By Ashley Light
Eleven Long Island boys, including six from Great Neck, were selected to represent this year’s Sid Jacobson JCC Maccabi team in the Mini Maccabi Games. A one-day athletic event for Jewish children ages 9 to 10, this year’s tournament was hosted by the Rockland JCC on Sunday, May 22.
Last year’s Sid Jacobson team was successful enough to win the bronze medal, but this year the team was after the gold.
Driving up to Rockland County before sunrise, team members Ethan Hofman, Jaren Solomon, Luke Cronin, Doron Sedaghat, Alex Maradorf, Dylan Maradorf, Alex Seigel, Drew Feinstein, Braden Sosnick, Dylan Eisenberg and Ben Burko were prepared for a long day of tough competition.
The day kicked off with a parade of all the participants, followed by the national anthems. Then, it was time for the competition.
The JCC team gave its all, playing with great sportsmanship and respect, maintaining its drive to succeed and win. The team barreled through its opponents in the morning games, resulting in a 3-0 start and first seed going into the final 4 for the afternoon playoffs.
After winning the semifinal round, the team fought hard and came in a close second place, taking home the silver medal.
Coach Steve Cronin and Chairman Philip Flynn were behind the success of the team with constant encouragement and dedication. The quest continues and the boys will be back next year with their eyes on the ultimate accolade.
