A.J. Hertog - June 10, 2004
This week's TCO "Athlete of the Week" is A.J. Hertog, a 16-year-old Grade 10 student attending Brantford Collegiate Institute. A.J. can best be described as a well-rounded athlete who excels in a variety of sports at many different levels.
A.J. began playing organized sports, Briers basketball and t-ball, at the age of four. He was identified at an early age as a team player that enjoyed competition. He possessed a level of intensity, on the court or field, which remains a stark contrast to his laid back demeanor outside of sports, even today.
Throughout A.J.'s 11 years playing Briers basketball, he has won championships and numerous awards. A.J. also loves baseball and his most prized possession is a baseball hit by Cal Ripkin Jr. A.J. played shortstop for the Brantford Red Sox minor bantam AAA team in 2002 and celebrated with the team as Ontario Bantam champions.
A.J. fondly recalls the highlight of his athletic career was the summer of 2001 when Brantford won the AA Ontario Championships and the CNE tournament in the same year. A.J.'s home run was televised on Global television that night.
A.J. recently helped lead the B.C.I. Junior Colts basketball team, in the role of point guard, to the CWOSSA finals. A.J.'s interest in sports is not limited to basketball and baseball. A.J. has played football for the past two years for BCI on specialty teams and as a wide receiver. He played rugby last season for the BCI junior team and is currently playing rugby, competing with the Brantford Briers and playing baseball.
A.J. just recently helped his team, the junior rugby team from BCI, become CWOSSA champions.
When his schedule allows, A.J. also volunteers for the Light a Smile program that supports students who are experiencing hardship or challenges in their lives.
Good luck A.J.! |
