April Curling News by USA Curling

Curling News UNITED STATES

April 2011

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Volume 66 Number 4

Training Clinic Coming Fall 2011! Watch for details in the coming months… www.broomsup.com

Established 1945

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www.usacurl.org

DEPARTMENTS Bonspiel Results – P17-19 College Curling – P6-7 Comics – P6 Curler’s Calendar –P13 Member Services – P3 Rocket Exhaust – P15 Tales from Sheet 9–P15 Tucked in the Back Page–P19 USWCA – P4-5

our Olympic dreams may come a little sooner if you were born between Jan. 1, 1994, and Dec. 31, 1995, as the inaugural Youth Olympic Winter Games are just around the corner. The selection procedures for the curling competition have just been approved so start putting your team

together as the playdown to determine Team USA will take place Nov. 18-21, 2011 (site to be determined). The Youth Olympic Games aims to bring the Olympic ideals closer to young people around the world. The first-ever Summer Youth Olympic Games took place in Singapore in 2010. The 2012 Youth Olympic

Winter Games will take place Jan. 13-22 in Innsbruck, Austria. Two curling competitions will take place – for mixed junior teams of four athletes and an international mixed doubles event where athletes from different countries are paired together.

Please see YOG on Page 2.

Scotland’s Brown named HP Director

Youth Invasion IceReach, a non-profit outreach program based in Chicago that promotes participation and diversity in ice sports, is making great strides in promoting the sport of curling. Over the past three years, IceReach has exposed more than 3,000 adults and children to the sport. The children featured in this photo gallery are just several who have learned about curling and had an opportunity to throw rocks despite a lack of an ice surface. See complete story on Page 3. Submitted photos

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S P O R T

erek Brown of Perth, Scotland, has been hired as the first Director of High Performance for the U.S. Curling Association (USCA). Brown’s hiring is a significant milepost resulting from a very thorough and critical review of the organiBrown zation’s high performance program that began in the spring of 2008, involving USA Curling high performance staff, Olympic and other elite level athletes and coaches, and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), which recognizes the USCA (or USA Curling) as the National Governing Body for the sport. Brown will take command of the new direction and vision for high performance set by the USA Curling leadership.

Please see DEREK BROWN on Page 16.

USA’s James Joseph delivers while Jacqui Kapinowski assists during action at the 2011 World Wheelchair Championship in Prague. See Page 14 for results. Photo by Pavla Urbova

T H E

$2.50

Youth Olympic Winter Games coming

INSIDE: REACHING OUT: Nonprofit group helps grow sport. Page 3. CLEVELAND CHAMP: USWCA National Bonspiel. Page 4. SUPERIOR EFFFORT: Varsity curling catching on. Page 7. MASTERS: Senior Men’s results. Page 8. INVISIBLE LINE: Hints for better delivery. Page 14. LESSONS IN LOSING: Learn how to lose to improve game. Page 15. RAM-TASTIC: New sponsor reaching out locally. Page 16.

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Championship Season Results: • 2011 USWCA National Bonspiel, Page 4 • 2011 National College Tournament, Page 6 • 2011 USSMCA Bonspiel, Page 8 • 2011 National Championships, Page 10-11 • 2011 Junior Worlds, Page 12 • 2011 Club National Championships, Page 13 • 2011 World Wheelchair Championship, Page 14

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Curling News Medal drought about to end APRIL 2011

UNITED STATES

VOLUME 66, No. 4

APRIL 2011

Official publication of the United States Curling Association Editor — Terry Kolesar Associate Editor—Rick Patzke Contributing Editor—David Garber Design: Terry Kolesar Next editorial deadline: May 6, 2011 The United States Curling News (ISSN 1064-3001; USPS 392-020) is published five times per year in October, November, February, March and May by the United States Curling Association. The USCA and Curling News office is located at 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482. Telephone 715-344-1199. Subscription price for non-USCA members: $16 per year (North America), $26 per year (overseas), payable in US currency. Single copy price: $2.50. Advertising rates on request. Established 1945. Periodicals postage paid at Waupaca, Wisconsin, and additional offices as requested. Postmaster sends address changes to US Curling News, 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482.

United States Curling Association Officers President Chris Sjue Vice Presidents Kent Beadle Dave Carlson Jerome Larson James Pleasants Treasurer Jack Bernauer Secretary Bob Pelletier Directors Paul Badgero [2012] Kent Beadle [2012] Jack Bernauer* [2011] Craig Brown (AAC) [2011] Dave Carlson [2013] Maureen Clark (AAC) [2011] Lynita Delaney [2012] Janet Farr (USWCA) [2012] Dean Gemmell (AAC) [2011] Nancy Haggenmiller [2013] Peggy Hatch** [2011] Jonathan Havercroft [2013] Cyndee Johnson [2011] Nicole Joraanstad (AAC) [2011] Gwen Krailo [2013]

Jerome Larson [2012] Jan Legacie [2011] Gordon Maclean [2013] Richard Maskel (AAC) [2011] Bob Pelletier [2012] James Pleasants [2013] Leland Rich [2011] Sean Silver [2012] Chris Sjue [2013] Mark Swandby [2011] Ann Swisshelm (AAC) [2011] Beau Welling* [2011] Sam Williams [2011] * Board-elected ** Voice, no vote

USA Curling National Office 5525 Clem’s Way Stevens Point, WI 54482 Office: 715-344-1199 • Fax: 715-344-2279 E-mail: info@usacurl.org • Web site: www.usacurl.org CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Rick Patzke, rick.patzke@usacurl.org DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES: Bev Schroeder, beverly.schroeder@usacurl.org DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Terry Kolesar, terry.kolesar@usacurl.org CONTROLLER: Sandy Robinson, sandy.robinson@usacurl.org EVENT SERVICES COORDINATOR: Dawn Leurquin, dawn.leurquin@usacurl.org ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Christy Hering, christy.hering@usacurl.org

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

at world championships

he last time the U.S. men won gold at the Men’s World Championships, this reporter was tiring her mother out with her newfound walking/running skills as a pony-tailed toddler. In 1978, the Bob Nichols rink captured the gold medal with a victory over Norway, the fourth world title for the U.S. men’s program, and its most recent. It’s been a long drought since then that’s been littered with a lone silver medal in 1980 and five bronze medals, most recently in 2007 when Todd Birr’s team earned it in Edmonton. Although the women’s drought hasn’t been as long, it hasn’t had a curtain call either. Debbie McCormick’s team won the USA’s first – and only – gold medal for the ladies program in 2003. Since that glorious day in Winnipeg, the U.S. hasn’t been back to the top of the podium. McCormick got close in 2006 in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and Olympian Cassie (Johnson) Potter came home from Scotland with the silver in 2005. In 1978, I didn’t yet know that I wanted to be a reporter. According to my mom, I was more intent on chasing kittens and singing “Happy Birthday” to myself. (Hey, I was 2, what’s wrong with that?!?) I’ve since stopped drooling and can speak and write lit-

erately most days. As the Men’s and Women’s World Championships approach, let’s bring home the gold and give me some great news to report to the curling world. Don’t think that I’ve forgotton about the events following the men’s and women’s worlds. The Senior World Championships, where our men are the defending champions, and the World Mixed Doubles will be on display at the St. Paul Curling Club, April 16-23. I know Mike O’Neil and his crew have been working hard to get ready for this event. Every few years the U.S. tends to host a world championship event, which is such a treat for all of our curling fans. ––– Thank you to all of the generous donors that contributed to our recent Bowl For Kids’ Sake event that raised money for our local Big Brothers Big Sisters program. USCA staff members will not be making the cut for any future Professional Bowlers Association events, but much fun was had so thank you for being a part of a great cause. As another National Championships are behind us, I’m always amazed at the volunteer commitment that curlers embody. The icemakers alone, who are not paid, worked around the clock and caught naps on

YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES Continued From Page 1

Off-site staff: Coaching Development Director Scott Higgins 913-449-2933 • scott.higgins@usacurl.org High Performance Director Derek Brown derek.brown@usacurl.org National Wheelchair Development Coach Steve Brown National Wheelchair Curling Outreach Development Director Marc DePerno Head Ice Technician Dave Staveteig 701-772-0705 • daveandbrenda@gfwireless.con Head Games Official Bill Forsythe

AMERICAN CURLING FOUNDATION & MUSEUM The Museum is located at the Chicago Curling Club, 555 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062 CURATOR: James M. Miller Jr. 2011 Glendale Ave. Northbrook, IL 60062 847-272-7224

UNITED STATES WOMEN’S CURLING ASSOCIATION OFFICERS PRESIDENT Nancy Seitz FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Maureen Guay SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Bridget Matzke SECRETARY Mary Ann Hulme TREASURER Carolyn MacLeod USCA LIAISON Janet Farr PROMOTIONS & Nancy Wilhelm PUBLIC RELATIONS

Sixteen mixed curling teams composed of two men and two women will participate. Nations qualify based on points accumulated at the 2011 European Challenge, Pacific and World Junior Championship events. The 16 teams will be: 1 from the host nation (Austria); two teams from North America; one team from South America; three teams from Asia; one team from Oceania; and eight teams from Europe. The mixed curling competition will take place at the start of the Games, Jan. 14-18. After that portion of the competition is completed, the make-up of the mixed doubles teams will be decided based on performances in the mixed event, with the mixed doubles competition taking place Jan. 20-22. Competitors in mixed doubles (32 teams) will be drawn from the 16 national teams, involving one boy and one girl and two

nationalities in each team. As well as competing in the curling events, athletes also will have the chance to take part in the Youth Olympic Games Culture and Education Program, which will explore the following themes: Olympism, skills development, well being and healthy lifestyle, social responsibility, and expression. The Winter Youth Olympic Games also will feature competitions in alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, cross country skiing, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, Nordic combined, short track speedskating, ski jumping, snowboard and speedskating. The complete selection procedures for curling can be viewed online at www.usacurl.org/curlingrocks. To find out more about the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games, visit the official site at www.innsbruck2012.com.

From the Editor’s Desk

Ideas? Complaints? Send your thoughts to Curling News Editor Terry Kolesar terry.kolesar@usacurl.org 715-344-1199, Ext. 202

the couch at the arena in between moppings for nearly two weeks to provide quality ice to the competitors. The officiating crew and countless other volunteers from the FargoMoorhead Curling Club were there every morning ready to “work” and with smiles on their faces. The same can be said at any of the USCA’s volunteer-supported events. In mid March the Midland Curling Club gets to showcase its curling facility, which opened in late 2008, to the top 10 mixed teams in the U.S. as they play host to the 2011 U.S. Mixed National Championship. Thanks to everyone for all that you do to keep our events running top-notch.

Hall of Fame nominations sought Nominations are now being accepted for the USA Curling Hall of Fame. Curlers can be nominated in three categories: curler, builder or curler/builder based on the candidate’s contributions to the sport. Nomination paperwork can be found online at www.usacurl.org/goodcurling. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2011. Submit supporting information to the USA Curling office via e-mail to Dawn Leurquin at dawn.leurquin@usacurl.org, via fax at 715-344-2279 or by mail to 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482. Selection is determined by the Athlete/Curler Recognition Committee.

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APRIL 2011 3

UNITED STATES

Your contact: Bev Schroeder, beverly.schroeder@usacurl.org; 1-888-287-5377, Ext. 203

Outreach program introduces curling to 3,000 adults, children in Chicago area

ceReach, a non-profit outreach program based in Chicago that promotes participation and diversity in ice sports, is making great strides in promoting the sport of curling. Over the past three years, IceReach has exposed more than 3,000 adults and children to the sport. Using outreach models such as USA Golf’s First Tee Program, IceReach partners with larger nonprofit organizations like World Sport Chicago, Chicago Cubs, Northwestern University and City Year to create free programming in urban areas of Chicago where individuals have never been exposed to the sport. Although IceReach promotes involvement in hockey, figure skating and speedskating as well, the participants are always the most fascinated by curling. “Everyone comments about how much they loved it on TV during the 2010 Winter Olympics. The kids especially love the sport because of the loud shouting and the fact that they can take out other people’s rocks in a game,” said Ann Marie Shipstad, director and founder of the program. “We want to help expand and also diversify the sport of curling and make it available to everyone. We use the floor curling equipment that has been so successful in Canada to do this.” With their success, the reality of the obstacles facing the organization became very clear: cost, location and accessibility. “The obstacle that we face now is in creating longterm, free programming for urban participants,” Shipstead said. “Ice time is diffi-

cult to come by. That is why the floor curling equipment has been so helpful. It is a primary goal to raise funds to purchase ice time so that our participants can continue their pursuit of this great sport, and it will take the entire U.S. curling community to make this happen.” Outreach does not just limit them to free urban programming; they also do events for large corporations as part of team-building seminars and company social gatherings. On Jan. 6, more than 700 employees from the corporate offices of Maui Jim (sunglasses) gathered in Peoria, Ill., for a winter carnival and IceReach ran a learn- to-curl event. Assisting in this project was Eddie Shipstad, a past president of the USCA, and also Marc Palmeri and Albert Lipson of the Northwestern Curling Club. Since Maui Jim is a global organization, participants were from all over the world including India, France and Australia. The main question from participants was: “Where can we curl on a regular basis? They loved it and wanted to try it again.” IceReach would like to thank the Northwestern Curling Club, the Chicago Curling Club, the North Shore Curling Club and also the USCA for their contributions to all of the outreach projects that they have been involved with. IceReach is currently looking for sponsors and also curling clubs within the U.S. to expand their programming. If interested, please contact Ann Marie Shipstad, amshipstad@icereach.org, visit their Facebook page, or visit their website at www.icereach.org.

