ATLANTIC SOUTH WELCOMES TWO NEW AMBASSADORS

Meet Russ Cuccia
USAPA Ambassador, Venice Florida

Russ was born in White Plains, New York. It was 42 years ago at the age of 12 that he moved to Venice Florida, where he still resides today. It was December of 2007 when Russ’s wife read an article in the local newspaper about Pickleball being introduced at a local park. He and his wife (who I am told is an excellent dessert chef!) attended one of the very first pickleball demonstrations at Foxworthy Park in Venice, hosted by fellow Ambassador, Jack Beck. Both he and his wife were hooked on the game, instantly bought their paddles and have been playing ever since.

Russ has been married to his lovely wife, Marybeth, for 33 years. Their one son and daughter-in law have blessed them with three grandchildren. Russ still works as the District Manager for the Wireless Division of Verizon but still finds time for fun and fitness!! Besides being an accomplished Pickleball player, he also is an accomplished tournament level croquet player. He is a member of the Sarasota Croquet Club and plays at a very high level in their international competition. He developed the "Cuccia" Technique of addressing the ball, where prior to striking the ball with the mallet a series of pendulum swings are performed in order to set oneself to properly strike the ball. He enjoys competitive bicycling and as a long distance Bicycle athlete rides of 30 to 50 miles at a time are common. He plays upright and electric bass guitar and performs with friends, his church's praise band, and recently started playing in a Jazz Band.

Russ and his wife (and I’m told other family members are often seen on the court) play regularly in Venice. According to Jack Beck, “If you come to visit Russ, you get a free pickleball lesson. He and about 20 others play all summer and Russ is the glue that holds the full time Sarasota County residents together. In fact Russ likes (pickleball) it so much that he didn’t renew his membership in the private tennis club in Venice this year! Russ was very instrumental in getting the lines painted on one of the courts at Pinebrook Park. He is a local product and has good contacts and his youthfulness (55) has attracted some younger players. He will be a very good Ambassador for this large area.”

Thank you Jack Beck and Bruce Whitehead for your contributions to this article




Meet Chuck Keller
USAPA Ambassador, Sebring, Florida

Chuck is originally from St. Charles, IL. After high school, he joined the Air Force, about the same time the U.S. was deploying its missile systems. Obviously noting his disregard for rationale thought, Chuck's Air Force superiors never allowed him to get too close to those red buttons.

Then he joined the CA Hwy. Patrol (we like to call him CHIPpy). He finished college and applied to the Navy Criminal Investigation Service. Upon acceptance he became a Special Agent (so now he has cultivated that rationale thought thing). Chuck, and his wife, Kathy, spent the next 23 years traveling the Far East and Europe, in the NCIS. They raised three sons, all now married – one in MI, and two in VA. Those sons have presented them with 8 grandchildren. Chuck and Kathy initially retired to Virginia Beach, but have been in Tanglewood in Sebring, Fl. now for 7 years.

Chuck got into pickleball when the new courts were finished, about a year and a half ago. He is hooked on the game. Chuck likes the tournament play for the chance to guage his skills, and also for the friends he makes. He has participated in three tournaments, including the recent Tanglewood Senior Invitational and the Florida State Games in Ft.Myers/Cape Coral. He plays both men's and mixed doubles. Many of Tanglewood's residents also know Chuck is a certified fitness instructor. He gives lessons at the fitness center, and assists clients with developing a program tailored to their own objectives. He maintains the American Council of Exercise accreditation through continuing education programs. Chuck believes pickleball is an adequate alternative to some fitness center activity, but you will still see him in the fitness building several times per week.

You can find Chuck most every day playing on the courts in Tanglewood either in a friendly game with friends or teaching beginners. He’s committed to getting our youth introduced and involved in the game and has made contact with the local YMCA in Sebring, and with the Collier County Parks and Rec Department to set up a summer pickleball program for children. We look forward to hearing more…

Thank you Jim Hotch for contributing this article.