jr. Div. 2016-17, EKC 2016 5th place
Thomas won the EKTT Junior Championship in January of 2016 and also followed up that win by defeating Shilpan Patel for the Cruiser Championship in February of 2016 as well, making him a double champion. In 2016, Byron Risner and Thomas Patrick defeated Shilpan Patel and John Haddix to become EKTT Doubles Champions (they are also first cousins). They lost the titles on March 14, 2016 to Josh Frisby and Langley Franklin, but regained them 2 weeks later. Risner and Patrick would go on to win the EKTT Doubles Titles one more time in 2016 over “The Punisher” Junior Gullett and Gabe Bailey. Thoms held the Junior title for 273 days (3rd longest Jr. title reign ever). Thomas became a rare triple champion as he held the Cruiser title, Junior title, and Doubles titles simultaneously. Member of the 500 games won club.
72. ADDISON WHITT
(8 ,Off, 1) Titles: I-C 1x Games Won: 586 Major Tournament Wins: EKC 2012-3rd place
Addison has played table tennis in the West Liberty area since the 1980s, when Langley Franklin ran his annual Holiday Classic tournaments, and Addison often won them. A practitioner of topspin serves and drives, he wanted to keep the opponent on defense. Addison had two impressive years in 2012 and 2013 with EKTT, during our brief stay at the Index Community Center after the tornado. In 2012, he placed in 3rd in the Eastern Kentucky Classic. Addison’s biggest win came when he defeated Greg Howard in 2012 for the Inter-County Championship and held it for 2 months and 14 days. He successfully defended the title against Cody Risner, Greg Howard, Langley Franklin, Jonathan Howard and Wesley Howard. In addition to table tennis, Addison is an excellent tennis player. Addison is a member of the 500 wins club and has a .885 winning percentage.
73. MACK PARSONS
(4 ,Off, 5) Titles: Jr. Ch. 1x, Cr. Ch. 1x, Jr. Dbl. Ch. 1x Games Won: 577 Major Tournament Wins: NA
One of the best junior players in EKTT history and also one of the best athletes ever in the league. Mack started playing in 2017 and played regularly until 2020 (Covid), he also played in EKTT afterwards but moved to college, which made it difficult to compete. Mack won the Junior Championship from Dalton Adkins on 12/21/2017 in West Liberty, KY (the title was vacant). It was arguably the best Junior title match ever: Parsons won game one 13-11, Adkins won game two 12-10, and Mack won the last game 13-11; all games were deuce! Mack held the title until February of 2018, and lost it to Kyle Howard-they developed a strong rivalry. Mack would team up with Mason Ward to hold the EKTT Junior Doubles title for almost one year, still a record (341 days) as they defeated John Ward and Kyle Howard for the title. Mack won 3 league divisional tournaments during his time in the club and racked up a winning percentage of (.784). Mack won the Cruiser Championship on April 18, 2018, in a match against Brady Turner for the vacant title. Mack is also a member of the 500 game wins club.
74. “Cool Hand” DONNIE PATRICK
(3 ,Off +, EKYCh) Titles: EKYCh 1x Games Won: 164 Major Tournament Wins: NA
A former EKTT Champion, he never lost the title in a match. The only reason Donnie isn’t ranked much higher is that he didn’t compete consistently, if Donnie had played regularly in the 1990s, he would have won a lot of championships (.917 winning percentage). Attacked early and often, played a strong 3 ball attack. Instrumental in getting Brian “Hitman” Patrick (son), Byron Risner, John Perkins, Charles Standifer, and Dan Arnett (all multiple time EKTT Champions) into the sport. Donnie was one of the few spin players in the 1990s and had a powerful smash and heavy topspin-sidespin serves that made it difficult to score. Won the EKTT Championship from his son Brian “Hitman” Patrick on November 11, 1991, and then gave up the title, which allowed Brian “Hitman” Patrick and “The Legend” Byron Risner play for the title-Risner then won his first EKTT Championship. Donnie played on special occasions for EKTT but left an enduring impact on and off the table. And yes, the nickname is based off of Paul Newman’s character in the film “Cool Hand Luke.”