IceReach, a non-profit outreach program based in Chicago that promotes participation and diversity in ice sports, helped introduce the sport to around 3,000 adults and children, including at this Chicago-area high school (above). Wherever they could find space, whether it be outside or down a high school hallway, IceReach is helping in many ways to grow the sport of curling in the United States. To find out more, visit www.icereach.org. Photo courtesy of IceReach

Thank you to volunteers who help out at national office At the heart of everything the USCA does is our members. A big thank you goes out to everyone who helped out this season at our numerous championship and qualifying events doing countless jobs from officiating to Internet scoring to cooking meals for hungry juniors, to making championship-caliber ice and keeping everything running so smoothly. These events don’t run without our volunteers... and they are endless, which is always so great to see and hear about. We’d also like to recognize a few key people who’ve helped us this winter at the national office. Rose Grych, a member of the Stevens Point (Wis.) Curling Club, spent over 20 hours entering playdown information into

QuickBooks at the Home Office. Because athletes registered for events as individuals rather than teams this year, the financial data we collected was multiplied four-fold. We had a choice of battle cries, but “Rose to the Rescue” won out over “Rose to the Grindstone.” Thank you, Rose, for all your help, and for offering to come back when we have another project! February thanks also go out to three volunteers who helped us reconfigure our warehouse space. Casey Konopacky and David Garber (two more SPCC club members), and Lloyd Leurquin (spouse of Event Services Coordinator Dawn Leurquin) applied muscle and expertise to the task of better organizing our warehouse.

Eight-Enders Mankato On Dec. 6, 2010, an eight-ender was laid during the Early Bird League at the Mankato Curling Club, Mankato, Minn. Curling on the team were Al Rykhus, Cullen Bruce, Rod Bruce and Jeff Henline. Owatonna During the Tuesday night league on Feb. 17, 2009, at the Owatonna Curling Club, Owatonna, Minn., an eightender was laid by the Mike Sethney rink. Curling with Sethney were Jerome Robillard, Dan Crow and Steve Martin. On March 5, 2009, in the Thursday night league, the Joe Cerar rink scored an eight-ender at the Owatonna Curling Club, Owatonna, Minn. Other members of the team included Rob Hawkins, Dick Estry and Jeff Lamont.

Advertise in the Curling News Have an event you’d like to advertise in the U.S. Curling News? For the latest rates and deadlines, contact Editor Terry Kolesar at 715-344-1199, Ext. 202 or terry.kolesar@usacurl.org.

Curling News UNITED STATES

APRIL 2011

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

What if ‘good curling’ isn’t enough?

onspiels, club leagues and regional competitions, late winter is full of opportunities to curl. Skills classes and certification clinics abound and there are never enough hours in the day when the ice and the stones are calling. Passion for the sport often means choosing the ice over family. jobs and other obligations. But if you’re perusing this Curling News you already know this and you believe, as I do, that this annual balancing act is well worth it. But what if curling asked more from you than membership in your club, dependability on your team, and commitment to the traditions and the skills of the game? What if you were asked to take on responsibilities to support the network of clubs throughout the U.S.? What if you were called upon to spend your precious free time volunteering as a secretary, a treasurer, a webmaster or a

By Nancy Seitz, USWCA President president@uswca.org chairperson for a national or regional program? As curling flourishes, the need for support systems becomes greater. Would you be willing to offer your skills? This past month I welcomed representatives from across the USA to the Annual Meeting of the United States Women’s Curling Association in Cleveland, Ohio. Representing the interests

of over 3000 members and 63 curling clubs, these women carved time out of their busy lives, from curling, from family and from jobs, to attend to the business of assuring a vibrant future for curling. In addition to the established organizational work of the meetings, this all-volunteer army of committed women has taken on a new charge this year, embracing a process of strategic planning for the future of the USWCA. In order to establish goals for the future, everyone was asked to participate in brainstorming sessions that questioned who we are and critiqued how successfully we serve our mission. What does USWCA do best? What do we need to do better? What do we need to change to be of greater service to women and youth and grass roots curling? Do we have the right structure to run the organization well and best utilize the skills people bring to us?

We tackled the open ended questions that reflect concerns of our members and the curling world at large. The way we react to 21st century challenges will define us in the next decade, and this body is committed to recognizing those challenges and charting a path now that takes advantage of opportunities and provides resources to overcome the obstacles so that established, newly created and future curling clubs will join us and benefit from our programs and services. Curling has survived hundreds of years and spread through hundreds of countries and it’s likely this sport will continue for hundreds of years more. Organizations like USWCA and USCA and the regional curling bodies have a strong role to play in service to curlers and their clubs through programming and communication that can facilitate stronger links between clubs and regions,

more vibrant competition and more effective training and organizational assistance. We serve curling in order to make it a more fun, more rewarding and more satisfying sport. We want to build its popularity and sustain its appeal to a broad public. But “we” is very dependent on the willingness of a group of individuals to work together, to find common ground and to give something extra of themselves. Members of the board of the USWCA have proven time and again what can be accomplished when they pool the gifts of time and talent. These women go beyond the moments on the ice sheet or even the pleasures of the broom stacking to serve the sport they love. I am very grateful to the many women who are willing to give so much to curling. We have a wonderful group working on a successful future for curling. Would you be willing to join us?

Pielage rink captures USWCA National Bonspiel by Julie Sullivan, Cleveland Skating Club

he Cleveland Skating Club hosted the 63rd annual USWCA National Bonspiel, Feb. 9-13. This year’s event, “Fire on Ice,” drew 32 teams from 22 clubs across the U.S. Competitors came from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Arizona. There were also three composite teams, which also included curlers from Nebraska, Tennessee and Texas. This event was most recently in Northeast Ohio when CSC and Mayfield Curling Club jointly hosted it in 2003. Kim Barton was this year’s chairperson. CSC member Nancy Seitz was the 2010-11 USWCA president. CSC, which does not have dedicated curling ice, succeeded in its goal of having the best competitive ice it could provide for this 2011 event, thanks to Canadian icemaker Kevin Scott, as well as Ice King and its technical consultant Bill Wood, and Jet Ice. Scott is the icemaker at the Dixie Curling Club in

Mississauga, Ontario, and was part of the ice- making team at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. The winners of the First Event (Wauwatosa Trophy) were the Madison (Wisconsin) rink, skipped by Kathy Pielage, with Star Pfiffner as vice, Kathy Bodine as second, and Beth Lepping as lead. In the First Event final, the Madison team took a large, early lead, but the Mayfield II (Laurel Cox) team battled back. The game came down to the last rock, with Pielage’s Madison team winning 9-7. Pfiffner and Lepping were on the team that won the fourth event in 2010. During the competition, Team Pielage narrowly missed losing its second game by almost running out of time. The team came back from a six-point deficit to win the game, with 30 seconds left on the clock when the last stone was thrown. Pielage noted that her team has learned to “pay close attention to the amount of time used at each end” and “to never give up.” The runners-up of the First Event (Tam O’Shanter

Trophy) were the Mayfield II rink, skipped by Laurel Cox, with Luci Schey as vice, Julia DiBaggio as second, and Jil Sah as lead. Cox, DiBaggio, and Sah are all five-and-under curlers; Cox and Sah played on different winning teams in last year’s bonspiel. This was Cox’s first year as skip. In the Second Event (Indian Hill Wine Cooler Trophy), the Kettle Moraine I (Wisconsin) team won against Broomstones (Massachusetts), 9-4. For Kettle Moriane I, Bonnie Dixon was skip, Pat Van Till was vice, Katy Hyslop was second, and Carol Stevenson was lead. For the Broomstones ladies, who were the Second Event runners-up (Kettle Moraine Trophy), Shelly Dropkin was skip, Dawn Gutro was vice, Carolyn Macleod was second, and Elaine Ritchie was lead. The Third Event (Exmoor Highlander Trophy and Milwaukee Kilties Trophy) was a rematch of the 2010 Third Event final, with the Cape Cod I (Massachusetts) team winning over Nutmeg (Connecticut) rink, 12-5. The Cape Cod I team was composed of Matina

The team of Kathy Pielage, Star Pfiffner, Kathy Bodine and Beth Lepping from the Madison Curling Club won the 63rd USWCA National Bonspiel in Cleveland.

