Student Activism

Senior Emily Pogrund is co-captain of the Lady Tigers basketball team and will play on the badminton team this spring. Senior Victor Abecassis plays on the men's basketball and tennis teams, and was named to the 2008 all-star team at the prestigious Yeshiva University Red Saracheck basketball tournament.

You both transferred to CJHS in your sophomore year. What was this like?
     Vic: Transferring to CJHS was not as difficult as I had thought it would be. Everybody at CJHS is really open, so it wasn't hard meeting people, and since the school is so united, I soon knew almost everyone. The curriculum was a lot to handle but everyone from teachers to friends helped me through it, so it was all right.
     Emily: Transferring to CJHS was definitely an experience! I'm glad to be here, and I'd say it worked out for the best.

How did playing on CJHS athletic teams help with this transition?
     Vic:   Playing on the team as soon as I transferred group watch

helped make the transition a lot easier and a lot more fun than I thought second semester would be. I met some of my great friends from CJHS on the team, and without playing with them I would definitely have not been able to get as close to them.

     Emily: I have been playing basketball my whole life. Being able to play at CJHS put me back into my comfort zone and made it possible for me to get involved and keep in shape.

What's your favorite memory or experience playing on a school team?
     Vic: My favorite memory is having a conversation with Mr. Cohen and my teammates at the Memphis basketball tournament about a certain type of "Western wear." Another favorite memory is from the YU Tournament, when we won off a buzzer beater 3 by Eisy to win the game and go to the championship. Well done, Eisy, you stud muffin!
     Emily: This year our team has really bonded, more than any of my previous years. We are able to have fun and joke around while also being able to focus on the game-- we even win now! I'd have to say a great part of my basketball experience is being able to look over at the stands during a game and see my grandfather, with his "Go Tigers!" t-shirt and grandmother with her bag of fresh cookies for the team.

Why are sports an important part of the CJHS curriculum?
     Vic: The dual curriculum is a lot to handle, and without something to blow off steam you could go crazy. I wouldn't have been able to stay as calm if I wasn't on the team. It's also an indisputable excuse for leaving class early on game day!
     Emily: Sports are a great way to take your mind off of the stresses of high school. Also, without sports, nothing would motivate me to work out on a Sunday morning!

Do you have any game day superstitions?
     Vic: I never take off my jewelry until tip off. I'll leave my necklace and wrist bands on right till tip off because they're good luck. Then I need to hand them to Mr. Gross to hold bball

onto. It needs to be either Mr. Gross or Donna that holds my stuff. Donna's awesome. I also need to drink a monster and eat a snickers bar before big games.
     Emily: Our team went on a four-game losing streak at the beginning of the season and before all of those games we would put our hands in and on three say "win". At the fifth game we decided to change it up and say, "Go Tigers!" instead which led to a five game winning streak! Needless to say, we never said "win" again!

What are your plans for next year?
     Vic: Next year I'll be going to Northwestern. I'm not entirely sure what I'll be studying but whether it's on the school team, practice team, or league play, I plan to be playing ball.
     Emily: As a senior, I have learned that there is no possible way to avoid that question. Therefore, I have learned to deal with it. As for my plans for next year, I plan to move on from CJHS, and continue to be ambiguous with my responses to that question.