2003 USA Table Tennis World and Pan Am Trials

Atlanta, GA • March 17-22, 2003

The Camping Dubinas

By Michael Wetzel

The Dubinas of Canton Ohio, at the USA Team Trials: Marissa, Amanda, Nancy, Samson, Sam. Photo by Michael Wetzel ©2003.

It rained the first few days of the Team Trials but it wasn’t much concern to the players inside. And, after they finish their matches, they retreat into their comfy hotel suites with kitchenettes complete with microwaves for the popcorn.

But for Trials’ competitors Samson and Amanda Dubina of Canton, Ohio, their home this week is a popup camper in the Red Top Mountain State Park 25 miles north of town.

“Our family enjoys camping,” Dad Sam said while watching his daughter Amanda, 17, warm up. “We see this tournament as a great experience for both Samson and Amanda, and as an opportunity to spend time camping together as a family.”

With enjoyment of camping come inconveniences as well. The first night, the Dubina family discovered a leak in the camper. The second night, the family returned to find the campground gate locked and its electronic code changed. A daring drive through the exit barely missing the tire spikes got the Dubinas to their campsite.

Samson coaching Amanda between games. Photo by Michael Wetzel ©2003.

On Tuesday, the Dubinas spent most of the day at the campground without running water. “The water service must have been off for about six hours,” Sam said. “But we survived.”

“We also have one bathroom at the campsite to share among us,” Mom Nancy said. “But we just organize our time in the morning and we all get our showers . . . when the water is working.”

Nineteen-year-old Samson, 2317, failed to advance out of the pre-qualifying. The Junior Olympic Gold medalist and Ohio champion is now coaching his 1902 sister. Amanda has a win over Priscilla Umel of Decatur, GA, before Umel was disqualified.

What about the future for the youngest Dubina sibling, 13-year-old Marissa? She may find her way to the table, but right now she enjoys reading books on reptiles and snakes. Who knows that knowledge might come in handy, one night after returning home after a grueling day of matches.

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