Colton approaches soccer, skiing, and golf with what he has learned from Canada and his faith.
At merely a few weeks old, senior Colton Comiskey moved—or, was moved—to South Africa.
Colton was born in the United States, but his dad’s job at General Motors required their family to move from place to place. Accordingly, by age three, Colton had a third home country: Canada. He attended elementary school in the southern province of Ontario and moved once more, within the country.
Since fifth grade, he has lived here in the United States and attended FHC. Throughout his childhood, regardless of the location, soccer has allowed Colton to connect with those around him.
“Soccer’s just kind of been my sport for my whole life,” Colton said. “I started playing when I was three [years old, and I’ve been playing it for] as long as I can remember… I’ve met [more] people playing soccer than I have with my other sports, just because there are so many guys who play it. I became close friends with some of my good friends today because I played soccer, and I connected with them over that.”
Colton competes in skiing and golf, in addition to soccer, at FHC. His initial interest in all three sports was due to his brother, Brett Comiskey, who also played them. Despite being two grades younger, Colton was constantly trying to keep up with Brett throughout childhood. This created a friendly rivalry between the brothers, but it more importantly pushed Colton to be the best athlete he could be.
Colton played golf alongside Brett for his first two years in high school. Now, as a senior, Colton will embark upon his final golf season, without his brother, this spring.
“Golf can be boring to watch, but once you start playing and once you start getting better at it, it’s just a really relaxing and fun way to spend your time,” Colton said. “It’s one of those sports where it’s not so intensely paced all the time. It’s just kind of calm and relaxing. So if you want two or four hours, depending on the day, just to go out with your friends, talk, and have a good time, [golf] is a great way to do it.”
Golf is currently Colton’s favorite sport, but his ranking understandably depends on the season. His fondest memory from the FHC golf team is his first match on varsity, one that almost didn’t happen. The morning temperatures were close to freezing, and the worry of frost on the course nearly called for a cancellation. After eventually receiving the go-ahead to play, Colton ended up coming out first on his team and shooting his season low.
Colton has undoubtedly improved his golfing technique over the years. However, being able to score low isn’t the only skill he’s gained.
“[Golf] takes a lot of patience—that’s why I didn’t get into it sooner,” Colton said. “My parents got me into lessons when I was really little, but I was never patient enough for it until middle school. There are lots of ups and downs when you’re playing golf, especially if you’re not having the best round.”
For those unfamiliar, the game of golf involves six players in a starting lineup. However, only the top four lowest scores of each match count toward the team’s ultimate total. Players are evaluated both as part of a team and individually.
The game has changed how Colton approaches life’s inevitable obstacles, showing him that persistence and problem-solving ultimately trump overthinking.
“You can get really down on yourself,” Colton said. “[Golf] kind of teaches you that mental fortitude: not being too hard on yourself and just trying to get past adversity and focus on your next shot because [dwelling] on the past won’t help you in the future.”
Colton first began playing sports in Canada. The country influenced his athletic journey, but it also shaped how he engages with other people in general.
The biggest difference Colton sees between Canada and the United States is their politics. Canada’s political culture was less chaotic—and less dramatic—than that of his current home. On a more personal note, Colton’s classroom interactions showed him the kindness of Canadians. He was an outsider—and a few years behind in French lessons—yet his peers accepted him all the same.
Now, Colton tries to treat others with the same respect he received in Canada.
“It sounds cliché, but I feel like it’s a more welcoming environment [in Canada],” Colton said. “Everyone’s just so friendly. [Canada] was my first big move that I [can] remember… People welcomed me, and I didn’t know anyone—I was from a different country… Being nicer to people and being more inviting has been a lesson that I learned from [Canada].”
The Canadians influenced Colton’s behavior, building upon Colton’s fundamental Christian beliefs.
His faith has brought him close friendships through church, people in whom he can confide and trust. It has also shaped how he approaches golf, soccer, and skiing—the games that he has come to call his sports. Even more than the general patience needed for golf, his faith has influenced him to practice grace with other players on the field.
“I’m a Christian, [and] I have been my whole life,” Colton said. “[My faith] has gotten me through hard times… If I’m in soccer, and I get fouled, or I get punched, being more forgiving and patient to get angry [is a skill] I’ve practiced with my faith. [I’ve learned to] treat everyone with respect, no matter how they treat me back.”
