Student beats the Teacher

Last night at the South Bend Table Tennis Club, a torch was passed. A.J. Brewer is the top rated 13-year old in the nation. He has been playing table tennis for years under the tutelage of Dan Seemiller, himself a former champion on the national and world stage.

A week earlier, Dan had told us that A.J. was training in China with some of the world's best. He indicated that when he gets back, he may have a hard time beating him. "I don't know if I'm ready to lose to a 13-year old, but that's how it is."

Well, last night was the first time A.J. ever beat his coach in match play. Although others were playing that night, all eyes fell on this contest to see if pupil would finally overtake his teacher. Dan is still nationally ranked at 24, so he's no slouch, even at age 52. He didn't exactly go lightly on A.J. It was obvious he wanted to win and played each point like he meant it. But on this night, A.J.'s youth and dedication won out.

The last time Dan lost to a youngster was to Mark Hazinski. Mark was also coached by Dan and he played on the 2004 Olympic team. So don't be surprised if by 2012, you'll see another Olympian from the South Bend Table Tennis Club.

Now, if Dan could just help me in returning those heavy spin serves . . .