Beer pong league

(Credit: Andrew Smith, Special to Metromix)

The saying, “heroes are made one cup at a time” really comes into play in the College Park Beer Pong League at the Thirsty Turtle. Every Tuesday, teams gather in the upstairs bar and test their skills against the most enthusiastic players of the game.

The league was created by Garrett Lang, founder of www.UMDBeerPong.com, and the league follows the official state rules for beer pong. Teams are not forced to drink beer, and most teams actually fill up their ten cups with water. Don’t get the wrong idea; this is not a sober event. Mixed drinks and pitchers of beer line the sides of each table. With the ping pong balls rolling all over the bar floor, teams seem to find it better to drink on the side and not from a cup that the ball has landed in.

For the most part, the league is casual and laid back. Teams walk around and challenge other teams or call for the winners of a certain table. Aside from a few teams that truly live the leagues motto, “It’s not a game, it’s a way of life,” everyone is chill. Most are there to have fun and drink some cheap beer. Of course, as the night goes on, even the most relaxed team can get a little rowdy. But  no matter what the outcome of the game, teams always shake hands and congratulate each other on a game well played.

The league is great way to meet new people and enjoy some friendly competition. Whether you’re the future champion of the state, or even if you’re just someone looking to take their game to the next level, beer pong leagues are the next evolution in the classic drinking game. The last day to sign up is Sept. 30, so if you have dreams of becoming a beer pong champ (your mother would be so proud) then get your butt down to Thirsty Turtle.