Florida Atlantic University Head Cross Country and Track Coach Alex Smolka and cross country runner Eric Dansky will take part in the 18th Maccabiah Games, taking place in Israel from July 13-23, 2009. Smolka was named head coach of the United States Womens Track and Field team in October 2008, and will be making his first trip to the games. It is an honor to be able to represent the university and the country, coaching some of the most talented athletes in the world at such a prestigious event, said Smolka. Sophomore Eric Dansky will take part in the event as a distance runner. Dansky improved steadily throughout his freshman season, eventually finishing 34th at the Sun Belt conference championships. The quadrennial World Maccabiah Games, sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, brings Jewish athletes from around the world together for competition in three categories, juniors, masters and open. This summer’s games will be the 18th edition and is expected to host more than 9,000 athletes from 60 countries. The Games will be televised on JLTV (DirectTV Channel 366) and live streaming video will be available on JLTVs website, JLTV.tv Source: FAU Media Relations