Heisler as skip, Elizabeth Abeltin as vice, Carol Arakelian as second, and Gabriele Bruce as lead. Heisler and Abeltin were on the team that won the Second Event in 2010. Diane Muldowney, skip for Nutmeg II and who skipped Nutmeg in 2010, brought a new team with Maura Cockey as vice, Sabrina Keillor as second, and Jayne Beattie as lead. In the Fourth Event (Skokie Thistles Trophy), the winner was Mayfield I (Ohio), skipped by Dee Montgomery, with Tracie Moore as vice, Dianne Coolidge as second, and Liz Novak as lead. Montgomery, Moore, and

Novak were on the team that won the Second Event in 2010. Mayfield I (Montgomery) scored 11 points; Composite III (Bridget Matzke) scored 4 points. The Composite II team took home the Utica Glengarries Trophy as the Fourth Event runners-up. For the Composite III team, Bridget Matzke (Madison, Wisconsin) skipped, Sigrid Festerson (Nebraska) was vice, and Susan Perunovich and JoAnn Barrato, both from Hibbing, Minn., were second and lead, respectively. Three local Northeast Ohio television stations (WKYC/NCB, WOIO, and Fox) covered the event.

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USA Curling ... Dare to curl

APRIL 2011

UNITED STATES

USWCA junior bonspiel champions crowned by Shelley Dropkin, USWCA Junior Bonspiel Chairwoman 2011 marks the 11th season for the USWCA-sponsored junior bonspiels across the United States. This year, they were held at the St. Paul, Portage and Nutmeg curling clubs, respectively. The West Region’s junior bonspiel was held at the St. Paul Curling Club as part of the 18th Kyle Satrom Memorial Junior Bonspiel. The bonspiel drew 35 teams from Wisconsin, North Dakota and Minnesota, which is most likely a bonspiel record in the number of teams participating. It was a clean sweep for Mapleton teams. Will Howieson and Eric Jaeger skipped their Heather Curling Club teams to the championships of Division A and Division B, respectively. Howieson’s Division A champs included Jesse Jaeger, Cole Jaeger and Tyler Lemmon. Howieson is a prior bonspiel champion, having won the Division B with Jesse Jaeger in 2007 and with both of the Jaegers in 2004. They defeated the Zach Waitrovich rink from Waupaca, Wis., in an exciting extra-end championship game. This year’s bonspiel was also the USWCA West Region Bonspiel and Howieson took home the USWCA trophy with his victory. Portage Curling Club was host of the Wisconsin Region’s junior bonspiel. There were 16 teams, which included four teams participating in the developmental division. The majority of participants were from Wisconsin, with one player from Philadelphia. The First Event champions were John Yerke, Ben Vorpahl, Rob Shlimovitz and Alex Vorpahl from the

Division A winners of the Kyle Satrom Bonspiel were (l-r) Will Howieson, Jesse Jaeger, Cole Jaeger and Tyler Lemmon of the Heather Curling Club.

Winners of the Division B of the Kyle Satrom Bonspiel were (l-r) Eric Jaeger, JD Hicks and Eli Bonnett of the Heather Curling Club.

Developmental team winners from Portage were (l-r) Nick Schieber, AnnMarie Dubberstein, Nathan Krupos and Jayde Curley of the Portage Curling Club.

First event champions of the USWCA Wisconsin Region Junior Bonspiel were (l-r) John Yerke, Ben Vorpahl, Rob Shlimovitz and Alex Vorpahl of the Portage Curling Club.

Portage Curling Club. The Developmental Division Champions were Jayde Curley, AnnMarie Dubberstein, Nathan Krupos and Nick Schieber, also representing the Portage Curling Club. The East Region’s USWCA-sponsored junior bonspiel was held at Nutmeg Curling Club in Bridgeport, Conn., in conjunction with their Neon Junior Bonspiel. The event fielded 16 junior curler teams, representing clubs from Albany, Ardsley, Schenectady, Utica (N.Y.); Broomstones (Mass.), Plainfield (N.J.) and Philadelphia (Penn.) as well

as those from the bonspiel host Nutmeg Curling Club (Conn.). The added Curl in the Dark Saturday evening activity, where the ice shed is illuminated only by glow sticks and games are played in the dark, also is a big hit. While four event winners and finalists took home winning pins from the USWCA as well as special Nutmeg NEON Junior Bonspiel pins and prizes, the USWCA/Neon Junior Bonspiel Champion was the Vike rink from Philadelphia Curling Club. Each year at this time, the USWCA begins the process of seeking locations across the U.S. to host the

USWCA First Event/Neon champions from the Philadelphia Curling Club were (l-r) Harry Tredinnick, Steven Shickel, Taylor Anderson and Cameron Vike (skip).

junior bonspiels for the upcoming curling season. If your club is interested in being a host site for this

popular event, contact Shelley Dropkin at 508494-3860 or at sdropkin@rcn.com.

Teams announced for U18 Championship by Dave Jensen, Chairman, USA Curling Youth Committee The Optimist International Club of Canada has invited USA Curling to send two boys and three girls teams to the Optimist International Under-18 Championship to be held in Weston, Ontario, March 30-April 3. The 2011 Optimist International U-18 Curling Championships will

be held jointly at the St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Etobicoke and Weston Golf & Country Club. Both venues are less than 20 minutes from Toronto’s Lester Pearson Airport and the two curling clubs are only six minutes apart. USA Curling, through an application process, has selected the following teams to represent their states at the championships:

Girls teams Team Connecticut: Elizabeth Brundage, Jenna Burchesky, Julie Greenebaum, Lily Wadsworth Team Pennsylvania: Sarah Anderson, Taylor Anderson, Abby Suslavich, Christine McMakin Team Washington: Corianna Tomlinson, Carolyn Garzina-Ulus, Emily Bissonnette, Stephanie Potter

Boys teams Team Washington: Jake Vukich, Evan McAuley, Nick Connolly, Luc Violette Team Massachusetts: Justin Hoge, Andrew Glaser, David Wadsworth, Connor Hoge, Sean Burchesky Good luck to all our teams. You can follow the action at www.gtau18curling.com/Home.

