Muller takes out fourth title

Albany table tennis veteran Peter Muller has again been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the sport after being named the WA Table Tennis Association’s 2013 Country Player of the Year.

This is the fourth time Muller has won the Country Player of the Year award which not only recognises playing achievements in a calendar year, but also takes into account efforts in coaching, administration and promoting the sport in the country area.

Muller has been the president of the Albany Table Tennis Club since 1994 and also coaches the club’s junior members among other roles.

He previously won the award in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and said he was humbled by the recognition.

“It is nice to be recognised here in Albany,” Muller said.

“Our club is the biggest in the State without a doubt.

“I feel it is a great honour for the Albany club to have people recognised for doing good.”

Muller plays twice a week at the local club and his achievements last year include winning the men’s handicap points in Albany and being part of the local team that competed at the State Country Championships.

The 75-year-old, who began playing table tennis at 18, said he could not see his passion for the game ending anytime soon.

“I just turned 75 last month,” Muller said.

“I love the game too much (to give it away).

“I’ll keep coaching and running the club as long as I can.”

He still competes actively in athletics and tennis along with his table tennis commitments.

Muller has coached State players both here and in Perth, and said seeing the juniors come through the ranks was very rewarding.

The local club had 117 members last year and Muller said the club surpassing 100 members in the past four years was an amazing effort in itself.

WA Table Tennis president David Cooper said Muller was a deserving winner of the award.

“His impact has been very big,” Cooper said.

“His contribution has been over a long time.

“When he was in Perth, he was a leading coach, and he continued that on by starting the club in Albany from scratch and built it up to be the biggest club in the State.”