DECEMBER 26 • 2024 | 33

so many family members, friends and 
teammates attended the event. I was 
emotional and truly appreciative of 
the entire night. The ceremony was 
emotional for me but also a ton of 
fun.”
Of all the accomplishments on 
your Pillars of Excellence resume, 
which are you most proud of?
“When I made my first U.S. bas-
ketball team (for the Maccabiah 
Games in Israel), I never imagined 
that my career on the national team 
would span three decades. Holding 
the records for most games played, 
most assists and most points scored 
for all U.S. basketball players who 
have ever played in the Maccabiah 
Games or been named to a Jewish 
national team — those records are 
my proudest accomplishments. I’m 
also truly grateful and proud to have 
been a gritty and tough teammate 
while serving as the U.S. team captain 
or co-captain nine times in 13 global 
tournaments.”
What is something people may 
not know about you?
“As much as I love competing in 
sports, my day-to-day life includes a 
wide and crazy circle of friends and 
includes my loving family. Being 
‘present’ and connected to my circle is 
what’s truly important ... and the fact 
that my daughter knows she has me 
wrapped around her finger.”

NAME: Steve Matz
AGE: 72
HOMETOWN: Franklin
OCCUPATION: Attorney
HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE: 
Southfield High School; University 
of Michigan; George Washington 
University.
FAMILY MEMBERS: Wife, Sandi; 
children Jared, 43, Danny, 40, Rachel, 
37; four grandsons.
What are your thoughts on being 
named a Pillars of Excellence recip-
ient?
“I have the upmost respect for 
those who came before me and those 
with whom I was inducted. My 
father was a proud supporter of the 
Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation. I 
know he would have been thrilled to 
see me inducted.”
Of all the accomplishments on 

your Pillars of Excellence resume, 
which are you most proud of?
“After every mountain climb and 
sea kayak adventure, I’ve returned 
healthy, happy, and looking forward 
to the next adventure.”
What is something people may 
not know about you?
“I play percussion in jazz and rock 
bands. Most recently, my jazz band 
played at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge as 
well as Aretha’s Jazz Cafe at the Music 
Hall.”

NAME: Mort Plotnick
AGE: 88
HOMETOWN: West Bloomfield
OCCUPATION: Consultant for 
the Jewish Community Center of 
Metropolitan Detroit (now The J).
HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE: Detroit 
Central High School; Wayne State 
University; Michigan State University.
FAMILY MEMBERS: Wife, Judie; 
children Suzy Lederman and Danny 
Plotnick; stepchildren Michael and 
Stephen Sandweiss; seven grandchil-
dren.
What are your thoughts on being 
named a Pillars of Excellence recip-
ient?
“I was honored.” 
Of all the accomplishments on 
your Pillars of Excellence resume, 
which are you most proud of?
“My role in creating the JCC 
Maccabi Games and involving JCCs 
around the country. The Maccabi 
Games use sports to bring people 
together. The community celebrates 
the wonderful values of volunteerism 
and sportsmanship and of course 
Jewish values. The event touches 
many Jewish lives in many ways.”
What is something people may 
not know about you?
“How committed I am to Jewish 
causes, and how much I care for 
my family and extended family. I 
also love fixing things electrical and 
mechanical, and I’ve made jewelry. 
I’ve always desired to help and give 
and organize. I’ve never been a taker. 
I was born in Palestine. I think I’m 
pretty much an open book.” 
 

Send sports news to stevestein502004@yahoo.

com.

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