Ari Witkes is the new Athletic Director for Ramaz. Ari is well known throughout yeshiva league athletics through his broadcasting of HAFTR games, the Satran Tournament, and yeshiva league playoffs.  Last year, he started a popular podcast covering the yeshiva league called Tip Off.  He is also the founder of Lions Den, a fitness program, and he worked at Camp Morasha this summer as the fitness pro.  I sat down with Ari to hear what he had to say about his first month at Ramaz and the year ahead.

Julius Rubenstein: First things first. You live in Woodmere.  How has it been commuting so far?

Mr. Ari Witkes: It’s definitely not the greatest part about being at Ramaz, but it’s what I have to do to get here and I actually look forward to it every day.  It gives me time to think and make the calls I have to make.  

JR: What have been some of the challenges you have faced so far? 

AW: There are a lot of different interests and teams and we only have one gym so coordinating everything is probably the biggest challenge. 

JR: Thoughts on the world famous Ramaz lunch?

AW: The cookies are out of this world!   The salad bar is great and the pizza is wonderful. I’ve been very pleasantly surprised.  

JR: Which Ramaz team has the best shot of bringing home a trophy this year.

AW:  Obviously, Girls Volleyball.

JR: You are famous for your yeshiva league broadcasts.  Some call you the Marv Albert of the yeshiva league.  How did you get started with broadcasting yeshiva league games?

AW: Mostly by watching a lot of sports and thinking I was going to be in the NBA one day like most kids do, but then I quickly realized that wasn’t happening so the next best thing was calling the games. It’s been a lot of fun over the years and I’ve gotten to see a lot of great games and players.

JR:  Now that you are with Ramaz, are you still planning on broadcasting the Satran tournament this year?

AW: That’s in the hands of my agents but chances are good. 

JR: Can you tell us what the current plans for yeshiva league sports are?

AW: As of now, there are sports but they are not allowing any fans, although fans will be allowed at the Glouberman Tournament in California. They are hoping to allow fans at some point later in the season.  Lots of silent cheering in the gym.

JR: What are the plans for broadcasting games then?

AW: We are working with the administration on the live-stream to be able to broadcast as many home games as we can.  

JR: Any plans for social media?

AW: We hope to use the Ramaz accounts to keep everyone updated and entertained.  Who knows, maybe there will even be a few TikToks.

JR: Rumor has it that you played for JEC when you were in high school, were they as bad then as they are now?

AW:  The rumor is true, but my senior year we actually made it to the semi-finals.

JR: Ready for the speed round?

AW: Let’s do it.

JR:  Jordan, Lebron or Kobe?

AW: Jordan.

JR: Favorite food?

AW: Salad.

JR: That’s boring. Favorite movie?

AW: Jerry Maguire.

JR: Solid choice. Favorite tv show?

AW: NBA TV.

JR: Not sure that counts. Favorite historical figure?

AW: Barney.

JR: This is going in a strange direction. Favorite sports teams?

AW: Celtics, Bruins, North Carolina Tar heels, Yankees.

JR:  Interesting mix. Any final words?

AW: I’m very excited to be here and I think it’s going to be a very exciting year ahead for the Ramaz Rams.  

JR: Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy day. Everyone is really happy you are here and excited for the year ahead.