Yeshiva University Basketball Looking back, past teammates reconnecting and scoring big

On December 18, Yeshiva University hosted an event in honor of past Yeshiva University Mac captains during the halftime of a basketball game between the current YU Macs and the St. Joseph College Bears at the beautiful Mac home gym on Wilf Campus. Though I have attended numerous Mac games over the past few years, this was the first time that my teammates and I were able to once again step on the court to officially represent Yeshiva University basketball.

When I played basketball for Yeshiva University way back in the 70’s, my teammates and I had been veritable nomads practicing and playing home games at a myriad of venues and locations throughout Manhattan and Queens neighborhoods. Our team reflected both an integrated group of dedicated players as well as a metaphoric tribe of 20th Century wandering Jews searching for a homeland and playing in virtual exile, as we had no home.

We were led by a man, Coach Johnny Halpert, who I have learned to greatly appreciate and admire for his dedication and commitment to our team, to Yeshiva University, and ultimately to each one of us as individuals. He showed me leadership and understanding as he led us during the time of the complex Vietnam/post-60’s period. He was a model of consistency and integrity that respected us as individual players notwithstanding our won-loss record which did not reflect both his and our hard work, sacrifice, and unmitigated dedication to our team and to Yeshiva University. The day turned out to be really special; well beyond what I could possibly have imagined or expected.

Seeing teammates who I had not seen for many years precipitated a richness of emotions. Gratitude, friendship, laughter and memories swirled intermittently throughout the day and provided me with a window to re-explore an incredibly wonderful and meaningful period in my life. I was fortunately able to see teammates such as Sol Genuth (my Co-Captain ) , Robert Rosenbloom(Rosey), Mark (Witzy ) Hoenig , David Kufeld , Alan Lochspeiser, and especially Bruce Wenig as I had not seen Bruce since I graduated Yeshiva. I was very lucky to be accompanied by my wonderful wife Judy, as well as my children and grandchildren. It really doesn’t get much better than that. I was especially happy for the current generation of Yeshiva University Macs as they have a beautiful home gym and facility in which to practice and play and the opportunity to experience the thrill of playing in front of a gym full of fans. They are especially lucky to be coached and mentored by Coach Halpert. It was one of those days that made an indelible impression and somehow touched and integrated the past, the present and the future. As I said, it doesn’t get much better than that.