Page 28
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 22, 2002
A Father and Son Team by JOAN K. MARCUS
•
It is very obvious that Bruce and Zachary Muskin are good friends. Bruce sits quietly and smiles while his son, Zach, relates his day at school. The 13-year-old young man (who seems much older) is enthused about all of his activities at Beveridge Magnet School. The school houses seventh and eighth graders and specializes in the performing arts and global studies, in
Zach and Bruce Muskin addition to" teaching all of the other required subjects. "We have special music, dance, art and photography classes. However, we still have all of the other classes like math, science and sociology," Zach said.
Zach participates in drama and plays tenor and alto saxophone in the jazz and marching bands. His day begins at 7 a.m. and is full. However, the favorite part of his day is when he plays basketball. Young Zach plays "point guard" for the team. "There are five guys on the court and the 'point guard' controls the ball most of the time. I call out the plays, and I'm i kind of in charge. They don't . _' want a guy for a 'point guard' ' A who loses the ball all of the time "•*'lji to the other team!" Zach likes to play "point guard" because he isn't big } enough to play "forward." He $ hopes to continue playing bas&h$i ketball in high school at either "jfofi Burke or Central, and hopes to t. "make the basketball team" -~j when he gets there. The young athlete is also a third baseman for the Omaha Spikes baseball team. Although he has played almost every position on the team, his main job is taking care of third base. "I also like to play center . field," he admitted. Zach tried out for the Spikes, formerly part of the Suburban Stampede. He has played organized baseball since he was five. Although baseball and basketball are his main sports, he also wrestles, plays football, soccer, golf and tennis. He admits it's more fun to win than lose, and he tries to be a good sport. (Continued on page 36)
/
•
Philosophy of Life Like a Game of Golf by GARY JAVITCH —
—
With the arrival of the August There are other life comparisons, too, Maccabi Games, all eyes will be like the need for discipline and focused on the student g athletes. Omaha, however, is home to many ^ top Jewish athletes. Harry "Hap" Pocras is one of them. Dr. Pocras' connection to the summer event stems from his strong background in golf, one of the Macabbi sports. Young athletes today can compare their experiences with his. On the wall in his study hangs a picture of his idol, Arnold Palmer, and himself. Pocras met the golfing , legend in 1976, when _ just a youngster. Pal-' H a r r y a p P o c r a s m h l s ^ study/trophy room. mer had come for an exhibition at the Omaha Country patience, especially when there is a Club, where the photo was taken. day when nothing seems to go right. Hap started playing golf at the age "You can do everything right and of seven and began competing by 10. the outcome doesn't reflect your He played tournaments and won two effort," he said. Nevertheless, "there big ones in his youth. Those early is a tomorrow and I am always looksuccesses gav« him a big incentive to ing forward...looking to the future." compete. Dr. Pocras credits golf for helping He developed a strong love for the him become a better clinician. Hap game of golf. He sees life like a game chose the specialty area of anesthesiof golf and compares the two. "You ology because he liked the style of have to figure out ways to get patient care. "All patients are anxious through tough times. There are daily when they go to see doctors," he challenges to overcome," he said. (Continued on page 36)
'
UNIVERSITY
m.:
I