Curling News UNITED STATES

APRIL 2011

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

College Curling

Massachusetts Institute of Technology grabs D1 title at 2011 National College Tournament by Rich Larko, College Tournament Coordinator On Friday March 11, 32 teams of college students kicked off the 20th annual National College Curling Tournament in Chicago. Because of the rapidly growing popularity of college curling all over the country we could have had 50 teams participating. Unfortunately, we were deluged with applications and again had to limit the event to 32 teams competing in four divisions of eight teams. Division One, with the most experienced teams, was won by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Divison Two winner was Villanova. Northwestern University won Division Three with Bowdoin College of Maine capturing Division Four. Bowdoin immediately established itself as the sentimental favorite of the event. They began curling this season and worked with us to find ice, get instruction and learn about entering the tournament. They were the first team

to enter the event, beating every team in sight and winning the gold. Congratulations to a great and happy team who are now hooked on curling. Team rosters, photos and overall results also are posted at the College Curling website, www.collegcurling.org. With a record number of new schools and teams we have all kinds of “firsttime” stories about players a bit nervous about entering a championship event for the first time. The best news is all of them enjoyed themselves immensely, and because all teams played at their own experience level, they all gained social and curling experience. Many told us they learned more about curling and competition than they would have in a year at their home club. A perfect example is the team from Washington University in St. Louis. They heard a little about curling, saw our website, and were excited to curl. They found a winter sports arena in a tiny town on the Illinois side of the Mississippi. Here are the results of

The Funny Side

the 2011 National College Curling Tournament: Division I Gold–Massachusetts Institute of Technology: David Tax, Phil Nadeau, Jeffrey Mo, Ben Peters Silver: Wisconsin colleges (varied): Robert Splinter, Ty Vietanen, Matt Collom, Dylan Hagen Bronze: Northwestern University GS1: Marc Palmeri, Erik Sczygelski, Albert Lipson, Justin Connell Division II: Gold–Villanova II: Kyle Conroy, Robert McGrante, Ryan Kirchner, Brian Maxwell Silver–University of Denver: Derek Aoki, Scott Bleiweis, Brandon ReichSweet, Whitnee Nguten, Jen Nguyen Bronze–Villanova I: Erik Sheets, Miguel Gutierrez, Helen Zha Division III: Gold–Northwestern GS3: Martin McBriarty, Michael Lucas, Paul Olczak, Thomas Leeper Silver–University of Wisconsin-Superior: Tony Nelson, Jared Pehler, David Stahlberg, David Fenner, Zach Mountain

Division I was captured by Massachusetts Institute of Technology members (back, l-r) David Tax, Phil Nadeau, Jeffrey Mo and Ben Peters. Division II was won by Villanova II’s team of (front, l-r) Kyle Conroy, Robert McGrante, Ryan Kirchner and Brian Maxwell.

Division III winners from Northwestern (back, l-r) Thomas Leeper. Paul Olczak, Michael Lucas and Martin McBriarty. Division IV was won by Bowdoin (front, l-r) Jay Tulchin, Andrew Hancock, Carl Spielvogel and Margot Haines.

Bronze–University of Denver II: Marty Witt, Sam Provorse, Andrew Bustrack, Cailey Salagovic Division IV: Gold–Bowdoin: Carl Spielvogel, Margot Haines, Andrew Hancock, Jay Tulchin

Silver–University of Tennessee II: Evan Betterton, Eddie Eatherly, Kevin Spellman, David Sapala Bronze–College of St. Scholastica: James Darrel Atol, Luke Lepre, Jerome Rush, Ian Linder

Curling News

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

APRIL 2011

UNITED STATES

College Curling

Lake Superior varsity curling thriving Back in October I wrote an article that appeared in the Curling News that detailed the key points in establishing a successful club level curling program at a college or university. In last month’s Curling News I reported about efforts to bring college curling clubs together on a regular basis to help encourage college club development and point college curling in the direction of varsity level competition. This month, Rob Carr of Lake Superior College details some of his experiences in starting up what we believe to be the first and only varsity level curling program in the nation. For those who are not aware, varsity level curling is common in Canada with conferences set up similar to what Americans are familiar with in other sports, like football or basketball. If you have a story about college club curling at your school, please let me know so that the word can get out to others who are thinking about starting a program at their college or university. – Gordon Maclean, USCA Director of College Curling, president@coppercountrycurlingclub.com by Robb Carr, Coordinator of Varsity Curling, Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minn.

ecently I was asked about what motivated me to enter into the varsity curling program at Lake Superior College. My answer is a short story about partnerships, friendships and support. When I moved from Thunder Bay, Canada, in 2007 I decided to update my education by attending Lake Superior College. On my very first visit to LSC, I was attracted to a poster looking for interested students wanting to take part in a new varsity curling program. Having many years of experience as a curler and curling club board member in Canada, I was confident I could help with this program. My first contact with Joshua Tesch (founder of the LSC varsity program), was the beginning of my first partnership in this program, and the start of one of several friendships I have made during this process. Joshua shared his vision with me to have a varsity league develop, I shared my vision that we

could one day have the USCA involved in varsity curling and start a grassroots movement to attract students to northern colleges looking for an opportunity to play while at school. After our first year together, Joshua asked me to join LSC as the coordinator of varsity curling, which I gladly accepted. LSC has been very supportive and annually supplies me with a budget to cover all costs associated with competition and promotion of the varsity team. My second partnership has been with the Duluth Curling Club, which has been very resourceful and very accommodating. They provided us with attractive costs for student curling and allowed us to enter a team into regular league play; they have truly become the home of the Lake Superior Curling Huskies. Annually, we send out a general e-mail to students looking for experienced curlers wanting to try out for the team, and we hang posters to attract as much attention as we can to our program. On our team we have a player liaison who reports weekly to student life as to our activities and how we are doing, reports on upcoming events, and

writes reports after weekend tournaments (who we play and how we did, etc.). We are planning future availability of team clothing in the bookstore, introduction to curling evenings hosted by the team, and are taking advantage of every press opportunity we can get to promote Lake Superior College and our team. As far as recruiting and retention is concerned, our players enjoy the program so much they are extending their academic lives at the college to stay involved with the team. In three years recruitment has not been an issue. I want to add that for me no amount of on-ice success would be enjoyable if my students did not learn, grow, and become better people for having been involved in this program. I insist my players are polite and respect the game, other players, and themselves. I make myself available to deal with any number of personal issues they develop and try to help them make good decisions so that they can continue to succeed as teammates and individuals. I am most rewarded by the thanks I get from players and parents at season’s end for keeping their children involved in good fun,

and insisting that they are good ambassadors of the sport, and good students. Overall, my experience with the program has been very rewarding, and my new partnership and friendship with Gordon Maclean and the USCA to continue to develop the sport has exceeded my expectations in such a short period of involvement that I couldn’t

be more happy about the progress. I hope to continue to build on this program with the help of my friends and partners and develop the sport in the United States so that we might continue to attract more people of all ages into this wonderful life-long sport. Regards to all, and I’ll see you on the ice.

The U.S. Curling Association is proud to recognize the following sponsors who support our sport and organization:

Congratulations! USWCA National Senior Women’s Bonspiel Blackhawk CC - Janesville, WI Champions: The Williams Rink - Utica, NY Susan Williams, Carol Jones, Ylva Cortright, MJ Walsh USWCA National Women’s Bonspiel Cleveland Skating Club Cleveland, OH Champions: The Pielage Rink - Madison, WI Kathy Pielage, Star Pfiffner, Kathy Bodine, Beth Lepping The USWCA Junior Bonspiels St. Paul, MN Division A Champions: Mapleton, MN Will Howieson, Jesse Jaeger, Cole Yaeger, Tyler Lemmon Division B Champions: Mapleton, MN Eric Jaeger, JD Hicks, Eli Bonnett Portage, WI Champions: Portage, WI John Yerke, Ben Vorpahl, Rob Shlimovitz and Alex Vorpahl Developmental Team Champions: Portage, WI Jayde Curley, AnnMarie Dubberstein, Nathan Krupos, Nick Schieber Nutmeg - Bridgeport, CT Champions: Philadelphia, PA John Yerke, Ben Vorpahl, Rob Shlimovitz and Alex Vorpahl

www.united.com/usoc – Use promo code: 903AW

Advertising disclaimer “None of the advertisers in this publication are agents of the U.S. Curling Association, which hereby disclaims any liability for acts of any of the advertisers.”

