The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize David Siev as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. David is a third grader at Yeshivat He’Atid and one of the shining stars on the undefeated Bergen County Flag Football League (BCFL) second/third grade Chiefs team that took home the championship in the fall. When asked about David, BCFL Commissioner Steve Gutlove told The Jewish Link, “I first met David in the summer of 2019, when he was a member of Camp Shalom’s Sportstar Select Basketball Program. He was one of the younger kids in the group, but that never held him back. He jumped into every drill and scrimmage and worked very hard on his game and by the end of the program he was able to hold his own with campers that were three or four years older. I saw that same work ethic in him during the inaugural session of BCFL. His natural athletic ability combined with the drive to work hard made him one of the top players in the division. His speed and skill made him a force on both sides of the ball. When the Chiefs had possession, he was always a threat in the open field or to juke the defense on a hand off, while on defense he was usually the first to grab the other team’s flag”. When asked about David, his BCFL coach told The Jewish Link, “Whether creating space on his routes, juking the defender, pressuring the QB or pulling the opponent’s flag, his speed and agility were tremendous for us all season long. When the ball is in his hands, he’s off to the races. But most importantly, he demonstrated good sportsmanship, was a great teammate and always made sure everyone on the team was involved and having a good time.”

David, congrats on the championship and for being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week! Who is your role model and why?

My father, because he’s a really good coach and makes sure everyone on the team gets a chance to play and be involved. He also teaches me how to play sports, good sportsmanship and he loves watching me play.

What is your favorite sport?

Choosing only one is tough, but if I had to choose I’d say football because I like playing it with my friends and it’s fun to watch.

What is your pregame routine?

Playing catch with my father and listening to music to get pumped up.

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Winning the BCFL championship after an undefeated season.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Tyreek Hill, because I was on the BCFL Chiefs. Also, we’re both smaller wide receivers with speed.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Striking out seven batters in my first 8U travel game.

What is your earliest sports memory?

Going to Giants training camp when I was 4 years old and giving a high five to OBJ.

What is the weirdest thing that happened to you while playing ball?

When my baseball coach told me to freeze a wet towel and bring it to the game because it was hot outside.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?

Watching game highlights and getting together with my friends.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

Having all my hard work pay off and being in The Jewish Link!

Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].