Meet
Caron and Marv Leff
Dateline: 7/24/98
Table Tennis Involvement?
Marvin: As a player since 1947 and as a coach & mentor since 1964.
Caron: As a Table Tennis organizer, Southern Regional Director, Short
lived as a player in the 1960's, and as a contributor to our beloved
Table Tennis Magazine since 1961& Co-Founder of the Miami TT Club in
1965.
Years in sport:
Marvin: 51 years
Caron: 37 Years
How did you both become involved in Table Tennis?
Marvin; I, as a 12 year old boy discovered by Marty Prager in 1947 and
being introduced to Table Tennis rather than Ping Pong , a difference
both enlightening and deeply fulfilling.This truly can be a sport for
one's entire lifetime.
Caron: Due to Marv's involvement I decided to stay married and become
active in Table Tennis. First as a player, then as an organizer and
writer for Table Tennis Topics.
What about this sport keeps you both involved?
Marvin: First and foremost, the great friendship's that I have
developed over the years. The competition and challenges this game
present's always peaks my interest. The level of intellect far exceeds
all sports I personally have been involved in, which is many on a
competitive level. Now last, but definitely not least,
FUN-FUN-FUN!!!!!!
Caron: Marvelous Friends throughout the world. The continual
challenges to improve our Association and create programs for Junior
Development, and increase our professional IMAGE of our sport.
Sponsorship and membership are without question extremely URGENT to
our Sports SUCCESS.
Biggest changes seen in our sport over the years?
Marv: The change of hard rubber to sponge . It created not only a much
faster game, but a much more complicated game. Then with the
introduction of Speed Glue, {A big mistake} it sped the game to an
unbelievable pace. WHY? ...... at least now they are beginning to give
hard rubber once again a new platform to showcase some of the past
skills that developed our Table Tennis History and its past heroes.
Our organization still seems relatively inept in presenting Table
Tennis as a Professional Sport in the United States. Our U.S. Table
Tennis Athletes have little to look forward to, in terms of making a
living as a Professional Table Tennis Player.
Caron: I agree with what Marv has said, but I would like to add that
we need to develop membership and public awareness. This is of utmost
importance. TIME is of the Essence, get sponsors NOW.
Most memorable TT moments:{ match or event}
Marv: A tournament many years ago, called the All American T. T.
Championships. As a Jr. I won the mens event. This was in 1950, I was
15 years old. Being inducted into the FL T. T. Hall of Fame. Frankly,
too numerous to mention , thanks for asking. P. S. Winning the Men's
FL State Championships after winning 23 years prior.
Caron: As a player winning my first and only trophy with Richard
McAfee in mixed doubles in the FL State Championships.Five years of
continual participation in the U.S Open in Miami Beach. 1985 thru 1989
, as a fund raiser, P.R. and media co-ordinator. Know as the Ping Pong
lady to the local media. The OLYMPICS 1996 ATLANTA - > had a
ball!!!!!!!
Favorite Tournament?
Marv: U.S Opens
Caron: The 1996 Olympics
Favorite Players to watch:
Marv; The top world classes choppers.Shibutani, Matsushita, Ding Song,
Lee Gung Sang& Takashima. {years ago from Japan}Why? This style
creates an entirely different ambiance to the sport.This is rarely
seen anymore. Beauty, of course, the choppers rival Ballet Greats.
Caron: Waldner, Applegren, Wang Tao, Primorac& a great female player
called Ni Xia Lian, representing Luxemburg. Also Lily Yip Dattel,
great sports person and terrific gal.
Marv, tell us about being inducted into the FL State Hall of Fame.
My induction into the Fl TT Hall of Fame was a great honor and was
recognition of my longevity, dedication and maintaining a competitive
playing level for 50 years. It was a wonderful feeling, greatly
appreciated.
Caron, when are you going to begin re-writing your monthly column for
the magazine?
Whenever the new editor asks me.
How do you think our new USATT President Jim McQueen will do?
Marv & Caron; We all hope Jim will do great . We have the utmost
confidence in his ability to make wise decisions
Marv, what advise would you give to our up and coming juniors?
We all know that in order to reach the top level of national and world
caliber competition one must be quite dedicated to training and
competing. I would tell up and coming juniors to be ready to make this
commitment or not to get involved . Table Tennis in my opinion is the
most difficult of all racquet sports. If you are not "Ready to Rumble"
play a more sociable sport, like golf or tennis.
What new things have been happening with FL TT?
That's easy....nothing at the moment.
Will Miami rebid to get the U.S. Open back?
We already know that the U.S. Open will return to Ft. Lauderdale in
the year 2000. Unless some one makes a grave mistake.
Would you encourage others to get involved with the USATT?
Marv & Caron; That is very debatable, it is not exactly a enviable
situation, based on past history.
Our
flame of passion for this sport still burn's strongly!!!!!!!
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