The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 17-year-old Joseph Segal as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Earlier this year, in Segal’s first track meet of his career, he led TABC to a first place victory. Coming in first in shot-put, first in the 800m run, second in the long jump, second in the 100m dash, third in the 400m and fourth in the 200m—scoring a combined 42 points out of the 86 points scored by TABC. At his second meet, Segal came in first in shot-put, first in the 800m run, second in the 4X100m relay, second in the long jump, second in the 400m run, third in the 100m and fifth in the 200m—scoring a combined 54 points out 127.5 for TABC. At the championships, Segal won the 400m with a time of 58:15, and 800m 2:21.14, third in shot-put 29 ft 10 inches and fourth in long jump 16 ft 5.75 inches. TABC track coach Zachary Greenberg told the JLNJ, “Joseph is a true mensch and ben-Torah and served as a great role model for the rest of the team and showed tremendous leadership skills despite being a newcomer on the team.”
Joseph, yasher koach on a tremendous first season. Who is your role model?
My Zaidy. He has constantly shown me what it takes to succeed and to always be a mensch and ben Torah wherever life leads me and has always made it a priority to inquire about how I fared on my athletic teams in school.
What is your favorite sport?
Basketball.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Placing in all six events I participated in at a track meet earlier this season, winning the 800m and shot put, placing second in long jump and 400m, third in 100m and fifth in 200m. In the end, our entire squad stepped up and we pulled out a big win at the meet.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Aaron Judge, as he is a gifted ballplayer who provides a leadership presence and a work ethic that is matched by few.
What is your pregame routine?
Lots of stretching, eating a granola bar and drinking a bottle of water.
What is your earliest sport memory?
Shooting hoops in my driveway with my little brother Zevi.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
Making a game-saving (and game-ending) catch in a softball game in 10th grade against SAR. The ball caromed off a tree as it was falling and I still managed to track it down.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Making it all the way to the semi-finals in the 3 on 3 basketball tournament featuring over 80 teams at NCSY Kollel last summer. My team wasn’t expected to go very far but we pulled off multiple upsets to make it to day two of the tournament.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Spending quality time with my family and friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Being able to strongly represent my family, school and all my teammates. Go Storm!
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at the Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
