At Center Court With Matt Marinchick – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Ohio State fans recognize Matt Marinchick as a competitive player, who adds strength and agility to the Buckeye basketball team.
Off the court, the 6-foot-10-inch junior center trades a ball for a Frisbee for an enjoyable game of Frisbee golf. During the past six years, Marinchick has become an avid Frisbee golfer and takes it just as seriously as basketball.
“I find that Frisbee golf is a fun and relaxing game,” Marinchick, a Hudson, Ohio native, said. “The game gets me away from the stress that school can cause.”
Marinchick discovered Frisbee golf when he was a freshman at Hudson High School.
“I became interested in frisbee golf when watching the upperclassmen in my high school play,” Marinchick said. “The more I watched them, the more I wanted to participate, so I joined the frisbee golf club and I have been playing ever since.”
On average, when basketball is not as demanding and the weather is right, Marinchick tries to play Frisbee golf with his friends as much as possible.
“In the summer and spring, when the weather is nice, I usually play two or three times a week,” Marinchick said. “In the fall and winter I cannot play as much because of school, basketball and cold weather.”
Marinchick has improved his game over the years and loves the challenge of trying to beat his personal best as well as his friends.
“Out of all the people I play with I am the best,” Marinchick said. “I usually shoot around eight-under-par and I am constantly trying to better myself to beat my best score.”
One will not have to travel far to find Marinchick playing the game he loves. When he plays he plays a course here in Columbus.
“The course I usually play is located here at Griggs Reservoir,” Marinchick said “I love the challenge the course presents. The course has a lot of tough holes and features a few tough shots around a couple of trees.”
Marichick has created many good memories with his game but believes just being able to make a great shot gives him the best feelings. “I love to sink long shots,” Marinchick said. “If I can make a shot 50 or 60 yards away or make a shot around trees I feel like I have had a successful and memorable round.”
Marinchick will continue to improve his game when he is not attempting shots on the basketball court. He hopes everyone who plays Frisbee golf will find the same enjoyment he has found.
“Frisbee golf is truly a fun and relaxing sport,” Marinchick said. “It has all the challenges of real golf with a little more interaction. Those who try the game will not be disappointed with the excitement the game brings.”
