PRHS March Madness Raises Over $1,300 (VIDEO)

Jack Mikuszewski did not so much blow up the Death Star as he waited it out.

Mikuszewski played a conservative style in two-game victory over Jared Schlosser, playfully nicknamed "The Death Star," in two games Thursday in the finals of the Pearl River High School March Madness Ping-Pong Tournament. 

"I wish the game could have been a little better," said Schlosser, a senior. "I was trying to keep it on the table. He's got good hands, good reactions.

"But it's all for charity. We're giving it all to our community. I know by playing, I'm helping someone."

This year's tournament drew its largest field ever, 90 competitors, who played over three days in the Pearl River High School cafeteria to raise money that will go to help Pearl River families. Pearl River Spanish teacher Marc Wolf, who organizes the tournament, said that he did not have total yet, but they had brought in over $1,300.

Each competitor paid a $10 entry fee, so the entries alone brought in $900. Funds were also raised by selling baked goods that students contributed and t-shirts.  

"A lot of our students step it up," Wolf said. "They enjoy being a part of it. We raise money for the community. Our motto is, 'Think globally. Act locally.'

"I'm a Spanish teacher I always talk about things going on in the world, but I think it's also important to remember where you come from."

The tournament continues to grow each year, from 79 entries last year to 90 this time around. Wolf said the first day is hectic, with so many play-ins to enter the 64-player field patterned after the NCAA basketball tournament. 

"It is definitely part of the school culture," Wolf said. "Everybody knows at March Madness we are going to have a ping-pong tournament."

Wolf also plays and usually is among the top contenders. He lost to Schlosser in the semifinals Thursday. 

"The competitive level has improved every year," Wolf said. "It's a spirited tournament.  It's a little quirky. You don't have to be athletic to be good at ping-pong. It attracts everyone and anyone. People you would never expect."

"This year we had a lot of good competitors," said Schlosser, who made the final four a year ago. "It was tough to get through every round."