Irvine Teens Bring Home the Gold
Gold medal winning Maccabiah Games athletes Isaac Evans (middle left) and Tobias Averill (middle right) with their proud mamas Jamie Evans (far left) and Belinda Averill (far right). Photo credit Motti Marom
Held every four years in Israel, the Maccabiah Games has inspired Jewish athletes since its inception in 1932 to represent their home countries and compete with the best of the best. Considered the Jewish Olympics, the Maccabiah Games is open to Jewish athletes from around the world as well as Israeli athletes of any religion.
10,000 athletes from over 60 countries came to Israel for this summer’s 21st Maccabiah. Here, two teenaged basketball players from Irvine share their experiences representing Team USA and bringing home the gold.
Isaac Evans
Isaac Evans was a shooting guard on the gold medal-winning Team USA. Photo credit Motti Marom
School: University High School
Position: Shooting guard
Best memory from Maccabiah Games: I have so many incredible memories from the Maccabiah games. Walking out into the stadium with Team USA for the opening ceremonies was pretty amazing but winning the gold medal was something I will never forget.
One thing you would do differently?: I can’t honestly think of anything I would do differently. It was the best month of my life.
Something you learned about basketball, about yourself, or about life in general: Even though we were competing against other teams and we all wanted to win, we were all there to have fun and make new Jewish friends from all over the world.
Best advice for future Maccabiah Games participants: Make friends, don’t be shy, play to win!
Tobias Averill
Toby Averill, a starting forward on Team USA, tests out his gold medal. Photo credit Motti Marom
School: Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Email: tobiasaverill@gmail.com
Position: Starting Forward
Best memory from Maccabiah Games: Winning gold in the championship game against Israel.
One thing you would do differently?: Nothing
Something you learned about basketball, about yourself, or about life in general: I learned how basketball, and all sports, connect people from all around the world. I met so many incredible people and made friendships that will last a lifetime.
Best advice for future Maccabiah Games participants: I started playing Junior Maccabi when I was 5 years old so my advice is to stick with it because one day it could lead to playing for gold in the Maccabiah games for Team USA. Dream big!