2009 Inductee

Gene Sellers
Hillsdale, Michigan

The Michigan Dynamometer Association is honored to induct Dr. C. Gene Sellers, from Hillsdale, Michigan into the Michigan Horse Pullers Hall of Fame.

Dr. Sellers grew up in the Reading area.  He was influenced by his father's horse pulling involvement.  While a senior at Michigan State University in 1964, Gene participated in his first pull.  His means of transportation was an open truck (no top, no lights)!  The outfit got stuck going into the Lake Lansing grounds.  Needless to say, the Sellers team was the first one eliminated that day.

The less then pleasant first outing did not discourage our honoree.  Gene's 44 year pulling career includes over 800 contests, both lightweight and heavyweight.  Many times he supported the events with two teams.  Doc now competes exclusively in the heavyweight class.

In 1973, along with Harold Gilbert (2007 Hall of Fame Inductee), Doc Sellers set a World Lightweight Record for 3200# teams.  The record of 3,925# was set at the Hillsdale County Fair.

Asked to single out one special moment in his pulling career, Gene quickly replied, "1986".  On May 1st of that year, he started a horse that had never been harnessed.  He used that horse and its teammate to win the Mighigan Great Lakes International the following October.

Dr. Sellers graduated from Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1965.  April 1st of that year was his first official day of practicing veterinary-medicine.  The first call was a case of milk fever.  With borrowed medicine, Doc answered the call and was well on his way to a 44 year career.  Gene's practice is now primarily small animals. 

Doc was first elected to the Michigan Dynamometer Association Board of Directors in 1978.  He has loyally served the Association as Vice President or President for the past 31 years.  Our honoree is the current Association President.  Gene and crew host the Michigan Dynamometer Association Remembrance/Fun Day each spring at his family campground. 

The Sellers family often makes up a very supportive cheering section at the pulls.  Gene has three children.  Amy Jo, Tracey Jane and Tim.  Ron Poling has been Doc's "sidekick" for over 25 years.  Gene and his wife Marcia have taken part in the Foster Parent Program as well.  There are 13 grandchildren and an additional ten or more who call Doc "Grandpa".

Dr. C. Gene Sellers - we thank you for your years of service to the draft horse pulling industry, both on and off the court.  CONGRATULATIONS!