75. ISAAC ALLEN
(2 ,All +,3 ) Titles: Reg. Ch. 1x Cr Ch. 2x Dbl. Championship: 1 Games Won: 486 Major Tournament Wins: NA
Isaac played with EKTT in 2018 and 2019. Isaac won a lot of game and had a high winning percentage of .813. Isaac could change gears easily in a match and used a powerful forehand smash that could win points. Isaac competed in league play until he won the Cruiser Championship twice: once from Mason Ward (title vacant) and the second title win was against Brady Turner. Had a strong fast serve that he could maneuver all over the table. Isaac won the EKTT Doubles Championship with Perry Franklin in 2018, but the division became inactive. Isaac’s rating is based on his high winning percentage and Regional Championship reign of 163 days.
76. ANN COLBERT
(5 ,Defense, 8) Titles: Reg. Ch. 4x Dbl. Championship: 2x Games Won: 419 Major Tournament Wins: NA
# 76: Ann Colbert
Ann Colbert won 5 Regional Championships and played against high level competition in an era (2008-2016) when titles were extremely hard to capture. However, she won 419 games and a winning percentage of .728. Ann won her first Regional Championship from “The Rock” Steve Patrick in 2008 and held the title for 62 days. Ann’s 2nd Regional Championship occurred in 2012 when she defeated Dewey Moore for the title. Finally, her third reign as Regional Champion took place in 2016, when she defeated Shilpan Patel for the title. Ann also competed for the Women’s Championship at the Bluegrass State Games in 2013 and finished in the top 3. Ann won both her doubles championships with “Tex” Cody Risner. Ann would move from Kentucky and EKTT, but she left a lasting impression as one of the best women’s players in EKTT history.
77. CHARLIE “The Chopper” PURCELL
(4,Defense, 3) Titles: Inter-County 1x Reg. Ch. 6x Cruiser Ch: 6x Dbl. Championship: 3x Games Won: 490 Major Tournament Wins: EKC Jr. Division 2001
Began playing during the 2000 “Return to O.J. Hall Era” and later (mostly) from 2001-2003 at Hazel Green Academy and the transition back to West Liberty. Played with a short chopping style and always tried to make the opponent drop the point. Won nearly 500 games from 2000-2003. Defeated “Tex” Cody Risner to win his biggest match, which was for the I-C Championship in 2002. “The hard work and not missing meets paid off, I did it,” said Purcell on the victory. Won 6 EKTT Doubles Championships with various partners: Byron Risner (3x), Scotty Dunn (1), Cody Risner (1), Claude Johnson (1). Charlie took home six Regional Championships: won 2 from Wes Turnbo and one each from Alice Turnbo, Erin Turnbo, Scott Dunn and Bob Dungan. Purcell won the titles at a young age. When he stopped playing at EKTT, he was only 17.
78. ROSENDO ROMERO
(4,,Offense, 3) Titles: Reg. Ch. 1x Cruiser Ch: 1x WTTA Doubles: 5 months 27 days Games Won: 476 Major Tournament Wins: King of the Table 5thRo place, 6tth place; Summer Sizzler 4th place
Rosendo Romero arrived in 2016 to EKTT and played until 2018. Rosendo is originally from the Phillipines, but made the trip to EKTT from Mount Sterling, KY. Rosendo held the EKTT Regional Title for 210 days and never lost a game during his reign, one of the great Regional title runs ever. Eventually, he lost the title to Gabe Bailey but was 30-0 until that point. Rosendo held the WTTA Doubles Championship with Steve Murphy for nearly 6 months in 2016-2017-they were the last champions and never dropped the titles. Rosendo won the Cruiser Championship from Steve Murphy and held it for 5 months and 2 weeks, which is the fifth longest Cruiser title reign ever. Rosendo’s biggest career win came when he upset EKTT icon “Dr. J” Johnny Johnson, a 21 x EKTT Champion, in 2018; “Dr. J” won the following week, but the match made history.
