|
|
|
In Memoriam: Greg Dillard of Carrier Mills, IL |
Post Reply ![]() |
Author | |
TwiddleDee ![]() Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 12/27/2011 Status: Offline Points: 55 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posted: 01/27/2021 at 10:30pm |
Greg passed today. He was my best friend and table tennis coach since 1977. He used to compete in tournaments, but preferred to coach. He was the SIU Carbondale coach for over 25 years, beginning in 1986. ( A small write up on that can be found in The Daily Egyptian, 4-20-2014) I would estimate that he coached over 100 players, and never charged anyone. In fact, he would oftentimes give a newer player a nice blade, in hopes of encouraging them. Some of them came back to play, others didn't. He also loaned SIUC his Stiga tables in order to ensure that there would be enough available for all players, who numbered up to 15 at times. He would drive to SIUC twice a week, which was 40 minutes away. Sometimes he would bring and set up his robot. I met him in the summer of 1977. I could not begin to estimate the total number of hours that we played. He taught me how to coach, and I carried on his tradition for years. I have never met anyone else who was so enthusiastic about table tennis. He will be missed by many.
|
|
![]() |
|
Sponsored Links | |
![]() |
|
ashutoshsorab ![]() Beginner ![]() ![]() Joined: 01/27/2021 Location: Morrisville NC Status: Offline Points: 2 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Adding to what Ed has posted. Greg has been my first ever coach of my life. Whatever I'm today with table tennis is because of him. It is so unfortunate to lose him for rest of my life. It is very hard to find a selfless person who gave everything to the sport. I will miss him and I pray his soul rest in peace.
|
|
![]() |
|
Student_of_Greg ![]() Beginner ![]() Joined: 01/28/2021 Location: Fargo, ND Status: Offline Points: 1 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I am also a student of Greg. He coached me during my time at SIU Carbondale, dated back in 1995, and continued to help me with my game well after I left Carbondale. Through his coaching, I have become a much better player than before meeting him, and at one point broke the 2200 barrier. He simplified the elements of the game into four dimensions: “physical, technique, tactical, and mental”, and helped me improved in each of them. He created a number of drills with simulated set plays to plug holes in my game. He is amazing as a coach and friend, and is gentle as a person. A few pieces of his wisdoms about the game still live on in me, and I have been able to share them with some of my table tennis friends later on. My favorites are “control yourself before you can control the table”, “play your game and make the opponent play yours”, “90 mph shots in only 9-ft distance, you better practice a lot”, and “preparation won you the game before it even starts”. Greg continues to live on in my memory. Simply thank you!
|
|
![]() |
|
Yuk1_H. ![]() Beginner ![]() Joined: 01/28/2021 Location: Japan Status: Offline Points: 1 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
It dates back to 2014 when I first got to meet Greg at SIUC rec center as international student. Thinking back the fond moments with him and fellow players, I couldn't feel more precious that I had such a dedicated and admirable coach and mentor in table tennis. He managed to fix my overall backhand form with concistency that I couldn't myself over years and improve my underspin services. Besides, he helped me buy and sell my car while I was new to it, which I couldn't be more appreciative about. Even though I spent about 3 years on weekends with him in Carbondale, I did learn a lot from him.
I and what I have been taught will never be forgotten. Please rest in peace, until we play together again. From your coachee. |
|
![]() |
|
ashutoshsorab ![]() Beginner ![]() ![]() Joined: 01/27/2021 Location: Morrisville NC Status: Offline Points: 2 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Few article where his work was appreciated by Daily Egyption news paper
|
|
![]() |
|
liulin04 ![]() Premier Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 10/20/2003 Location: US Status: Offline Points: 5935 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
i'm sorry for your loss everyone. I'm sure the local table tennis community all mourn for his loss. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
|
|
![]() |
|
avinashsp93 ![]() Beginner ![]() ![]() Joined: 01/29/2021 Location: Raleigh, NC Status: Offline Points: 2 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I was one of Greg’s last students and I had the best time getting coached under him. He took my game from almost nothing to 1800 in such a short time. He would go out of his way and drive 2 hours just so I could get match experience. He’s taught me so many lessons that I can still hear him saying today. It’s hard to imagine that he’s not here with us today. I pray his soul rest in peace.
|
|
![]() |
|
shuochou ![]() Beginner ![]() Joined: 01/30/2021 Location: maryland Status: Offline Points: 1 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Yea I am also one of Coach's student. Former president of SIUC Table Tennis club. Coach is the one who formally teach me how to play. It was a good four years. I often drive to Carrier's mill once a week with some other available club members to play at the church. We also go to tournaments several times a year. Coach treats all his students like his own children. It is sad that we'll have to leave eventually. But I had a great four years in Carbondale, and I am blessed to learn from him. I always thought Coach will be playing/coaching for another 20 years, and I really want to take my kids to visit the church in Carrier's mill and play with him.
|
|
![]() |
|
Ktsai1 ![]() Beginner ![]() Joined: 01/30/2021 Location: Columbus, OH Status: Offline Points: 1 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I first met Greg in 2008 as an international student, and we had kept in touch since. Greg was always there at the SIUC tabletennis club every weekend- rain or shine, as long as the rec is open. One can see the sparkles in his eyes when talking about tabletennis. He would study new techniques from magazines or stay up late searching online as he understood the full of it, then pass them along with fundamentals to his players. You would be surprised to learn how much he knew in the world of tabletennis- a man from Carrier’s Mills in Southern Illinois. He also never took credit for the achievements of his players- turned amateurs to pros, led team to NCTTA championships, just to name a few. Perhaps most importantly, Greg injected enthusiasm for tabletennis into so many of his players- with endless encouragements, jokes and smiles.
Greg, you will always be missed.
“Move your feet, old frog!” (Smile) |
|
![]() |
|
AnishB ![]() Beginner ![]() Joined: 01/31/2021 Location: Philadelphia Status: Offline Points: 3 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
He started teaching me when I was just 11 years old, when I didn't know anything about the game. He was a natural teacher -- always kind and encouraging, but quick to point out bad technique and areas of improvement. "Move your feet, grandma!" He invested his time, money, and effort into helping his players improve, traveling to tournaments with us, having us play on his tables while at SIUC, and playing one-on-one with us on weeknights. The paddle I still use is the one he gave to me as a high school graduation gift. He coached dozens of students who passed through the SIUC table tennis club. And while all of us move around the world and teach others the game, he will have undoubtedly touched hundreds of lives.
|
|
![]() |
|
bmontana33 ![]() Beginner ![]() Joined: 03/14/2020 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 3 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
To all those that knew Greg directly, I'm sorry for your loss. I didn't know him personally, but I have benefited from his teachings. One of his students took me under his wing when I started playing at my local club and he drastically sped up my learning curve by helping show me proper mechanics. He also opened my eyes to how much there is to learn about this game and how much fun it can be in the process.
|
|
![]() |
|
AnishB ![]() Beginner ![]() Joined: 01/31/2021 Location: Philadelphia Status: Offline Points: 3 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
USATT has published an article about Greg here:
https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Table-Tennis/Features/2021/February/04/In-Memoriam-of-Greg-Dillard |
|
![]() |
Post Reply ![]() |
|
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions ![]() You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |
Forum Home | Go to the Forums | Forum Help | Disclaimer
MyTableTennis.NET is the trading name of Alex Table Tennis Ltd. |