Curling News UNITED STATES

APRIL 2011

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

WI teams capture Senior Men’s Bonspiel titles

he United States Senior Men’s Curling Association held its annual bonspiel Feb. 17-20 at the Chicago and Exmoor clubs. It was a Wisconsin sweep of the event titles at this year’s competition. The Masters Division title was captured by Arlington Curling Club’s Lewie Falk rink. Steven O’Connor of the Madison Curling Club won the Super Seniors Division and Paul Matzke’s Madison team earned the Senior Division title. Here are the full results: Masters Division 1EW—Arlington: Lewie Falk, Dave Qualle, Clif Erstad, Gordon Dunn 1ERU—Two Harbors: Earl Meyer, Ron Gervais, Todd Cullen, Wayne Dahl 2EW—St. Paul: Al Taylor, Manley Johnson, Art Jytyla, Loren Holmstrom 2ERU—Detroit: Joe Livermore, David Hesse, Ron Grover, David Turner 3EW—Arlington: Bill Monteufel, Bernie Dushek, Art Woodward, Don Thurston 3ERU—Chicago: Andy Allen, Dave Duerwachter, Ed Roob, Mal Burnett 4EW—Milwaukee: Ken Van Till, Jerry Packard, Tom Towers, George Holmes 4ERU—Chicago: Ed Thompson, Steve Carlson, Morgan Porter, Mike Love Super Senior Division 1EW—Madison: Steven O’Connor, Dan Lynch, Tom Hicks, Allan Hafeman 1ERU—Kettle Moraine: Ron Kase, John Geason, Steve Hogan, and Herb Rasmussen 2EW—Mayfield: Brian Bammel, Mark Hicks, Scott Collins, Dave Fleming

2ERU—Bemidji: Mike Liapis, Jerry Pickett, Steve Johnson, Jim Humeniuk 3EW—Kettle Moraine: Terry Ball, Gary Dowd, Don White, Jim Buege 3ERU—Wauwatosa: Jack Baker, Quentin Swain, Mike Willeman, Vic Hybinette, Sam McNeill 4EW—Coyotes: Mel Richards, Dave Peck, Peter Maxie, Carl Naso 4ERU—Detroit: Dave Nelsen, Gil Schumacher, John Danckaert, Pete Sylvain Senior Division 1EW—Madison: Paul Matzke, Cliff Andreoli, Ken Neidhart, Rob Wixson 1ERU—Bemidji: Lonnie Gulbranson, John Pearsall, Gordy Dahl, Scott Love 2EW—Chicago: Dave Durrant, Douglass Boyd, Grant Niehus, Jack Wulfehkuhle 2ERU—St. Paul: Art Rouhonen, Mark Faltesek, Dale Gibbs, John Eustice 3EW—Madison: Richard Berling, Richard Maskel, Dave Carlson, Walt Erbach 3ERU—Detroit: Don Warthman, Jeff DeNeen, Scott Rogers, Sam Kilby 4EW—Rice Lake: Larry Sharp, Bill Kind, Greg Dahl, Don Drost 4ERU—Coyotes: Mike Shaw, Greg Gallagher, Carroll Huntress, Bill Benn 5EW—Exmoor: Jeff Wright, Art Helt, Mike Griem, Bob Moulton 5ERU—Granite: Charles Smith, Adrian Pawlowski, Bob Thibodeaux, James Pleasants 6EW—Rice Lake: Dale Stoik, Kraig Smith, Melvin Parson, Gary Kucko 6ERU—Detroit: Dallas Schneider, Duke Grimshaw, Fred Zosel, Paul Szmigiel

Master’s Division winners from Arlington Curling Club (l-r) were Lewie Falk, Dave Qualle, Clif Erstad and Gordon Dunn.

Super Senior Division winners from the Madison Curling Club were (l-r) Steven O' Connor, Dan Lynch, Tom Hicks and Allan Hafeman.

Athletes make donations during playdown registration The 2010-11 season was the second time where playdown entry registration process included an opportunity to make a donation to USA Curling. Although it wasn’t highly publicized, 13 athletes saw their chance to donate and took it. Nearly every championship event was represented by an athlete contribution. The following athletes donated this season: • Ann Drummie, Women’s Nationals • Scott Brennan, Men’s Nationals • Erik deVreeze, Men’s Club Nationals • Dale Gibbs, Senior Nationals • Phillip Gohr, Men’s Club Nationals

• Em Good, Mixed Doubles • James Parsons, Senior Nationals • Michael Shalhoub, Senior Nationals • Lyle Sieg, Senior Nationals • Lisa Tognazzini, Club Nationals • David Ulin, Senior Nationals • Christopher Young, Junior Nationals • Sharon Vukich, Mixed Doubles and Senior Nationals USA Curling appreciates the kind notes, the enthusiasm, and yes, the unexpected donations that athletes sent during the playdown season in support of our grand sport.

Drawing rewards five clubs with vintage pint glasses Five USCA-member clubs were the lucky recipients of a set of four pint glasses with the vintage USA Curling logo from the 2010-11 dues and rosters drawing organized by Sandy Robinson and Christy Hering at the national office. The winning clubs were: Aksarben, Lodi, St. Paul, Rice Lake, and Medford. Only clubs that provided USA Curling with their rosters and dues by the Jan. 31, 2011, deadline were included in the

drawing. Two additional entries were awarded to clubs that participated in an online demographic survey. Many thanks to all of you who worked so hard to meet the deadline. A special thanks also goes out to those who participated in the online survey. Your answers are of great value to us. If you are a club that has not yet provided us with your 2010-11 dues and rosters, your promptness in doing so would be greatly appreciated. If you would still like to participate in the

demographic survey, please visit: http://bit.ly/h3cJuo.

ACF&M donations accepted Donations to the American Curling Foundation and Museum, located in the Chicago Curling Club, can be sent to 555 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062. The curator is James Miller Jr., 847-272-7224.

Senior Division winners from the Madison Curling Club were (lr) Paul Matzke, Ken Neidhart, Cliff Andreoli and Rob Wixson.

Kettle Moraine, Wauwatosa set to host 2012 USSMCA Bonspiel The United States Senior Men’s Curling Association has selected the Kettle Moraine and Wauwatosa curling clubs to co-host the 2012 USSMCA Bonspiel, which will take place Feb. 16-19. Sixty-four teams will compete for championships in three divisions, the Masters, Super Seniors and Seniors. The Masters will be comprised of the 16 oldest rinks with a minimum age of 68 years. The Super

Seniors, the next 16 oldest rinks with a minimum age of 63 years, and the Seniors will be the next 32 rinks. In order to compete you must have reached the age of 55 by Feb. 1, 2012. For more information, contact event co-chairmen Herb Rasmussen of Kettle Moraine at 414-791-8887, or Bob Hipke of Wauwatosa at 262-7844186. You may also contact the chairmen via e-mail at ussmca2012@gmail.com.

