Teamwork and Tradition

TENAFLY COUPLE Tracy Wolfson and David Reichel have always been a sports-centered family. Since moving to town 17 years ago, they’ve been active members of the community, teaching their three sons and countless others in Tenafly the value of teamwork both on and off the field. With Wolfson’s longstanding role as a CBS sportscaster and Reichel’s founding of the Tenafly Recreation Lacrosse Program, the couple has become a symbol of Tenafly’s tight-knit athletic community.

RISE TO THE TOP

Wolfson dreamed of her current career from the time she was just seven years old. Although she didn’t grow up in a sports-centered family, her passion for sports began early. “I was always a competitor,” says Wolfson. “I loved playing everything. I liked playing games, I liked playing sports, and I really liked following it.” With few women in the field to look up to, Wolfson carved her own path.

Determined to break into sports broadcasting, she studied communications at the University of Michigan and sought every opportunity to gain experience. From internships to early jobs at networks like HBO Sports, Oxygen Sports, and ESPN, her persistence eventually led her to CBS, where she has been a sportscaster for the last 22 years. Between this year and last year, she has won two consecutive Emmy awards for top sideline reporter.

To those looking to follow in her footsteps, Wolfson emphasizes the importance of practice and networking. “Make as many contacts in the business as you can,” she advises. “Keep those contacts, use those contacts, and follow up with them.”

The highlight of her career? Super Bowl 50, when the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Peyton Manning’s final game.

“To have that moment after the game, asking [Manning] questions not only about the win but about his potential retirement—that’s a memory I’ll never forget. It’s the pinnacle of my career and something I dreamed about since I was a little girl.”

Wolfson credits her success not only to hard work but to having a supportive family. “We come up with our own traditions,” she says. “We have Tuesday Thanksgiving instead of Thursday Thanksgiving, and it’s one of our favorite things.” For her, it’s about balance. “For [my sons] to see a strong woman out there working, but also being a mom and doing both—that will pay dividends for them going forward.”

LEGACY THROUGH LACROSSE

While Wolfson’s career has taken her on the road, Reichel has spent his working years in New York City. His commute, combined with Wolfson’s need for airport access, made Tenafly the perfect place to raise their family. As their sons got older, Reichel began coaching their basketball teams and wanted to introduce them to lacrosse, a sport he played growing up, at the University of Michigan, and later in Australia. With no local options, Reichel launched the Tenafly Recreation Lacrosse Program.

“It’s not something I ever thought I’d be so involved in,” he says. “But once I started coaching, it took on a life of its own and became such a big part of my life.”

He credits volunteers as key to the program’s success. “The biggest struggle isn’t getting kids to play, it’s finding parents to coach,” he says. “Many don’t have lacrosse experience, but we’ve been lucky to have great people step up. Without them, these teams don’t exist.” Reichel also credits Tenafly high school varsity coach Eric Quaranti, as well as the Tenafly Recreation Department, for showing their support in every step of the way.

By providing equipment, field space management, and scheduling, the Tenafly Recreation Department has allowed the lacrosse program to flourish. The lacrosse team even teamed up with the recreation department to form Tenafly Lacrosse Day, a Saturday in the spring where the town comes out to watch the lacrosse teams play. “Lacrosse has taken a life of its own in Tenafly,” says Reichel, “and the recreation department deserves a lot of credit for that.”

Wolfson adds, “they walk around with the name Tenafly on their shirts, and David does a great job of explaining what that means.” Reichel continues, “You’re representing yourself, your family, and your community, so let’s compete in a way we can be proud of.” As a coach who helps shape character as much as skill, Reichel exemplifies Tenafly’s values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and integrity.

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

Wolfson and Reichel are grateful to raise their family in Tenafly. “Being so involved in sports has really opened up the community aspect of living in a town like this,” said Reichel. Aside from having a strong presence in the town’s athletics, they are involved in the Jewish Community Center and describe it as being an important resource in Tenafly for so many people.

“There’s so many people that we’ve met that grew up in this town and have returned and raised families here, and I think that says something about a town and a community that they want to come back here,” says Wolfson. “We only have great things to say about Tenafly and feel very fortunate that we were able to raise our kids here.”

BY GABRIELLE WALTERS