The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize 14-year-old Ezra Epstein as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Torah Academy of Bergen County freshman was a standout player at RTC this past summer. RTC Director Rabbi Avi Rosalimsky told The Jewish Link, “Despite Ezra’s otherwise very chilled demeanor, Ezra was truly a force to be reckoned with on the courts and fields of RTC. In addition to leading his team to victory in the 3×3 RTC basketball tournament, what stood out most about Ezra was his strong will and determination to succeed, even against all odds. In his semifinal basketball game, Ezra injured his leg pretty badly and was limping around the court for a bit, but he was adamant that he still wanted to play out the rest of the game. Above everything else, Ezra truly has the heart of a lion.”
Epstein’s sixth grade coach at RYNJSteve Gutloveadded, “Like his grandfather, Coach Steve Littwin, Ezra is a born leader. He knows what it takes to win and is not afraid to put in the hard work to get there. Congratulations on what I have no doubt will be the first of many awards.”
Ezra, congrats on the RTC championship and for being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Who is your role model and why?
My grandfather, because he always gives me sports tips, and has been doing so since I was little.
What is your favorite sport?
Basketball and baseball, because I enjoy playing them with my friends and I have been playing them since I was a young kid.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Hitting two home runs in my championship baseball game in eighth grade.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Lebron James, because he always pushed himself as hard as he could to be the best player he can be.
What is your favorite sports memory?
When I was in fifth grade, I won my basketball league championship game by one point.
What is your earliest sports memory?
When I was 6 years old I sat very close to the field at a Mets game and met many players.
What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you while playing ball?
One time, when I was batting in my baseball league, the pitcher threw so hard that when the ball hit the bat, without even touching my finger, my finger got all bruised and sprained.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Hang out with friends and family, watch sports and play video games with friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
All my friends get to see me in the paper.
The Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week will receive a 5% discount on their next order @Drink Up, order with https://forms.gle/yZy37A5hkHwhS3B88 at https://drinkitup.us/ or message Steve @ 201 578 7425. Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
