The Jewish Link and The Humble Toast would like to recognize Teaneck’s Shmuel Shulkes as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. A recent graduate of the Torah Academy of Bergen County (Class of 2025), Shulkes is a two-time Wittenberg Wrestling Tournament champion, a consistent honor-roll student, and the captain of the 2024–2025 TABC wrestling team.

We caught up with Shmuel to learn more about what makes him a standout student-athlete and person:

Who is your role model and why?

My role model throughout my life has been Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z”tl. He had an incredible way of making extremely complex Jewish ideas more accessible. For years, I’ve shared divrei Torah at my family’s Shabbos table based on his teachings.

What is your favorite sport?

Wrestling—hands down. Unlike most sports, wrestling doesn’t let you lean on your teammates once you’re competing. They’re there to train and support you, but when you’re on the mat, it’s just you. You win or lose on your own.

What is your earliest sports memory?

Playing kickball inside the house with my dad and family. We used the couch as first base, the back door as second, and the lamp as third. It wasn’t easy hitting a home run, but we definitely tried!

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Winning back-to-back Wittenberg titles in my weight class.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Eddie Hall, for sure. His strength is almost superhuman. He became the first person to deadlift 1,102 lbs, and his methods were wild—like using hypnosis to believe his kids were in danger so he could push harder. It was so intense he passed out and suffered nosebleeds and vision problems afterward. That level of dedication really stuck with me.

What is your pregame routine?

I throw on my dragon kimono jacket, get pumped with music, and do a solid stretch.

What is your funniest sports memory?

I once wrestled and won an entire match with my uniform on backward. I didn’t even notice until it was over.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not wrestling?

I’m a long-time artist. I sketch on paper and digitally, and I also paint. I love drawing superheroes, monsters, and other characters from my imagination.

What is your favorite sports moment?

Winning Wittenberg as an 11th grader. That year, I trained around six times a week. I knew I had improved, but I wasn’t sure how far it would take me. I was nervous going into each match, but I managed to win them all.

What’s the best part of being named a Sportstar?

It’s just a cool fact to share when someone asks you to talk about yourself.

As this week’s Sportstar of the Week, Shmuel will receive a $25 gift at The Humble Toast.

To nominate someone for The Humble Toast Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week, please email Sports@jewishlinknj.com.