“About 10 years ago I was playing a casual round and one of the local pros gave me the nickname “Danimal” and it kind of stuck in the disc golf world. Many people who I’ve known growing up call me “Turk”…I am a 45 yr old P.E. Teacher working with students with multiple disabilities…Won the MVP circuit challenge in 2022 with my son on my card and hitting an ACE in the second round…”
Welcome to another edition of our Disc Golf Player Profile publication – where we feature disc golfers that you may or may not have heard of before. Everybody has their own disc golf story to tell. This is the place where those stories are being told and shared with the world!
Meet Dan Meterko (PDGA #45697)
Tell us about yourself! How old are you? Where do you live? What do you do (work/school/etc.)?
I am a 45 yr old P.E. Teacher working with students with multiple disabilities
Tell us about the most important people in your life! Who do you live with (family, friends, etc.)?
My wife Susan, sons Daniel and Edward
Do you have a nickname or just something else that you go by?
About 10 years ago I was playing a casual round and one of the local pros gave me the nickname “Danimal” and it kind of stuck in the disc golf world. Many people who I’ve known growing up call me “Turk”.
Disc Golf Journey
How long have you been playing disc golf?
Since 2003
How did you get started with disc golf?
I got started as a way to remember my late Uncle who passed in 2003
Share some of your memorable disc golf moments…
Memorable moments:
-First Ace in 2011 with my brother there to witness
-Won the MVP circuit challenge in 2022 with my son on my card and hitting an ACE in the second round
-Winning the Luau in 2020
Some Random Personal Stuff
What do you do when you’re not playing disc golf?
Spending time with the family and yard work
What is your absolute favorite food (something you couldn’t live without)?
Steak
What’s your favorite fast-food restaurant?
Arby’s
What are some of your favorite movies of all time?
-The Longest Yard (Adam Sandler version)
-Animal House
What are some of your favorite TV shows/series?
-Blacklist
-NCIS
Do you have any pro or college sports teams you are fanatic about?
Not currently but I’m trying
In the Bag
What is the first disc golf disc that you ever owned?
Innova Leopard
What are some of your favorite discs that are in your bag right now?
-Crystal Buzzz is my favorite disc of all time
-Loving the Prodigy Spectrum discs
What else is always in your bag other than discs?
MVP ATOM
Disc Golf Courses
Do you have a course that you consider your ‘home course’? Tell us about it.
–Bond Lake in Ransomville, NY ranked in the top 100 on UDISC
–Joseph Davis Park, Lewiston, NY oldest course in WNY
What are a few of your favorite disc golf courses to play?
Bond Lake, Royalton Ravine, Splinter City
What is a dream disc golf course for you that you hope to play someday?
The Hornets Nest
Let’s Play Disc Golf
Do you have any pre-round or post-round rituals that you do when you play disc golf?
Get loose and get focused pre round, just take in the atmosphere
Do you drink, smoke, snack, or partake in anything else while playing disc golf? What’s your go-to?
Trail mix and liquid IV during tournament rounds
Are you just a casual disc golfer? Do you participate in any local leagues? Do you compete in disc golf tournaments?
Currently participating in the WNY points series as well as local tournaments
Do you have any tips for aspiring disc golfers?
Don’t shy away from playing around people you don’t know. The disc golf community is a great tool for beginners, watch and ask questions.
Disc Golf Fun Stuff
Do you have any favorite professional disc golfers that you follow?
Several but notably Zach Melton (love the fellow lefty’s)
Gavin Babcock
Cale Leviska
Do you have any disc golf goals that you are trying to achieve?
I’m on the comeback trail (elbow surgery in 2021)
Who do you typically play disc golf with?
I have a group I play with every sunday if I’m not playing a tournament
What would a perfect disc golf round look like for you?
No bogies, an even or under par round
Let’s Get Social
Instagram – www.instagram.com/pdga45697