C. J. Rogus, a junior at Shepherd University, is majoring in secondary math education. He is also an aspiring athlete who plays the nontraditional game of disc golf, which is gaining popularity throughout the nation and countries around the world.
Rogus played tennis throughout high school and just about anything else that allowed some friendly competition. He saw a disc golf course and read up on some information about it on the Internet.
Rogus went to a local sporting goods store last April and picked up a disc golf starter pack. He played a few games and has been hooked ever since. Almost a year later, Rogus is addicted to the sport and has even begun to play in disc golf tournaments.
Disc golf is similar to traditional golf but with flying discs, or Frisbees. Disc golf uses concepts similar to golf, but instead of golf holes, there are baskets. The players move from basket to basket, trying to get to the final basket with the least amount of throws. Disc golf is inexpensive and usually free to play. It is also not bound to only the summer months and can be enjoyed year round.
Rogus usually plays a couple of games just about every day of the week during the summer. He manages to pick up three or four rounds a week even through the winter season. There are no local leagues in the area, but Rogus and his friends try to get in a game of doubles as often as possible.
Rogus has created a group with friends called Eastern Panhandle Disc Golf. They have a Facebook page where they post information about local disc golf events. Rogus welcomes anyone to “like” the Facebook page.
Rogus said, “Anyone is welcome to come on out, and we’ll try to get you hooked on the game we love.”
He and his friends play locally at Poor House Farm, located in Martinsburg, W.Va. There are also disc golf courses in Winchester, Va. and Frederick, Md. Rogus has been trying to get more students involved and possibly get a course on campus. They will have a temporary course set up on campus soon.
Rogus plans to teach locally after graduating college. As a local to Martinsburg, he would love to get a job in the area. He also plans to continue playing disc golf. He will continue trying to start a local league and playing in tournaments throughout the region.
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