The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Hanoch Elkin as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The 17-year-old junior at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School is a born leader, as captain of both the wrestling and track teams at Kushner. “Hanoch is everything a leader should be,” observed Coach P of the RKYHS track team, “He encourages his teammates, sets an example by putting in the hard work, and when it comes to race day, he goes out and wins.”
Hanoch, congrats on a great season. Who is your role model and why?
My role model is Kobe Bryant. He changed the game of sports psychology with his “Mamba Mentality” and proved to be one of the best and most determined athletes I’ve ever seen.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is wrestling. It has been the most challenging and the most rewarding, and it brought me into the world of physical competition.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
I had an undefeated wrestling season last year as a sophomore. I also consider becoming the captain of wrestling and track to be great accomplishments.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Spencer Lee, a wrestler for Iowa State. He always wrestles well, pushes himself and keeps improving every year.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory is playing roller-hockey with my dad and brother when I was about 7.
What is your pregame routine?
I like to take a couple minutes to lock myself in mentally. I remind myself why I’m here, how hard I’ve trained and how much I want to win. I know that as soon as I step on the mat or the track, nothing will stop me. Wrestling and track both require confidence, consistency and 100% effort at all times. The final minutes of a match or race aren’t the time for overthinking or second-guessing. Many skilled athletes fall short because they let negative thoughts into their heads during the game. The only things on my mind are to remember what I learned and to push myself to win.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Midway through my sophomore year wrestling season, I faced the #1 wrestler in my weight class who was a senior. It was a tough match and we were tied 7-7 after the second period but I ended up winning 14-7. It was a very rewarding victory for me and for my team.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
I wrestled in a public school tournament at West Orange High School last year two days after an emergency root canal. I threw up twice before the tournament but I ended up taking first place after winning in the finals match by one point. It was a weird experience but I was proud of myself for not giving up and wrestling my best.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
When I’m not playing sports I like to play chess and listen to music.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The connections you build with your teammates as you work hard and push each other to play well.
The Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week will receive a 5% discount on their next order @Drink Up, order with https://forms.gle/k8cjADWpMne9bPed7 or message Steve Gutlove 201 578 7425. Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
