Seemiller – The American: Grand Rapids

May 15, 2020

Seemiller: The American

(by Steve Hopkins)

One of the most storied players in American table tennis history, Dan Seemiller. He first qualified for the US Team in 1972, was the top ranked player in the country by 1974, won five US National Championships, and logged an amazing international record that at one point included completing two consecutive World Team Championships without losing a match. Later in his career, he became a highly decorated and successful coach, a tournament promoter and director, an author, and he also served as President of USTTA.

The signature grip and style that bears his name is still referred to by many internationally as “the American grip”. Seemiller is the quintessential “American” player – with emotion and grit and heart.

In February, as Dan was training for the Olympic Trials, he began posting memories to his Facebook page. Over the next few weeks, we are going to share some of those photos and quotes in this series “Seemiller – The American”:

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When I was at the 1972 US Open at Long Island Dell Sweeris invited me to Grand Rapids,Mi. to train with him for the summer.

He had coached me in a trip to England the previous year.

Dell became my coach for the next 5 years or so from the age of 18-23. Dell’s coaching and being able to play at his new full time TT club was critical in my development. Having a knowledgeable coach is a vital ingredient in becoming the best one can be. Thank you Dell and Connie. I stayed at their home the 1st couple of years until Todd was born. We even played on a summer softball team together.Great memories.

Photo: CNE Men’s Singles Final Awards