Variety spices up Gorski household

Published: February 11, 2010

By Fred Jeter
special correspondent to the Midlothian Exchange

The movie “Twins” was about twins who didn’t look at all alike – Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.

That was comic fiction.

The Gorski twins, Matt and his fraternal twin Ben, is nothing but the truth.

Both members of this odd couple is talented and comfortable in their own shoes – even if their sneakers are six sizes apart.

Matt Gorski is the 6-foot-11, 235-pound junior center for Cosby High’s Dominion District leading Titans. He ranks with Virginia’s top college prospects.

Ben Gorski is the 5-11, 145-pound pianist/violinist who sparkles in Cosby’s Chamber Orchestra and Thespian Society and is an avid Boy Scout.

Sharon and Arthur Gorski’s third son, freshman varsity basketball forward Nick, favors Matt, having already sprouted to 6-7.

Nick Gorski, 15, already has a varsity dunk (versus George Wythe) and started in a recent game against Clover Hill.

Matt and Ben (younger by 30 seconds) were born July 12, 1992, in Maine. Even in the maternity ward, there was no trouble telling them apart.

“Matt was 7 pounds, 7 ounces; Ben was 6 pounds, 7 ounces,” said mom Sharon.

“We’ve dealt with the difference all their lives and we’re equally proud of their accomplishments.”

The Gorski twins each own a slice of the limelight, but on dissimilar stages.

Matt Gorski averages 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4.5 blocked shots for Coach Ron Carr’s Titans. Among the college suitors visiting Cosby has been U.Va. Coach Tony Bennett, who has a friendly face to greet him when he steps into the Titan stands. Arthur Gorski (originally from Waupaca, Wisc.) used to play pickup games with Bennett when his father, Dick, was coaching at Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Matt plays off-season travel hoops for the famed Boo Williams program, based in Hampton Roads.

“What college level Matt plays on will probably be determined by how he does the rest of this season, and then this summer on the AAU circuit,” Carr said.

The Titans’ nearly 7-footer said he blocks out the gaze of the college recruiters.

“There’s no pressure there,” he said. “Obviously, there is a presence … but I’m playing 100 percent all the time, no matter.”

Ben Gorski has status over his towering twin on other fronts.

For starters, Ben has his driver’s license while Matt has a learner’s permit.

In the classroom, Ben takes such Advanced Placement courses as calculus and chemistry, while finding time to perform in the orchestra and productions.

He’s performed in such productions as “Guys and Dolls” and “M*A*S*H” and last spring earned the third highest regional score in One-Act Play competition.

Meanwhile, he’s an understudy for the production “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and is working on his Eagle Badge in Boy Scouts.

Ben appreciates sports – but only as a participant.

“I hate basketball,” he said, noting he rarely attended his brothers’ games. He made it clear there was no family resentment. 

“No, I just don’t like team sports,” he clarified. “I’ve always liked individual things like swimming, wrestling, weight lifting, track.”

The twins travel in varying circles.

Asked about shared friends with Matt, Ben said “you could count them on one hand.”

Asked about being teased about their non-resemblance, both boys just shrugged their shoulders.

“Maybe when we first got here [from Ohio],” said blond, blue-eyed Matt, “but not anymore.”

“Some people don’t even know; it’s not common knowledge,” added Ben (olive eyes, darker hair).   

Swimming is a rare common thread. Both Matt and Ben plan to lifeguard this summer at Hampton Park.

One thing the twins definitely do not share is clothes.

“But I do get some of Nick’s hand-me-downs,” Ben said with a laugh.

Matt and also Nick take more after their burly 6-5 father, who was a noted high-school player in Wisconsin.

“But at a very small school – like Class A here,” he explained.

Ben’s musical aptitude came from his 5-11 mom, an accomplished pianist/trombonist.

Whoever coined the phrase “variety is the spice of life,” might have been thinking of the Gorskis.

At school, Cosby’s drama teacher probably wishes the Gorski twins were both like Ben. That said, you can’t blame Carr for dreaming of a lineup with a second 6-11 post.

“It’s a good idea to do this story,” said Carr, laughing. “I tell other coaches that Matt has a twin brother, and they just don’t believe it.”