79. STEVE “The Mauler” MURPHY
(4,Defense, 3) Reg. Ch. 1x Cruiser Ch: 1x WTTA Dbl. Championship: 1x Games Won: 411 Major Tournament Wins: EKC 2016 Doubles 3rd Place 2017 King of the Table 5th Place
Steve began playing in 2016 when Gabe Bailey recruited him and Rosendo Romero to EKTT. The Mount Sterling Posse was one of coolest teams in EKTT history. Steve won over Eugene Romero, Gabe Bailey, and Paul Balch in a round robin tournament for the vacant title (3-0). Steve had an incredible run with the title holding it for 7 months and 8 days. Steve also held the WTTA Doubles Championship with Rosendo Romero for nearly 6 months. From 2017 to 2018, EKTT had a strong field of competition, and Steve held a 70% winning percentage during that time. We were sad to see him leave, and he returns to the league someday!
80. BENNY PAUL REED
(1, All Round+ ,3) Titles: i-C 2x Reg. Ch. 4x Dbl. Championship: 7x Games Won: 289 Major Tournament Wins: NA
Benny Paul Reed played during the Wheel Rim Era at O.J. Crase Hall. His most impressive accomplishment came when he won 4 EKTT Doubles Championships with Brian “Hitman” Patrick, a 13x EKTT Champion, and 3 with his cousin “The Ranger” John Perkins. Benny won the Inter-County Championship from “The Rock” Steve Patrick once and from “The Hammer” Charles Standifer (his biggest singles win). Had a classic match on December 8, 1991, versus “The Reaper” Dan Arnett-the third and final game was on by Arnett 28-26. Won 309 games during his near 3 year run with EKTT. Won four Regional Championships from: Jerry Arnett (vacant), Steve Patrick, Claude Johnson, and Jeff Crase.
81. ALICE TURNBO
(7, All Round ,6) Titles: Reg. Ch. 5x Dbl. Championship: 3x Games Won: 488 Major Tournament Wins: NA
Alice made history by becoming the first woman to win the Regional Championship (eventually 5x of them) and also becoming a 3x EKY Doubles Championship. Alice and her husband Wes played from the late 90s into the early/mid 2000s. Alice has an attendance percentage of 81%. She also became the first woman to win over 400 games. The Hazel Green Era was a strong run for Alice and the Turnbo family. Alice defeated Donald 2x, Megan Turnbo 1x, Scotty Dunn 1x, and Charlie Purcell 1x to win all 5 of her Regional titles. Alice won one of her doubles championships with Donal Turnbo, one with Byron Risner, and one with Andrew Lewis. A tremendous run and a high won/loss percentage.
82. LYNN NICKELL
(6, OFF , 1) Titles: Inter-County Champion 3x Doubles Champion: 1x Games Won: 545 West Liberty Christian Church Winner January 1992 / EKC Doubles 1995 3rd place
Like his brother Merle, Lynn Nickell was a fixture of West Liberty table tennis for decades in West Liberty (often helping to organize play at the West Liberty Christian Church). Lynn traded the EKTT Inter-County Championship back-and-forth with Langley Franklin (EKTT Hall of Famer) in 1993- a classic rivalry. Played some of West Liberty’s all-time greats: Langley Franklin, Joe Nevius, Steve Bliffen, Billy Nickell, Tim Nickell, and many others. Originally a supervisor of the Morgan County Community Center and helped to get two Butterfly Tables for the center, which were eventually given to EKTT. A class act on and off the table. Lynn’s style was hard hitting, fast flat serves, and loved to attack when possible.
83. MERLE NICKELL
(5, ALL , 1) Titles: Inter-County Champion 2x Doubles Champion: 2x Games Won: 517 Major Tournament Wins: 1995 EKC 5th place/ EKC Doubles 1995 3rd place
Part of the Nickell family dynasty of table tennis in West Liberty. Merle Nickell was one of the greatest sportsman and ambassadors for the sport of table tennis in West Liberty for decades. Merle played with a hard bat and was an excellent hitter, blocker, and counter-hitter. A natural athlete, Merle won the Inter-County Championship in 1993 against Steve Bliffen (title was vacant). Merle went on to hold the title for 73 days before losing it to “The Ranger” John Perkins. Mere won two EKY Doubles Championships with Tim Nickell and didn’t lose either title. Although Merle played in EKTT actively for 5 years, he played the sport for decades and helped to establish table tennis in West Liberty. Merle was always supportive of EKTT and loved to play tournaments. He will always be missed by those of us that knew him.
