Central Junior High TTC

Central Junior High TTC players at the 2000 Nationals. That's Coach Titu Nedel on far right. Photo by John Oros copyright 2000.

Since January 2000, a special after school program has been offered at Central Junior High in Lawrence, Kansas. Titu Nedelcia, a native Romanian and internationally known and respected table tennis player and coach, has been offering table tennis instruction as part of the after-school program. This program is funded through a federal grant known as 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). Awarded to schools with high poverty levels, students in 21st CCLC schools typically do not have the same access to extra-curricular activities.

Titu came to Lawrence with his wife, who is working on her master’s degree at the University of Kansas. Employed as a professional coach in his native country, he wanted to continue coaching and share his passion for table tennis in Lawrence. Through a serendipitous chain of events, he was put in touch with the after-school program coordinator at Central Junior High, Dr. Tina Thompson. With his persistent recruitment, table tennis participation has steadily increased from January, 2000 to January, 2001. What began as a fledgling six-student class has grown to over 15 students. Given that table tennis is not viewed as a "serious sport" in the Midwest, these numbers are particularly impressive.

During 1999-2000, Titu organized two in-house table tennis tournaments. All participants earned a t-shirt and a medal and the top players earned trophies. Special medals were awarded to students in one of four categories: most disciplined; best attendance; best sport; and best technique. Titu consistently seeks ways to recognize his students, not only with material rewards, but through ongoing encouragement and praise.

Perhaps what is most admirable about Titu Nedelcia is his willingness to adapt his instruction to match the facilities and equipment available. He teaches his class in the school cafeteria on tables that are not tournament regulation. With the support of Central Junior High physical education teachers, he has gone into classes and worked with students to generate interest and determine aptitude levels. He has single-handedly developed a model table tennis program with minimal equipment, facilities, and level of interest in the sport.

Titu’s most recent accomplishment was taking five novice players to participate in the National Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. From September through December, he worked with this select group three afternoons a week and six hours on Saturday and Sunday. Each player won at least one match during the tournament. This is especially significant, given that most players at the tournament have played for two years or more.

Titu Nedelcia serves as an excellent ambassador for the sport of table tennis. He models effective teaching, coaching, and playing. Perhaps most importantly, he emulates generosity by sharing his time, talent, and passion with Lawrence youth. Titu envisions a day when table tennis is included as a sport in several Lawrence schools.