Founder's Cup
Awarded to Elliot for establishing the Pioneer Paddlers from scratch and growing membership by over 1,400% in a single year.
Sportsmanship · Spin · Service — Paddle in hand since 2024
The Pioneer Paddlers are the official Ping Pong Club of Lutheran South Academy — a growing family of Pioneers who compete with humility, celebrate with grace, and never miss a chance to serve. Now entering our second season.
Our Mission
The Pioneer Paddlers exist to develop each member spiritually, competitively, and socially through the honest work of the table — a fast forehand, a patient backhand, and the discipline to shake your opponent's hand whether you win or lose.
What began as a handful of students and a single borrowed table has become one of the most spirited clubs on campus. It is this blend of fierce competition and Christian fellowship that makes the Pioneer Paddlers unlike anything else at LSA.
See what's new in Season II →The Founder
The visionary who put a paddle in the hand of every Pioneer.
Before there was a club, there was Elliot Fricke — a student who saw an empty corner of the commons and imagined something greater. With nothing but a folding table, a net held together by determination, and an unshakable belief that ping pong could bring people together, Elliot founded the Pioneer Paddlers in the fall of 2024.
Under his captaincy, the club grew from three curious friends into a 47-strong community. Elliot personally taught dozens of first-time players the fundamentals of the game — the shakehand grip, the value of a low serve, and the grace to compliment an opponent's best shot. His door (and his side of the table) has always been open to anyone willing to learn.
Contributions & Accolades
Two seasons. One founder. A whole lot of recognition.
Awarded to Elliot for establishing the Pioneer Paddlers from scratch and growing membership by over 1,400% in a single year.
Went undefeated in the inaugural intramural bracket, dropping only a single game across the entire season.
Recognized by peers for congratulating every opponent and personally re-racking the balls after each match.
Ran 20+ free "Paddle Basics" clinics, teaching first-time players the grip, the serve, and the spin.
Sourced the club's first three regulation tables and keeps every paddle and net in tournament condition.
Celebrated schoolwide for embodying the LSA values of leadership, service, and Christian character.
Year two is bigger, faster, and spinnier. Here's what the founder has planned for the Pioneer Paddlers this year.
A season-long ranking ladder where any member can challenge the player one rung above them.
New Friday doubles format so more Pioneers get court time and more high-fives get thrown.
An end-of-year open tournament hosted by Elliot, with the Founder's Cup on the line.
When We Play
All skill levels are welcome — from first-timers to seasoned spinners. No equipment? We've got you covered. Just bring sneakers and a good attitude.
Add me to the rosterMembership is open to all LSA students. Tell us you're in and the founder will reach out with the next practice time.
This is a club promo page — no info is actually collected. Come find us in the Commons!