84. “The Cub” BILLY SMITH
(4, ALL – ,4) Titles: Reg. Ch. 6x Cruiser Ch. 3x I-C Dbls. 4x Games Won: 509 Major Tournament Wins: NA
Billy played with his family: Dusty, Devin, and Tim. Billy was known as “The Cub” because he was a hardcore Cubs fan. Billy had an impressive attendance record of 88% from 1995-1999, which President Crase frequently praised. Billy won 6 Regional Championships from: Dusty Smith, Tim Smith (2x), Andy Arnett 1x, Chris Whitaker 1x, and Jody Garrison. His Regional reigns totaled 89 days. Billy used defense and placement as his main weapons, achieving a high mark of 509 game wins (68% winning percentage). Billy was an accomplished doubles player, winning 3 Inter-County Doubles titles with Tim Smith and 1 with Dusty Smith. A true sportsman and favorite among club memnbers.
85. “The Marlin” MIKE REED
(4, OFF – ,3) Titles: Reg. Ch. 3x Cruiser Ch. 4x I-C Dbls. 5x Games Won: 455 Major Tournament Wins: NA
A Wheel Rim Era player that added a lot of excitement to O.J. Hall. Reed always played with enthusiasm and upped the energy level. “The Marlin” liked to slice shots and go for kill shots-seldom did he let rallies go for a long time. “The Marlin’s” biggest win came against future EKY Champion Ruben Arnett for his first Regional Championship; Marlin’s other two Regional title wins were against Jerry Arnett and Benny Reed. Marlin racked up 5 Inter-Count title wins with: Claude Johnson (2x), Byron Risner (2x), and Terry Oney. Marlin won one Cruiser title from Manford Dulen and the other from Terry Oney (vacant title). With over 450 wins and a consistent 3 1/2 year run, the Marlin made his mark on EKTT.
86. “The Honky Tonk Man” MANFORD DULEN
(2, All Round + ,2) Titles: Reg. Ch. 1x Games Won: 412 Major Tournament Wins: NA
“The Honky Tonk Man” Manford Dulen won the Regional title in 1998 and had a four-month reign (123 days), defending the title every week, which is the primary reason for his ranking in the EKTT 100. Dulen won the Regional Championship from Junior Hutchinson and never looked back. Eventually giving up the title after losing in a non-title match to “The Rock” Steve Patrick, Dulen had an 86% winning percentage. Dulen also broke the 400-game win mark, which is an impressive accomplishment. Often would treat those in attendance to some Bluegrass tunes with his guitar.
87. “Fast” TERRY ADAMS
(3, All Round – ,1, Titles: I-C Ch. 3x EKTT Dbl. Ch. 3x Reg. Ch. 2x Games Won: 273 Major Tournament Wins: NA
“Fast” Terry Adams entered EKTT in 1993 and his career lasted until 1995. During that time, he was a top contender on several occasions for the EKTT Championship. Used a backhand flick for most of his shots; was a flat hitter and used little if any spin-a similar style to “Las Vegas” Wayne Crase. Won all three of his EKTT Doubles Championships with “The Legend” Byron Risner. Would often take smoke breaks in-between games. Won his first Regional Championship in a match where the title was vacant vs. Junior Wagers and his second Regional title win came in a match for the vacant title against “Quick” Rick Taulbee.
88. “Hollywood” JOHNNY CRASE
(3, Defense +, EKY Ch) Titles: EKY Ch. 1x I-C Ch. 2x Reg. Ch. 1x Games Won: 139 Major Tournament Wins: NA
Played from 1990 until 1993. A former Eastern Kentucky Champion. Won the title from “The Legend” Byron Risner in 1992 on March 6 at O.J. Crase Hall in what many consider one of the biggest upsets in league history (the officiating and ending was highly controversial). Lost the Eastern KY Championship one week later to “The Hammer” Charles Standifer, automatically becoming the Inter-County Champion. Lost that title one week later to “The Legend” Byron Risner in the most lopsided I-C title match in history. Defeated Gary Taublee in a match for the I-C title in 1992 (title was vacant). Johnny won the Regional Championship in 1993 against Junior Wagers but lost the title on the same night. The son of legendary EKTT player “Las Vegas” Wayne Crase.
