Celebrating the winners of the MCA Norman Goldman Sportsmanship Award

By Marc Rosenweig, MCA member

Many MCA members remember Norman Goldman with emotion and admiration.

“Two summers ago, we lost him,” said MCA Board member Max Weisberg. “He was a gentle giant and a mensch.”

Weisberg met Goldman when Goldman was teaching new MCA bocce players. “He was terrific teaching them. He gave back in so many ways.”

So, Weisberg recommended the MCA Sportsmanship Award be renamed the Norman Goldman Award for Outstanding Sportsmanship. The vote in favor was unanimous by the MCA board.

The award is presented to MCA members who have inspired friendship, as teachers and advisors, for sporting and athletic events. After a delay due to COVID, two MCA members received the award in December.

MCA President Michael Sobol, Board Member Max Weisberg and Jan Goldman (far right) honor Dan Sussman (second from right).

Dan Sussman was honored for being “Commissioner” of the MCA pickleball league and Bob Lubin as the “Captain” of kayaking. For both, the honor was a surprise.

“I did not expect that,” said Sussman. “I thought I’d just be asked to stand up. I was really shocked. It’s a wonderful testament to (Norm).”

“I was quite surprised,” said Lubin. “I was honored to receive it. I knew Norm from bocce and the shooting group.”

And, for Norm Goldman’s widow, Jan, it’s a fitting tribute that keeps her husband’s spirit going strong. “It was quite an honor,” said Jan Goldman. “Norm was such a regular guy ... My husband made friends with everybody and liked everybody ... He wanted everybody to feel comfortable.”

One of Dan Sussman’s goals is to be welcoming to newcomers as they learn pickleball. Currently, 50 players are on the MCA roster, with 16 to 24 competing at most sessions. Matches are scheduled at Veterans Park on Mondays and Thursdays. He sets up competitive matches, books courts and arranges instructional clinics. “There’s a lot of prep work. It’s more than a part-time job,” he adds.

He’s also an avid player, finishing fourth with a teammate in the 75-yearold 3.5 competition at the most recent U.S. Open in Naples. “There’s been a tremendous explosion in the sport,” said Sussman of the fastest-growing sport in the country.

In the past, he’s enjoyed what he calls the MCA “Triple Threat:” pickleball, kayaking and biking.

MCA President Michael Sobol, Board Member Max Weisberg and Jan Goldman (far right) honor Bob Lubin (second from right).

His advice for pickleball players? “Don’t back up going after a ball. Turn sideways or let it go. A safe season is a great season.”

Safety is also fi rst for Bob Lubin and the kayaking program. He says newcomers are welcome and should take a lesson or two, including instruction in rescue techniques in case someone falls in the water. Life jackets are a must. The kayak adventures launch Friday mornings through late April.

“I love being on the water,” said Lubin, who’s been with MCA kayaking for eight years. “We lend kayaks to rookies a few times before they purchase one.”

Lubin says the bonus for all his kayaking is comradery. “You get a chance to talk more while paddling. Guys become friendly. It’s a great bonding experience. I’ve made more friends here than I had in New Jersey.”

Over the years, Lubin has led voyages from about 45 different launch sites around Southwest Florida. Fisheating Creek and Turner River are two favorite trips. There are frequent sightings of manatees, dolphins and gators. The beautiful mangrove tunnels along the Turner River are a top photo site. Lubin fondly remembers Max Weisberg cooking delicious kosher hot dogs with sauerkraut along Fisheating Creek.

Many MCA members participate in multiple groups. For example, Dan Sussman also enjoys the Cigar Group. “It’s cigars, whisky and BS,” he says enthusiastically.

Congratulations and thanks to Dan Sussman and Bob Lubin for their leadership!

For information on MCA pickleball, contact Dan Sussman, boxersuss@ me.com.

For information on MCA kayaking, contact Bob Lubin, rlubin@comcast.net.