The RAIN on Water Event Space and The Jewish Link of New Jersey would like to recognize 10-year-old Eitan Popowitz as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The fifth grader at the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey was a key contributor on the BBO 11U all star team. BBO Comissioner Avi Rosalimsky told the JLNJ, “Even though, Eitan preferred to play other positions, because of his strong arm and his ability to block the ball from getting behind him, he was the catcher for the entirety of the season for the BBO 11U all star team. There’s no question that pitchers Natanel Bromberg, Rafi Karasick, Benji Shiner, Ryan Teller and Eli Wiederkehr felt more confident with Eitan catching them from behind home plate.”
Eitan, congratulations on your excellent play for the BBO travel team. Who is your role model and why?
My role model is my dad because he teaches me how to play sports. Ever since I was a little boy, my dad and I played sports together whenever we could. He also comes to all of my sports games and cheers me on.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is hockey. I enjoy running up and down the court, trying to score goals for my team. When playing defense, I love trying to lift the puck to the other side of the court.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
My greatest sports accomplishment was during a TABC Jr Hockey game. My team was tied, 3-3, and the game went into overtime. One of the players on the opposing team tried to center the puck, but no teammate of his was there. I was able to gain possession of the puck, and shot from half court. I scored the winning goal for my team!
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Aaron Judge. He is a team player and makes great catches in the outfield.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory was when I was around 5 years old. It was my first year in PAL, and I was on the Mets. I remember hitting the ball off the tee, and it went over everyone’s heads!
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory is when I scored seven goals in a hockey game during Camp Slapshots last summer. My team won 9-3.
What is your pregame routine?
I try to show up early to every game so I can practice with my teammates. The more we play together, the better we become as a team.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
My favorite non sports activity is playing with my little brother (sports:)).
What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you on the field?
This season, during travel baseball, I played catcher for my team. When I was up to bat, I realized that I was still wearing my catchers shin gear! Everyone laughed, and I went back to the dugout to take them off before batting.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
It makes me proud of myself that I try my best, and am a team player.
The RAIN on Water Event Space Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift certificate to any Teaneck Restaurant of their choice. Please contact RAIN at 201.817.8100 to receive certificate. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and RAIN on Water Event Space Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