89. “The Slammaster” JIMMY DEAN HOWARD
(5, Offense +, 1) Titles: I-C 2x Reg. Ch. 4x EKTT Dbl. Ch: 3x Games Won: 389 Major Tournament Wins: NA
When the ball came across the net, “The Slammaster” was ready to put the point away. A nasty cutting backhand serve with backspin and then a smash or kill shot. From 1988 to 1992 Jimmy Dean Howard was a force in EKTT. Jimmy won his first I-C Championship in 1991 from “The Cobra” Jeff Crase and then against “Casablanca” Ray Crase in 1992-both reigns lasted 27 days. Jimmy won two EKTT Doubles Championships with “The Legend” Byron Risner and one with “Las Vegas” Wayne Crase. An all-time great of Morgan County, KY.
90. DYLAN MOORE
(5, All Round, 1) Titles: I-C 1x Reg. Ch. 3x EKTT Dbl. Ch: 2x Cr. Ch.1x Games Won: 322 Major Tournament Wins: NA
Dylan played in EKTT at different times from 2007-2012. Dylan won the Inter-County Championship in a match for the title in 2008 vs. Isaiah Prater. Dylan would win the Regional Championship on three separate occasions against: Tanner Roy, “The Rock” Steve Patrick, and Andy Arnett. Dylan won the EKTT Doubles Championship once with “The Legend” Byron Risner in 2012 and in 2009 with Stan Nickell. Dylan won the Cruiser Championship from James Arnett in 2009. Held the I-C Championship for 30 days.
91. O.J. CRASE
(6, Offense, 5) Titles: Reg. 1 x EKTT Hardbat 1x Games Won: 358 Major Tournament Wins: NA
Obviously, he is best known as the former Chairman and President of EKTT, guiding the league’s direction and operations from 1992 until 2010, which established EKTT and laid the foundation for what it is today. From 1987 to 1992, Crase played only hardbat matches. Once an unofficial title, the EKTT Hardbat Championship is now recognized, and no player dominated it like Chairman Crase. Crase went 358-3 from 1987 to 1992, losing only three games to Joe Nevius (they preferred hardbat to sponge rubber setups). Crase also defeated Matthew Lindon in 1991 for his first and only Regional title.
92. STAN NICKELL
(4, Offense +, 1) Titles: I-C 2x EKTT Dbl. Ch:4x Cr. 2x Games Won: 246 Major Tournament Wins: NA
High level junior player that won two Inter-County titles between 2003-2006. Won 200 games and took high level league players to the limit or beat them outright. Won two Cruiser Championships, both against Tanner Roy. Won the Inter-County Championship from Joseph Litteral and Scott Gevedon. Career highlight win was against former EKTT Champion “The Rock” Steve Patrick in 2005. Played aggressive offense and almost always wanted to win the point. Played with a hardbat, which EKTT allowed at the time.
93. “Showtime” BRANDON PINKS
(3, All Round +, 1) Titles: I-C 1x Reg. 2x EKTT Dbl. Ch: 1x Games Won: 198 Major Tournament Wins: King of the Table ’93 5th place
Scored a huge upset over Inter-County Champion John Perkins in 1994. Even though he lost the title back the following week to Perkins, it put his name in the history book of EKTT. Won the EKTT Doubles Championship with Byron Risner in 1994. Later on in 1995, Pinks put together two Regional Championship wins: one against Gary Taulbee (title vacant) and also against Steve Montgomery-a clean title win. The cousin of former EKTT Champion and Hall of Famer “The Reaper” Daniel Arnett. Played EKTT Champion “The Legend” Byron Risner for the title in 1994 and came up short in the attempt.
94. Victor de Vega
(3, Offense +, 1) Titles: I-C 2x Games Won: 197 Major Tournament Wins: Grand Stand 6 Group B 4th place
Victor came to EKTT from Spain, as part of a student exchange program. Victor de Vega played smashes, topspin drives and could chop when needed. Victor won 2 Inter-County Championships during his EKTT tenure against “The Rock” Steve Patrick and Greg Howard-on both occasions the title was vacant, and Victor also had to forfeit both title runs. Still, he won nearly 200 games, and racked up 4 EKTT Doubles Championships in his time at EKTT. Victor also earned 4 title matches against EKTT Champion “The Legend” Byron Risner in 2009 and 2010; he played strong in all the attempts to become EKTT Champion.
