Community Magazine December 2013

Sportsman The Tawil Dental of the Month Judah Abadi Professional football is best known for its physical toughness, large players and passionate fans. Recently, the sport has been receiving widespread criticism due to the serious health risks it poses. However, in the yard and on fields across America where tackling is forbidden, the sport is played with vigor and enjoyment setting it apart from any of America’s other pastimes. Unlike most sports, where it is enough to just be a part of the team, football requires smarts, as well as mental and physical stamina. It is considered one of the most difficult sports to play, and those that master it are truly gifted athletes. With this in mind, we can begin to describe the unique football talents of Judah Abadi, while openly confessing that no description can fully capture his athletic prowess. With a football IQ of a professional player, Judah brings both smarts and talent to the gridiron. Slant routes, slot formations and complex diagrams are all second nature to this 21-year-old star. The word “fumble” isn’t in his dictionary, and defeat is unfamiliar to him. At the beginning of every game spectators watch as Judah scans the landscape in front of him mapping out his course and taking note of the potential difficulties that lie ahead. He then uses this information to outplay and, in most cases, bewilder his opponents, who marvel at his dazzling speed, grace and agility as he cuts through the defense with extraordinary force. Catching him is only a dream. “The man has the ability to blow past defenses on even the most convoluted plays... I don’t know how he does it!” one awed observer described. His versatility – playing defensive end, wide receiver, and tight end – makes Judah the proverbial human Swiss Army knife of the game. His uncanny ability throws his opponents off guard. When they first see him, opposing players are expecting an amateur, but quickly recognize that they are dealing with a knowledgeable, skilled player who plays with dignity and class in a sport otherwise seen as violent and brutish. “What always impresses me about Judah is his sportsmanlike conduct. He has a way of turning an opposing linebacker into his best friend even while defeating him. He’s truly an inspiration to all athletes.” And this is Judah’s greatest sports achievement. The game of football is played with force, which is prone to evoking antagonism toward opposing players and creating a tense and hostile environment. Judah redefines the game, projecting positivity even amidst intense play. Says a fellow player, “If you think you need to play with animosity toward your opponent to win, just watch Judah. The guy plays with a smile the entire game... and still wins!” While winning is the object of the game, maintaining proper decorum is paramount to Judah. Since his youth, Judah has shown that while sports are enjoyable and can be very constructive, it is what you do off the field that matters most. Those that know Judah bear witness to his mature disposition and courteous personality. Respect, decency and warmth are the words generally used to describe his character. “If you ask me,” says one friend, “I think Judah personifies the ultimate athlete. Talented and mature coupled with a strong sense of goodwill.” When a player is regarded as great in his sport it can mean many things, but when a player is described as great in this column, it means he embodies greatness in all areas. It is for this reason that we are proud and honored to award Judah S. Abadi with the highly coveted title of “Sportsman of the Month.” If you, or your league, would like to nominate a candidate who displays skill, sportsmanship, and community values that warrants recognition, simply send in the athlete’s name along with a photo and a brief summary, including statistics and accomplishments, to Sports@ CommunityM.com. Athletes involved in any of our community’s sports leagues, events, tournaments, or other organized play are eligible. Please note that this honor is not necessarily awarded to the highest scorer or to the top rated player, but rather to the best all-around sportsman. A true sportsman is not interested in winning at all costs, but rather plays the game while demonstrating good values, teamwork, courteousness, selfdiscipline, and respect for all players. The Tawil Dental Sportsman of the month is... 48 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE