Welcome to the first installment of "Rec League Legends" featuring Jon "Fratz" Katz and Ben "The Bruiser" Ludlow. Each week we plan to battle Dartmouth's top athletes at their own games and bring you the details.
As storied high school athletes who started out on the playgrounds and prestigious recreational fields of Northern New Jersey, we feel very confident in our abilities to not just defeat each opponent, but to walk on to the team while doing it. It's time to put our skills to the test.
The idea for this column stems from the NBC series "Shaq Vs." which shows Shaquille O'Neal taking on top professional athletes in their own fields. Our resources prevent us from playing against the likes of Ben Roethlisberger and Albert Pujols, so we'll have to settle for Dartmouth's best.
Now a little about us:Jon Katz5'10", 165 lbs.Four-year First Singles, Morristown High SchoolTri-Captain/All-County Cross Country, Tennis, Track4:38 Mile, 95-mph Serve, 4'3'' High JumpHabitat for Humanity secretaryStrengths: Racquet Sports, Heart, Agility, IntelligenceWeaknesses: Can't swim or ride a bike, Ego, Hair
Jon Katz began his sports career playing soccer for the Morris United Bobcats, living by the motto, "Practice on Thursdays, Wreck on Saturdays." He averaged two goals a game and led his team to the Rec League Championship (pizza party). Notable teammates include Big Green men's squash member Mike Hauge '12.
Katz also dabbled on the hard courts. From 1998-2001, he played power forward for the Flair Cleaners Lakers, the Amelio Pizza Rockets and the Raul's Empanada Suns. While primarily a defensive stopper, he was also a threat from the free-throw stripe and led his teams to two championships.
His most memorable accomplishment, however, was winning the Hustle Award at the Michael Jordan Basketball Camp in 1998. Prizes included a D.A.R.E. bumper sticker and a high five from one-time NBA star Ron Harper.
Lastly, Katz played Little League Baseball for the MC Access Yankees. He batted leadoff and, if not for a mid-season trade to the Nortel Tigers of the National League, he would have surely made an all-star team.Ben Ludlow5'9", 175 lbs.Senior year tri-captain of Cross Country, Swimming and Rowing at Cincinnati Country Day SchoolTwo-time League MVP in SwimmingU.S. Junior National Team RowerStrengths: Water Sports, Hand-eye Coordination, Strength, Stockiness, AccelerationWeaknesses: Stockiness, Broken Rib, Height, Being a Rower
Ludlow started his playing days across town from Katz in the legendary Chatham Recreation League programs. While he attributes his fairy tale beginnings to north Jersey playgrounds, he moved to the urban jungle of Cincinnati, OH in 1997.
While there, he became the first person in his family to learn to swim and began to call the water his home. Among other accomplishments, he came in second at the Ohio AA Swim Meet in the 50-m breast stroke. From third to seventh grade, Ludlow was a .300 hitter, catcher and captain of Indian Hill Knothole Baseball team E. At the peak of his career, however, he suffered a season-ending throat injury after he was hit by two pitches in one game. Sadly, he never mentally recovered.
Ludlow then turned his eyes to football where he, like Katz, won the Hustle Award at his first football camp. The realization that both men were great hustlers was the basis for the beginning of their friendship.
So, we're calling on all Dartmouth athletes, you pick the time and place. Our first contest will be with Dartmouth sprinter Joe Tracy '12. Contact us if you are interested in taking on the Rec League Legends.
Get your popcorn ready, and we'll see you next week.
