The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Jonas Shapiro as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Jonas is a first grader at Yeshivat Noam and a key contributor to the Bergen County Flag Football League Cool Kippah Giants’ playoff run this past season. It was Jonas’ first season playing football, but as BCFL Co-Commissioner Steve Gutlove told The Jewish Link, “Jonas is a natural on the field and has shown great progress every week. I look forward to seeing continued excellence from him in the BCFL spring season.” BCFL Cool Kippah Giants coach Joey Shatzkes told The Jewish Link, “Jonas played hard on every play. He was exceptional on both sides of the ball and was always very respectful and thoughtful of his teammates. In two of our games he had multiple touchdowns and he was always reliable on defense pulling flags. He is a real star.”
Jonas, congrats on the great season and for being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Who is your role model and why?
Tom Brady is my role model because he is my favorite football player and he is the best quarterback of all time.
What is your favorite sport?
I love playing and watching football. I love it because I am so good at throwing and catching the ball.
What is your pregame routine?
Before a game I put on my flags and my jersey.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
During flag football last season, I got three touchdowns in one game against the BCFL Jewish Link Jets! (Thanks Dahlia for the shoutout!) We also had another game against the Packers where I was the only person to score a touchdown. I couldn’t have done this without my awesome coach, Coach Joey, who knows how to teach us the game and makes us feel good.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Lamar Jackson from the Ravens. The Ravens are my home team and he is the quarterback for the Ravens.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory was when I saw Justin Tucker kick a 66 yard field goal on TV breaking the NFL record.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory was when my Abba took me to Miami by myself on a special vacation and we went to see the Ravens play the Dolphins. I walked around the stadium, got ice cream, had a huge soda and the Ravens won 59-10! It was a great game.
What is the weirdest thing that you have witnessed at a game?
I was watching someone kick a goal in soccer. When the player kicked the ball the goal post fell over and the ball went into the stands.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
I love watching TV.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being Sportstar of the week is being recognized for my hard work while playing a game I love.
Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
By Jewish Link Sports Desk
