No one person has been able to succeed the late Mick Dawson in his many administrative roles with the San Diego Surf Cup soccer tournament.
Dawson handled media relations, coordinated hotels and helped with organizational matters, all with the concern of a father whose three children participated in the internationally known event.
“More than anything, his overall soccer knowledge is the thing that can't be replaced,” said tournament director Mike Connerly. “I can hire someone to do a computer job or send out press releases. I can't find one person to do that with the soccer knowledge that he had.”
Dawson's duties have been divided among several people for this summer's Surf Cup, which will feature top-level youth teams starting Saturday at the San Diego Polo Club.
Dawson, who had been involved with the tournament since 1993, died of a pulmonary embolism last August. He was 57.
Surf Cup officials are honoring Dawson with a memorial page in the tournament program, just as they did for the San Diego College Cup, a sister event that takes place in November.
Dawson served as a friendly face for the Surf Cup, allowing Connerly to tend to operational details. Their complementary styles were evident to Dawson's son, David, who oversees the tournament's Web site.
“Mike's always real wrapped up during the tourney in the minutia of how to get everything done right,” David Dawson said. “For my dad, everything led up to him being able to show off the tournament. He'd get out there and show everyone what was going on and how exciting it was.”
While he became recognized for his soccer background, Mick Dawson knew little about the sport growing up in Indianapolis. His involvement began when David, at age 6, asked to play during the youth soccer boom of the early 1980s.
Upon his son's request, Dawson bought a book on how to teach the game. Younger daughters Theresa and Laura also played soccer, including stints in the Surf Cup.
Dawson studied journalism at Ball State University but left college to join the Navy during the Vietnam War.
In the Navy, Dawson mastered the skills that would lead to a career in nuclear energy. During boot camp in San Diego, he developed a desire to return to the area, where he would raise his children as a single father.
Dawson first approached Connerly with ideas on how to promote the Surf Cup, then volunteered what time he could to help. Three years later, Dawson became a full-time consultant for the tournament.
In bringing together elite teams, the Surf Cup serves as a mecca for college coaches considering prospects for scholarships. It was an aspect of particular interest to Dawson.
“He understood how important college scholarships can be for certain families,” David Dawson said. “It was his way of trying to help the universe, to help kids out. It's the perfect place to help people find college coaches.”
Mick Dawson remained active in the tournament through his final days, despite ongoing health issues. Over the years, he added duties as San Diego Surf Club administrator and regional youth soccer board member.
His weakening physical condition had been known since 1999, when he underwent open-heart surgery to repair a faulty valve.
“From '99, he treated everything like it was extra time,” David Dawson said. “He wanted to spend the rest of his life doing what he could with us.”
SURF CUP
What: Youth soccer tournament featuring 338 national and international boys and girls teams.
When: Under-10 to under-15 age groups play Saturday through Monday. Under-16 to under-19 age groups play Aug. 2-4.
Times: Saturday and Sunday schedules begin at 8 a.m. Monday schedule, including semifinals and finals, starts at 8:30 a.m.
Where: San Diego Polo Club, east of Del Mar, at El Camino Real and Via de la Valle.
Admission: Free
Parking: $10 per day
Web site: surfcup.com