95. PAUL BALCH
(5, All Round -, 10) Titles: Cr. 5x Games Won: 224 Major Tournament Wins: NA
Paul had a strong run in 2018 and 2019 in EKTT. Paul held the Cruiser Championship for 74 days in 2018. Called “The Puncher” because of his quick punch blocks that could score winners. Paul won 5 Cruiser Championships during his 5 active years in EKTT by defeating: Garrette Roademachir, Manford Wright, Dalton Adkins, Kenny Brown and Jacob Collins. Paul was ranked in the EKTT top 25 from 2018 to 2019 without dropping out. Paul was voted EKTT’s Most Improved player in 2017. Paul’s biggest win was a league match against then EKTT no. 8 ranked Gabe Bailey 2,-13,-7,11,8 in 2018.
96. DONNIE PACK
(4, All Round -, 10) Titles: Cr. 2x Games Won: 184 Major Tournament Wins: EKC 2019-7th place
Has played table tennis in West Liberty, KY for decades, a regular competitor at “Bad Hair’s Arena.” Won the Cruiser Championship in 2018 twice, both in matches for the vacant title vs. Mason Ward and Grant Rudd. Was a top contender for the Senior Championship from 2017-2020. Was ranked in the doubles top 3 in 2018 with grandson Dalton Adkins. Known for a fast serve with anti-rubber.
97. SHILPAN PATEL
(1, Offense, 3) Titles: Reg.1x Games Won: 104 Major Tournament Wins: NA
Held the Regional Championship for four weeks in 2016, winning the title from Thomas Patrick. Patel also had notable wins over Ann Colbert, John Haddix, and Brad Lawson. Patel finished third in the open division of the 2016 King of the Table. Known for an aggressive forehand smash and topspin drive. Teamed with Josh Frisby for nearly 3 months and were ranked as the no. 1 contenders to the EKTT Doubles Championship held by Junior Gullett and Byron Risner.
98. “Hammer” BILLY LYNN NICKELL
(2, Offense +, 1) Titles: I-C 1x Games Won: 102 Major Tournament Wins: NA
An offensive player that almost always went for the point with a 3 or 5 ball attack and often attacked the serve. The Nickell family produced many talented table tennis players: Merle, Lynn, Joel, Tim and Stan Nickell were all successful players (Joel became a 2x Eastern KY Champion, while Tim is a former 1x Eastern KY Champion). Billy Lynn primarily played in 1996 and 1997. Billy won the EKTT Inter-County title in 1997 by defeating David Joe Litteral and held the title for 2 weeks before losing it to Mr. Table Tennis. Billy and Tim were a formidable team that won 39 games and only lost 4, but never played for the EKTT Doubles Championship.
99. FLETCHER HAMMONDS
(2, All Round+, 1) Titles: Jr. Ch.1x Games Won: 253 Major Tournament Wins: NA
The current EKTT Junior Champion. Won the title in November 2023 from Cooper Roy, which makes Fletcher the second longest reigning Junior Champion ever with 203 days in as champion. Fletcher attended the Butterfly Dan Seemiller Legacy Classic on April 19, 2024. Fletcher has won multiple league Group 3 and 4 competitions, even winning one Group 2 league round robin. Fletcher is developing a strong fundamental game and plays a balance of offense and defense. Fletcher was EKTT’s Rookie of the Year in 2023.
100. “Artie” JAMES CANTRELL
(3, All Round, 5) Titles: Reg. Ch. 2x Games Won: 198 Major Tournament Wins: NA
From 1996-1998, “Artie” James Cantrell won some big matches in EKTT. A 2x Regional Champion, Artie defeated “The Rock” Steve Patrick and Tim Smith for his respective titles. Artie won 67% of his doubles matches, frequently teaming with Tim Smith, Dusty Smith, and Jody Garrison. Was given the nickname “The Samurai” in 1997 because of his push block. Artie placed 7th out of 17 players in the 1996 King of the Table Tournament.
Eastern Kentucky Table Tennis 