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

Curling News UNITED STATES

APRIL 2011

Curling News

APRIL 2011

UNITED STATES

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

Team Lank to represent USA at Worlds by Terry Kolesar, Editor

fter coming so close so many times in the past few years, Patti Lank is a national champion once again after defeating Allison Pottinger, 9-4, in the gold-medal match on Feb. 19 at the 2011 USA Curling National Championships at Scheels Arena in Fargo, N.D. With the win, Lank (Lewiston, N.Y.) and teammates Caitlin Maroldo (Rochester, N.Y.), Jessica Schultz (Richfield, Minn.) and 16-year-old Mackenzie Lank (Lewiston, N.Y.) will represent the U.S. at the 2011 Capital One World Women’s Championship March 19-27 in Esbjerg, Denmark. “I think this one is special because I’ve been working with these girls for so long, and for Cait, this is her first time and she’s been working so hard,” said Lank, who also won titles in 2004, 2002, 1999 and 1997 to tie her with Debbie McCormick for the most U.S. Women’s Nationals titles as a skip at five. “It feels good not to be crying after a game because I’m sad. These are happy tears.” Lank finished runner-up the past three years and four other times since her first national championship appearance in 1994. Nine-time U.S. champion and 2010 Olympian Pottinger put the loss on her shoulders after the game. “I played poorly. I

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Lank wins fifth national title to tie her for most overall by a female skip missed some shots that you can’t miss. Patti played really well,” Pottinger said. “This was my first time skipping, and I’m proud of this team. They played really well all week.” Pottinger and teammates Nicole Joraanstad (Madison, Wis.), Natalie Nicholson (Bemidji, Minn.) and Tabitha Peterson (Eagan, Minn.) will now add silver to an impressive stack of medals won by this group of athletes in the past two decades at juniors and women’s national and international events. Team Lank made their presence known from the first end forward after Lank, 46, made a double raise, double takeout to score two in the opening end. Team Lank dominated the second end as well by getting two stones in the top of the eight-foot. Pottinger made a nose hit with her last rock, resulting in a steal of one for Lank. After holding Pottinger to a single in the third end, Lank snuck to the button to score two. To the average curler, the shot wasn’t even there but as she got in the hack Lank told her sweepers that the only way she could make it was to put a little extra twist on the handle... and it worked to extend the lead to 5-1.

Team USA (l-r): Patti Lank, Caitlin Maroldo, Jessica Schultz and Mackenzie Lank. Photo by Jerome Larson, USA Curling

Patti Lank delivers a stone while on her way to capturing a fifth national title. Sweeping for her are 2006 Olympian Jessica Schultz (left) and Lank’s 16-year-old daughter, Mackenzie Lank. Photo by Jerome Larson, USA Curling

Pottinger struck for a deuce in the fifth to close the gap but Lank’s team earned three more in the sixth. Pottinger needed a double takeout to score four in the seventh, but the second stone she was trying to remove didn’t make it out of the four-foot and Lank stole one more point to extend the lead now to 9-3. In the eighth end, Lank nearly converted a triple takeout but moved the third stone to the back of the house to keep Pottinger chasing. With her final stone, Pottinger wrecked on a stone in the top of the house as she tried to draw for two points. With the result just being a single for Team Pottinger, they opted to concede the match to Lank. This is the first national title for Maroldo and Mackenzie Lank and second for Schultz, who won in 2005 and went on to represent the U.S. at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Maroldo was alternate on a team with Jessica Schultz (front) picked up her secPottinger, ond national title while Mackenzie Lank, Joraanstad and just 16 years old, won her first title. Photo by Jerome Larson, USA Curling Nicholson in

2006 that won silver at Worlds. “Our skip played fantastic. I don’t think she missed a shot all game,” said Maroldo, 35. “This is my first national title after coming so close too many times. I’ve been playing for a long time so this is a dream come true.” Joining the team in Denmark as alternate will be three-time Olympian and seven-time national champion Debbie McCormick (Rio, Wis.). During the closing ceremony, the bronze medals were awarded to the Cassie Potter rink. In addition, the Ann Brown Sportsmanship Award was presented to Chrissy Haase (Schenectady, N.Y.), skip of Team Haase. The award honors the late Ann Brown from Chicago who contributed greatly to the sport of curling. The award is voted on by the participants and is presented to the two athletes who best exhibit fair play and sportsmanship on the ice. It’s been eight years since the U.S. won its first – and only – gold medal at the women’s world championship when Debbie McCormick’s team entered the record books. Since the women’s worlds began in 1979, the U.S. has

2011 National Championships Women’s Round Robin Patti Lank 8-1 Allison Pottinger 7-2 Erika Brown 7-2 Cassie Potter 6-3 Aileen Sormunen 5-4 Nicole Reiser 5-4 Jenna Haag 3-6 Norma O’Leary 3-6 Chrissy Haase 2-7 Lori Karst 1-8 Playoffs: Page 1-2 Game: *Lank 010 001 030 1 – 6 Pottinger 002 100 101 0 – 5 Page 3-4 Game: *Brown 020 000 110 x – 4 Potter 100 022 004 x – 9 Semifinal: *Pottinger 110 102 020 1 – 8 Potter 001 010 300 0 – 5 Gold-Medal Final: *Lank 210 203 10x x – 9 Pottinger 001 020 01x x – 4 Gold: Patti Lank, Caitlin Maroldo, Jessica Schultz, Mackenzie Lank Silver: Allison Pottinger, Nicole Joraanstad, Natalie Nicholson, Tabitha Peterson Bronze: Cassie Potter, Jamie Haskell, Maureen Stolt, Stephanie Sambor Fourth: Erika Brown, Nina Spatola, Ann Swisshelm, Laura Hallisey, Debbie McCormick Ann Brown Sportsmanship Award Recipient: Chrissy Haase, skip, Team Haase Most U.S. Women’s Nationals titles by a skip: 5 – Patti Lank (2011, 2004, 2002, 1999, 1997) and Debbie McCormick* (2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003) 4 – Nancy (Langley) Richard 3 – Lisa Schoeneberg, Bev Behnke U.S. Women’s Nationals titles overall (any position played): 9 – Allison Pottinger* 7 – Debbie McCormick*, Natalie Nicholson 6 – Erika Brown, Nicole Joraanstad *won 2003 world championship

also won silver 5 times, most recently in 2006 by McCormick, and the bronze medal once in 1980. This year’s USA skip, Patti Lank, is owner of one of those silver medals, which she won in 1999. At this year’s 2011 Capital One Women’s World Championship in Esbjerg, Denmark, Lank’s team will meet 11 teams on the road to gold. Canada’s Amber Holland will surely be one of the teams to beat along with Olympic and world champion Anette Norberg of Sweden.

