Student Athlete of the Week – Paul Motsko

Montrose golfer Paul Motsko is the Independent’s featured Student Athlete of the Week.

“I’ve played golf for as long as I can remember but this is my first year on high school team,” Motsko said. In past seasons, he played football but decided to change sports for his senior year.

“I started to play (golf) because it was one of the few sports where you can’t blame anyone else or have anyone else’s performance bring you up or down its just you out there no one else,” he said. “It’s…your own performance that counts and there is no one to blame if you have a bad hole.”

Golf was once famously described, as “a good walk spoiled.” But Motsko doesn’t feel that way about the game he loves.

“My season so far has been pretty decent but there is always room for improvement,” he said. “I’m not entirely sure what to expect but my goal for this year would be to go to States. As a team I feel we can make a great run in the playoffs.”

Motsko has earned several individual wins this season and has also enjoyed some success with teammate Riley Brown in better-ball matches.

He gets his inspiration from other golfers. “Bubba Watson inspires me because he is on the phase tour and had never taken any form of golf lessons; and also Dave Darling because he has taught me just about everything I know about golf.”

Throughout the year, Motsko stays busy with other sports. He plays basketball on a CYO team and is in track and field, all while holding down a part-time job.

“For fun I like to spend time with family and friends and, of course, golf,” he added.

Motsko is the son of Jean Motsko of Apolacon Twp. Following graduation, he plans to continue his education, as well as his golf game. “I would like to take my golfing to the college level,” he said. He’s looking to pursue a career in physical therapy or pharmacy.