The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize 16-year-old Yoni Uvsitzky as this week’s sports star of the week. The Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School junior took first place and best wrestler in last month’s Randolph High School wrestling tournament.

Uvitsky’s coach Dave Cilio told JLNJ: “I have often told the kids that their biggest foe is themselves. This was definitely the case for Yoni, until recently. He had no idea how good he could really be and put way too much pressure on himself. Within the last month he has risen to a completely different level as a wrestler and just let go. He has been wrestling fantasticly, winning everything and most importantly… having fun. He placed first in both of the public school tournaments that we recently entered. In the last tournament he was chosen, by a coach’s vote, the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the entire tournament of about 350 wrestlers. There is no harder worker on the team, he is always doing extra and pushes his mind/body to the limit. He is a true warrior.”

Yoni, congrats on a great season so far. The future looks very bright for you. Rabbi Kirsch (athletic director at RKYHS) said that over your high school years he has watched you develop athletically and academically, becoming a leader on the wrestling team to whom younger wrestlers look for advice and inspiration.

Who do you look to for advice and inspiration?

“My dad, my brother (Koby) and my coach (Dave Cilio).”

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

“U.S. Olympian (wrestler) Kyle Dake.”

What is your pregame meal?

“Egg whites, oatmeal and grilled chicken.”

What is your earliest sports memory?

“My first match ever. Just everyone cheering me on and my brother being right there in my corner right after I won to give me a hug.”

What do you like to do when not wrestling?

“Working out (with my workout crew) either at the gym or park, and having a great time with friends.”

What is the best part of being a sports star?

“You get to see your progress over the years and your teammates (your brotherhood), and they’re all right there with you.”

The Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for next week’s Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].