Accomplishments:  Born June 21, 1951, Mark achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at age 13, so it’s not surprising that he has devoted his adult life to helping other people at all times – especially his opponents at the bridge table.   During his last semester in college, Mark executed the rare Vietnam Avoidance Coup by hitting for the “Academic Cycle” - receiving an A, a B, a C, a D, an Incomplete, and an F.  He nevertheless was awarded a degree from MIT in Cambridge, MA, and within 12 months also graduated from the Infantry Officers’ Basic Course in Ft. Benning, GA, as well as the Jungle Survival School in the Philippines – a rare trifecta. 

An early bloomer with a lot of talent, Mark might well have become a truly great bridge player had he not been written up in the New York Times 32 years ago for a brilliant defensive play.  Since then he has been focusing his efforts on trying to get back into the column, instead of just winning.  In 2004, he missed winning the LM Pairs in Orlando by an overtrick on the last deal, but as an Engineering Manager for Gillette, Mark makes a living out of close shaves.   A chronic overbidder, Mark’s epitath will read, “Here lies Mark the Shark – bridge player - He finally passed.”