(Submitted photo/Rock Ruschkowski)

By Ben Tompkins

Dual sport athlete

Former Mustang playing in Canadian Golf National Championships

Oct 15, 2021 | 4:32 PM

Rock Ruschkowski, a former Melfort Mustang who played with the team from 2016-2018, has reached incredible heights in the sport that he loves.

However, this time it’s not hockey.

Ruschkowski who is currently a member of the Southern Institute of Technology (SAIT) golf team, is currently playing in the 2021 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Golf National Championships in Windsor, Ont.

When recounting his journey from his days as a Mustang to right now as a professional college golfer, Ruschkowski told northeastNOW that he didn’t even play that much golf growing up, which has made his rise all the more surprising.

“I actually started getting a lot more into golf right when I finished with the Mustangs,” said Ruschkowski. “I started working at a golf course in Calgary (his current place of residence) and that gave me the opportunity to play golf a lot more. Once I started working there, I begun to get a little better, got some decent clubs and then I decided I’d try out for the SAIT golf team.”

Semi-final Potential

Mustangs pull off another comeback victory to clinch playoff spot

3h ago

Centennial Cup

Preliminary Round - Day Six

11h ago

Badminton Provincials

Nipawin locals claim hardware during badminton provincials on home court

May 12, 2024

Ruschkowski admitted that he is among the ones who are surprised, however, he believed he could do it because of just how strong his work ethic is.

“I honestly didn’t think I’d make the team, but I ended up playing really well in the open tryouts that we had and ended up making the team, so I was pretty proud of myself for that,” he said. “More than anything, I think it’s just a lot of hard work like it is with any sport, lots of practice.”

Ruschkowski also knows that although he is playing by himself out there on the course and he himself is responsible for everything that goes on, that he is still part of a team and he and his team have done great work and worked really hard to get to this point.

“We’re all proud of ourselves for making it this far,” said Ruschkowski. “We ended up second in our conference and it’s been a great experience. There’s a lot of great golfers here, you know, it’s the best college golfers in the country competing at this event right now.”

Ruschkowski was sure to thank his coaches and mentors for getting him to this point, not only for helping him achieve this level of play so quickly but also for the fact that he does indeed still play hockey (he is currently part of SAIT’s team) and his coaches have been very flexible when things overlap.

“I’ve had some great coaches at SAIT and they’ve been really instrumental at helping me develop as a player, as well as the golf pros that I’ve been working with for the past five years now,” said Ruschkowski. “They’ve been really helpful at elevating my game, gaining that knowledge from them was extremely helpful. My coaches have also been very adaptive and welcoming with my busy schedule.”

For Ruschkowski, this will be his final college event in the sport of golf, as this year is his final year of eligibility and he will be graduating at the end of this year. With that in mind, Ruschkowski was sure to take it all in and was very humble when looking back at where he started.

“It is pretty shocking, looking back on the fact that I really hadn’t played any golf growing up and now I’m here,” said Ruschkowski. “It’s been an incredible experience and I’m extremely proud of myself. I think if you put time and dedication into anything, you can see improvement in a very short period of time.”

Ruschkowski is currently tied for 49th place after inclement weather and unplayable course conditions have suspended the third round and reduced the championships to 54 holes.

–

Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8