Dick Morse continued:
Q: What is your secret to success?
A: "With all the time, training and tournaments you go through, you have to have an understanding wife, ... one that backs you up. If you don't it's all not worth it." At the Hall of Fame ceremony, he made it clear that Charmaine deserved the award as much a he did.
Through much of my interview, Charmaine was away in another room. I found out that she is an accomplished musician and teacher and was busy preparing for one of her projects. She was in charge of rather large musical production for their community. It was clear that they both support each other and contribute to each other's success.
What impresses me about about Dick Morse, in addition to the record, is the willingness to share credit for his success, mentioning both his wife for her support and his early doubles partners for helping him learn the game. Added to that is the fact that he gives back to the sport - through his work with the USTA, and by helping others along the way... no matter what their level.
Confirmed Sightings:
Dick's former mixed doubles partner (in the Boston area), Sue Zipay, has a local tennis facility called Englewood Tennis Center (ETC), which is his preferred local club. There he can play on soft courts. Occasionally, though, he can be seen at Herkscher Park in downtown Venice, where he has frequented for over eleven years. On most visits, players recruit him for their foursome. Sometimes, though, he just hits on the wall to warm up, and then signs up with whomever is there (no matter what their level). Dick is not one to be snobby, and he is not known for superlatives. When asked to sum up why he liked downtown, he simply said "You have a lot of fun... a lot of camaraderie with people.. it's a good thing."
Well, I think having Dick Morse around Venice is a 'good thing' for us and for tennis overall. We look forward to seeing more of him in the years ahead.
byline: Greg Engelhardt
©2009 Venice Tennis, LLC
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