Larry Seekins Pickleball Legacy: Larry Seekins, age 81, continues to lead the growth of pickleball in Montana. The longtime Billings resident helped introduce the sport to the Big Sky State Games in 2003 and has been the pickleball commissioner ever since. He still plays regularly and teaches new players at the BillA.
Seekins’ efforts have helped shape the sport’s place in the Bings YMCig Sky State Games, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this week. Over 30 sports will be featured during the event, and pickleball remains one of the most popular.
How Pickleball Got Started in the Games
Pickleball was first added to the state games when Larry Seekins and Mike Nys, then the athletic director at the YMCA, brought it to Billings.
“When we moved to Billings, with the help of Mike Nys here at the YMCA–he was the athletic director–we established pickleball here. And he helped get it into the state games, I think 2003 was the first time,” said Seekins.
That first tournament saw just 23 players, most of them Seekins’ own family members.
“Our first tournament we had 23 participants, half of them were my family. And our last one last year we had 165 and none of my family was in that,” Seekins laughed.
A Life Devoted to the Game
Larry Seekins began playing pickleball in 1977 with wooden paddles. Since then, he has introduced more than 3,000 people to the sport.
“The thing is it has an appeal to everybody,” said Seekins. “I mean I’ve got kids here 10 and 11 years old and it’s absolutely amazing how well they do. And it’s all ages. I am going to be 82 here in a week or so. My oldest player that I’ve had was 87. So you’ve got that range… the whole thing. So the whole family can play it. And the one big thing about it–is it’s a lot of fun and fun is something everybody wants to do.”
Looking to the Future
Registration for this year’s pickleball competition in the Big Sky State Games has already closed. But many newcomers have time to learn and practice before the 41st annual games in 2026.
Larry Seekins remains a key figure in keeping pickleball active and welcoming in Montana. His dedication continues to grow the sport and build community across generations.
News in Brief: Larry Seekins Pickleball Legacy
Larry Seekins, 81, helped bring pickleball to the Big Sky State Games in 2003. Still active today, he teaches players in Billings and supports the sport’s growth. From 23 players in its first year to 165 last year, pickleball continues to thrive as the games mark their 40th year.
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