May 28, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 17 Young athlete experiencing string of successes Midland Park High School senior Seth Zuidema is enjoying yet another a successful season as a javelin and discuss thrower – and achieving recognition for his efforts. In addition to being named Athlete of the Week earlier this month, Zuidema has now signed with University of Con- necticut. Zuidema entered the May 17 Bergen Meet of Champi- ons with a top-ranked javelin throw of 194.5 feet. He left the meet in first place in Bergen County, with a throw of 194.11 feet; first in discus with a throw of 144.10, a per- sonal best; and in possession of the Award for Field Ath- lete. Zuidema’s friend, Midland Park native Paul Sheridan, who attends Paramus Catholic High School, took second place in javelin at the county meet. At the Red Littler Bergen County Group Meet, Zuidema won the javelin event with a 193 foot throw, some 20 feet farther than his nearest competitor’s effort. When he entered the Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania this spring, Zuidema was seeded 18 th , but finished eighth. Competing against athletes from the East Coast and from countries including South Africa, Trini- dad, and Jamaica, Zuidema delivered with a 190 foot jav- elin throw. At press time, he was off to the State Sectionals in Randolph. One of his secret weapons is the long-distance coaching his older brother provides. Now a college student, Kaleb Zuidema set the state javelin record in 2010. The younger Zuidema explained that his brother sends videos of Seth and other successful throwers in action, and provides com- mentary about their form. “I try to imitate it,” Zuidema said. “It’s been helping a lot. I’ve improved my speed and positions since the start of the season.” With all of these successes now under his belt, one might think Zuidema would be content to continue on his current trajectory – but this is not the case. “My goal for the year is to throw over 200 feet,” he (continued on page 20) D’Amato inducted into Hall of Fame Midland Park resident Matt D’Amato was inducted into the Hasbrouck Heights High School Hall of Fame for outstanding achievement in high school and collegiate athletics. During his high school years, D’Amato was a three sport athlete who played football, basketball, and base- ball. He earned a total of six varsity letters. He captained the football team in his senior year and quarterbacked the team to the State Sectional Finals against New Milford. He was named second team All Bergen County Scholastic League in 1986, throwing for 1,460 yards and 16 touch- downs. In basketball, D’Amato was starting guard for the 1985/1986 team. In baseball, he was named All BCSL in 1986 and 1987. In his junior year, he threw a one-hitter against Wallington with 15 strikeouts. In his senior year, he threw a no-hitter against Weehawken and a one-hitter against Fort Lee. His senior year record was 6-1, and he averaged nine strikeouts per game. During his years at Bloomfield College, D’Amato was a four-year starter for the college’s baseball team. He graduated in 1991 with a degree in criminal justice. He was inducted into Bloomfield’s Hall of Fame in 2002. Currently, he is a senior account manager with United Business Systems in Fairfield. D’Amato and his wife Lisa are the parents of Olivia, Gabrielle, and Matthew. Midland Park track standout Seth Zuidema signed his letter of intent for U. Conn last week. Joining Seth are his parents. Standing: Midland Park AD Michael Gaccione, Head Coach Steve Ferro, Assistant Principal Peter Galasso, and Principal Nicholas Capuano.