The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize 17-year-old Zachary Greenberg as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The TABC senior is a member of the wrestling, track and chess teams. Last month Greenberg took his talents to the Middle East and finished in first place for his age group in the Jerusalem marathon.
Zack Yasher Koach on a great race! We’d like to ask you some questions about you and your sports career.
Who is your role model?
My Gemara Rabbi, Rabbi Raphi Mandelstam, because he encompasses two aspects which I strive to be like as both a great ben Torah and also as a marathon runner.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Mike Bibby because he was my favorite player on the Knicks and even though he was a short basketball player, he was still really good and he gave me inspiration to not give up on becoming an athlete just because I was short.
What is your pre-race routine?
I like to practice my breathing and jog in place so I can start to get into the groove before the race begins, and I like to give myself a pep talk to never stop running because I know that every minute faster could be the difference from winning and losing.
What is your earliest sport memory?
In Camp Regesh there was a 50-yard dash and I came in first place and got my first medal and ever since then I have been hungry for more.
What is your funniest sports memory?
I signed up for the Jerusalem Marathon for Yachad under the name Captain Zack Sparrow Greenberg, not thinking much about it, but during the Jerusalem Marathon as I was crossing the finish line, I heard on the loudspeaker an Israeli announcer saying Captain Zack Sparrow—my teammates and I started laughing hysterically because we couldn’t believe they would actually say my name like that. It was definitely a great way to end off such a difficult race.
What is your favorite sports memory?
When I was a sophomore, I got randomly selected to take a half-court shot in front of the entire TABC during the opening night of the New Gym basketball game, and I swished the shot and the entire place went berserk and I won Nets tickets. I was in such disbelief that I couldn’t fall asleep until 4 a.m. ….
What do you like to do when not playing sports?
I love playing Chess during my free time and I try to play at least one game every day.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Every shabbos I read the Gotham Sports Star of the week article and I am amazed at the incredible talent that the people in our community possess and I am honored to be recognized as part of that great legacy since I never could have imagined that I would get the chance to be a Sportstar, but hard work and persistence always pays off and it’s an amazing feeling knowing that people appreciate the effort I have put in.
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].
