Former Jackrabbit a Medal Winner in Maccabi Games

BROOKINGS, S.D.—Former South Dakota State tennis player Gary Notkin won a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Maccabi Games in Santago, Chile Jan. 4.

Notkin, who played for the Jackrabbits last year, won a gold medal in mixed doubles and just missed a bronze medal in singles.

“This experience has been on of the best experiences of my life. To be able to come to a country and a continent that I have never been to and to play a tennis tournament is something that I will never forget,” Notkin said. “The fact that there are so many people here from different parts of the world makes it an even more amazing experience. I have been able to meet new people, compete against some very good players, see a new place, and learn about different cultures; and that has been the greatest thing about this whole trip. I am so glad I did it and it will now be a memory that I will have for the rest of my life!”

Notkin, who is competing in the open division, was chosen for the Games based on his results and ranking. During his two seasons at South Dakota State, the Plymouth, Minn., native totaled 23 singles and 20 doubles wins in dual play, which rank eighth and ninth respectively in the program's Division I history.

"I am so proud of Gary and what he has been able to accomplish. I know he set his eyes on this tournament as soon as he finished his college career last season and he worked hard in his preparation,” Jackrabbit head coach Michale Engdahl said. “Everyone involved in Jackrabbit tennis is excited for him and he represented his country well! It is the type of moment he will remember the rest of his life and I couldn't be happier for him.”

Sponsored by the Latin American Maccabi Confederation, the Pan American Maccabi Games are held every four years in a country in the Americas. The 13th edition features Jewish athletes from North, Central and South America, Israel and other countries competing in 20 sports.

For more information, visit Maccabi USA's website.

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Gary Notkin

Completed Event: Men's Tennis versus Denver on April 22, 2018 , Loss , 0, to, 7

Completed Event: Men's Tennis versus Oral Roberts on April 21, 2018 , Loss , 2, to, 5

Completed Event: Men's Tennis at Augustana on April 20, 2018 , Win , 5, to, 2

Completed Event: Men's Tennis at Omaha on April 15, 2018 , Loss , 2, to, 5

Completed Event: Men's Tennis versus Illinois State on April 7, 2018 , Loss , 0, to, 7

Completed Event: Men's Tennis at Valparaiso on April 6, 2018 , Loss , 2, to, 5

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