Larry Seekins has been a significant reason pickleball has been so so popular in Billings, Montana, over the last two decades.
The “Father Of Pickleball”
Credited as the pioneer who introduced pickleball to Billings in 2003, Seekins affectionately refers to himself as the “father of pickleball” in the Magic City. Reflecting on its inception, he fondly recalls, “Well, if I’m the father, then my wife is the mother. My wife saw an article in the paper that said they are teaching pickleball a block away from our house at a school, and we went.”
For Seekins, pickleball swiftly evolved into a passion. “I’ve had a blessed life, I will tell you. And pickleball is one of the things I credit with saving my life,” he reflects, reminiscing on its significance post-heart surgery while working for the U.S. Forest Service in Washington.
“I found that if I played pickleball three times a week, I maintained perfectly. And that was 35 years ago. And look at me now,” he proudly declares to ktvq.com.
A Regular Fixture
Even at 80 years old, Seekins remains a regular fixture on the court, spending nearly every weekday afternoon engaged in the sport he loves. His accolades include numerous medals and the privilege of playing alongside some of the game’s elite.
Moreover, Seekins has left an indelible mark as an instructor, shaping the skills of numerous players, including national champions.
“I love to teach the game because it has meant so much to me,” he says. “I’ve taught over 3,000 people how to play this game, and I’ve taught six national champions, of which five of them are from here in Billings,” he asserts.
Pickleball’s Addictive Nature
Among Seekins’ many students is Jill Branch, who fondly remembers his warning about the addictive nature of pickleball. “Six years ago, he taught me, and he warned me that it would be addictive. And it is,” she admits.
As president of the Billings Pickleball Association, Branch recognizes Seekins’ unwavering commitment. “I know sometimes things are crazy in his life, but he has always got time to come here four afternoons a week and then Friday night. I don’t know where he gets the energy,” she marvels.
As an avid advocate for pickleball, Seekins passionately extols its virtues, emphasizing its role in creating physical and social well-being. “There are 10 main things for staying alive,” he cites a study, highlighting the correlation between pickleball and key elements like exercise and social integration. It is a great sport for relationships. All the people out here like each other. They enjoy each other, and that’s a very powerful thing,” he concludes.
Read more of our coverage about pickleball in Montana here.
