Merv Deckert Drops the Gloves
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Canada’s Merv Deckert is one of the greatest handball players in the history of the Great White North and one of the most winning Masters players in the history of the sport. Known as Harrison Ford for his good looks and charming personality, this Winnipeg treasure has amassed 19 USHA singles and doubles national titles, 11 Canadian Nationals singles and doubles title and seven World Titles. Merv is a retired Phys-ed teacher who grew up playing hockey, basketball, volleyball and badminton before being introduced to handball by his college buddies at the age of 19 in 1973.
Who were your inspirations to become a handball player and eventually one of the most decorated champions in the history of the Great White North?
Local players like Pat Dunn, Ron Mruss, Dennis Liebrecht, and Walter Paley challenged me to improve.
What was your first tournament win and who did you beat to win?
Won the Manitoba Open defeating the perennial Champion..Ron Mruss.
What do you consider your breakthrough moment?
Defeated pro player Junior Powell in the semis and Ralph Albertson in the finals of the Canadian Open in 1975.
Who were your favorite pros to watch when you were getting started?
Enjoyed watching the 4 hr. match between Dennis Hofflander and Fred Lewis. I wanted to learn how to kill the ball with both hands like Dennis and rally forever like Freddie.
Who are your favorite players to watch now?
Killian Carroll’s demeanor and speed…..Paul Brady’s serves and fitness….Sean Lenning’s shots that come out of nowhere.
Was there a moment that inspired you to become a top handball player?
I developed a passion for the game from the beginning. Once I saw my offhand improving , I knew it would become a lifetime sport for me.
Who has been your most influential person in handbal?
Dennis Liebrecht motivated me to work on my fitness, Walter Paley taught me to make my opponent run the farthest distance to get to the ball and Rudy Harris showed me how to hop the ball.
What has been your most satisfying moment in handball?
I met my wife through handball. Colleen doesn’t play now ,but is President of the CHA . She co-chaired the World Handball Championships in Winnipeg in 1997 with Henry Traa. I have a lot to learn about volunteering from her.
What has been your most disappointing moment in handball?
I miss playing my regular weekly games in a 4-wall court. I miss traveling to tournaments to compete and seeing all the guys.
My sparring partner for years has been Rick Jackiw. He is as competitive as I am but his movement is limited by his knees. He still dives when he shouldn’t and plays with a lot of pain.
You did not have the opportunity to play much on the pro tour. Can you discuss your experiences playing the tour?
I learned a lot by playing and watching the pros., trying to incorporate some of the shots that they were skillful at, which I had never seen before. Take notes, analyze your wins and losses.
What has been your most difficult match in handball?
I was playing in the Canadian Open finals against Scott Kapus. I got in to serve in the tie- breaker and I tossed the ball to the side wall. The ref called sideout, I had never heard of that rule. Scott got in and served out
Can you talk about the money match you played with David Chapman where he played with just his left?
I learned many shots from Dave that day. I thought if I kept it high down the right, he would have trouble. He simply hit it with his left high off the back wall to the front. I also had never seen the paddle shot before. It was close, but he knew just when to use his timeouts to recover and get his energy back. I miss Dave and I really miss watching him play, he was a special player.
What was the best match you ever played?
Waterford World Championships in 1984 against Naty Alvarado’s protege , Poncho Montreal. He was a highly ranked pro and I was below the underdog level. There were many spectators, Mick Dunne was the announcer, and it was televised. There was really no pressure on me to win and I felt very relaxed.
Who is the best player you’ve ever played?
Dave Chapman…when a guy beats you with one hand, he’s got to be pretty good!
What has handball meant to you in your life?
#wife#friends#travel#fitness
Who was your greatest rival during your prime?
Probably Danny Bell. Even though we only met in the Canadian Open finals a few times, I often thought of him during my training sessions. The Quebec Open was also a major event for us, and I would regularly attend hoping to make it to the finals to play him. Ken Ayube, John Sabo, and Charlie Kalil often got in the way.
What are your goals in handball going forward?
When things start up again, I will continue to travel and play in the age divisions of the major tournaments.
You are a huge fan of the Race 4 Eight tour. What is your favorite rivalry to watch on the Race 4 Eight tour?
I really don’t have a favorite rivalry to watch, players at that level are all fun to watch.
Along with being one of the top players in the game, you are also a student of the game. What do you learn from watching the pros?
I look for what they do in certain situations. I grade their serves and see how it affects the outcome of the game. I also enjoy watching someone who has very good defense and does not give the opponent a setup
How has the game changed from your era to today’s top players?
The players today have the advantage of learning from the players before them. Mental training, conditioning, nutrition, these were only 90% of the game back in Yogi Berra’s era, now they are at least half of the game.
What top players from today’s Race 4 Eight would you have liked to play in your prime?
Dave Fink – when Todd Fiesel and I played cutthroat with Dave at Los Cab early that morning, my hands were still cold and I really didn’t get a good warmup.
Has your desire to compete diminished in your golden years compared to in your prime?
Nope!
Who are your toughest rivals in the Masters divisions?
I’ve met many different players at tournaments who I have not heard of before and end up going tiebreaker. I’d rather play the guys I know because at least I know what they are going to do.
You make the game look so easy, like you’re just out for a walk in the park? Is handball relaxing for you or can we just not see how hard you are working?
The latter!
You are one of the fittest players in any of the Masters brackets. What do you do to stay fit?
Fuel for the body is very important. The food I eat is mostly plant- based. I use light weights, bike (not nearly as much as Marcos Chavez), skip, and get on the rowing machine.
What advice do you have for the next generation of players?
You can observe a lot by just watching.
Word Association
Paul Brady – focused
David Chapman – genius
Peter Service – 3-wall
Danny Bell – mon ami
Ivan Burgos – the Next One
Canadian Handball – pride
Ryan Bowler – Cool!
Naty Alvarado, Sr. – smooth
Lisa Fraser Gilmore – tough cookie
National titles – just numbers
David Fink
WPH Patreon Writer