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

Curling News UNITED STATES

APRIL 2011

Fenson wins back-to-back men’s titles by Terry Kolesar, Editor

eam USA will have a familiar look at the upcoming world championship as Pete Fenson of Bemidji, Minn., defended his team title with an extra end steal against Tyler George on Feb. 19 to finish the weeklong competition with a perfect 11-0 record at the 2011 National Championships at Scheels Arena in Grand Forks, N.D. With the win, Fenson earned his seventh national title and second in a row. Fenson (Bemidji, Minn.) and teammates Shawn Rojeski (Chisholm, Minn.), Joe Polo (Duluth, Minn.) and Ryan Brunt (Bemidji, Minn.) will now represent the U.S. at the 2011 World Men’s Championship in Regina, Saskatchewan, April 2-10. With seven men’s Nationals titles and five as a skip, Fenson now leads both categories. “It always feels good,” Fenson said. “This victory was sweet. We had to hang in there until the last shot.” This is the fifth title for Rojeski, fourth for Polo and first for Brunt (all with Fenson as their skip). “It feels great,” Polo said. “This is my fourth one, and I am really excited and can’t wait to go to worlds.” Fenson is the first skip to win back-to-back titles since he last accomplished the feat in 2006 and 2005, but this year’s title didn’t come easy. “It’s tough to come in as the defending champions,” Polo said. “It’s like we have a bulls-eye on our back. We seemed to have an off game, but we pulled it out in the end.” Fenson, 42, was in unfamiliar territory throughout most of the match against 28-year-old George (Duluth, Minn.) and teammates Chris Plys (Duluth, Minn.), Rich Ruohonen (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) and Phill Drobnick (Duluth, Minn.), and just barely scored a single in the 10th to force an extra end. In the 11th, George tried to come around the guards in the top of the house and bury his stone in the four-foot with his first throw but came up just short of the rings. Fenson, the 2006 Olympic bronze medalist, sealed the win with a perfect draw to the four-foot that George could not best with his final throw. “I blew it with the first one. It came out of my hand kinda weird,” said George who won the title with Fenson last year play-

Team USA (l-r): Ryan Brunt, Joe Polo, Shawn Rojeski and Pete Fenson (skip). Photo by Bruce Bernstein

ing lead. “I give them credit. We played almost as good as we could. The guys deserved to win today... they played fantastic, and I just hiccupped.” Fenson was forced to a single in the first end and after a few miscues by Team Fenson, George had control of the game. Team George had the defending champions in a jam in the third end as Fenson wasn’t quite as sharp as he’d been all week with his final two stones. Fenson’s first rock was a long raise attempt that didn’t do anything to help the team’s cause. The second was a draw through a port to the button that was left hanging open in the four-foot, leaving George to follow him down to score three. A double takeout by Rojeski in the fourth end paved the way to a deuce. George’s team had Fenson on the ropes again in the fifth end as Polo and Rojeski tried in earnest to convert cross-house double takeouts without success. It wasn’t until Plys rolled out

on his takeout that the end turned in favor of Fenson when George could only answer with a single. In the eighth end, Fenson had a chance for two but came out just a tad heavy while drawing into the fourfoot and nudged his second stone in the back of the four-foot into third scoring position. In the ninth end, Team Fenson controlled the action. Brunt made a perfect come-around draw to the button with his first rock and it stayed as shot rock until George squeaked past two guards and a stone in the top of the eight-foot, thanks to strong sweeping by Drobnick and Ruohonen, to move it back. Fenson followed his path in but couldn’t quite cover enough of the button. George opted to not even toss his last stone to avoid moving his own stone out of scoring position. The 10th end saw Fenson’s team staring at three George stones but Fenson managed to make a takeout to tie the game 5-5

2011 Nationals runner-up Tyler George yells down the ice while flanked in the back by Team Fenson’s Joe Polo and Ryan Brunt. Photo by Jerome Larson, USA Curling

and force one more end to try to defend the title. George was down to 30 seconds on his time-clock when he threw his final stone in the 11th that halted his attempt to win his first national title as a skip. The Ann Brown Sportsmanship Award was presented to 2011 bronze medalist Todd Birr (Mankato, Minn.). The award honors the late Ann Brown from Chicago who contributed greatly to the sport of curling. The award is voted on by the participants and is presented to the two athletes who best exhibit fair play and sportsmanship on the ice. Joining the team in Regina as alternate will be fellow 2006 Olympic bronze medalist Scott Baird (Bemidji, Minn.). The U.S. seeks to end its decades-long drought in the gold-medal department at the men’s world championships next month in Regina, Saskatchewan. The last time the Americans brought home the gold was in 1978 when this year’s skip was just getting his start in the sport. Bob Nichols of Superior, Wis., won gold that year and the Americans only made it back to the final once since then, and that was in 1981 with Nichols once again at the helm. The last U.S. medal came in 2007, however, when Todd Birr’s team won bronze in Edmonton to end a 14-year drought without a medal of any color. Overall since the men’s worlds debuted in 1959, the U.S. has won four gold medals (1978 (Bob Nichols), ’76 (Bruce Roberts), and in ’74 and ’65 (Bud Somerville). The Americans have also earned silver six times and bronze 11 times. 2011 U.S. champion Pete Fenson was a member of one of those sil-

2011 National Championships Men’s Round Robin Pete Fenson 9-0 Tyler George 7-2 Todd Birr 6-3 Heath McCormick 6-3 Zach Jacobson 5-4 Craig Brown 4-5 Matt Hamilton 3-6 Craig Disher 2-7 Jason Larway 2-7 Geoff Goodland 1-8 Playoffs: Page 1-2 Game: *Fenson 002 041 010 3 – 11 George 120 100 102 0 – 7 Page 3-4 Game: *Birr 200 103 201 x – 9 McCormick 001 020 020 x – 5 Semifinal: *George 310 120 000 1 – 8 Birr 001 002 130 0 – 7 Gold-Medal Final: *Fenson 100 200 010 11 – 6 George 003 010 001 00 – 5 *last rock in first end Gold: Pete Fenson, Shawn Rojeski, Joe Polo, Ryan Brunt Silver: Tyler George, Chris Plys, Rich Ruohonen, Phill Drobnick Bronze: Todd Birr, Greg Romaniuk, Doug Pottinger, Kevin Birr, Tom O’Connor Fourth: Heath McCormick, Bill Stopera, Martin Sather, Dean Gemmell Ann Brown Sportsmanship Award Recipient: Todd Birr, skip, Team Birr Most U.S. Men’s Nationals titles by a skip: 5 – Pete Fenson (2011, 2010, 2006, 2005, 2003, 1994, 1993) 4 – Bruce Roberts (includes world title in 1976), Bud Somerville (includes two world titles) 3 – Tim Somerville, Paul Pustovar, Scott Baird, Steve Brown U.S. Men’s Nationals titles overall (any position played): 7 – Pete Fenson 5 – Bud Somerville, Bruce Roberts, Shawn Rojeski, Bill Strum, Paul Pustovar

ver-medal worlds team in 1993 with Scott Baird as skip and Fenson as his vice. Baird joins Team Fenson in the alternate position for the 2011 Worlds, much like he did when Fenson won the U.S.’s first – and still the only – Olympic medal in 2006 when the Americans won bronze. At the 2011 Ford World Men’s Championship April 2-10 in Regina, Fenson’s team will play in a round robin against 11 other teams. Canada, per usual, is the early favorite to curling pundits. This reporter, however, feels that the time has come for the U.S. to regain its spot on the top of the podium.

APRIL 2011

Curling News UNITED STATES

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

USA finishes 5th, 6th at 2011 World Juniors by Terry Kolesar, Editor

he USA’s run at the 2011 World Junior Championships came to a screeching halt when the American ladies lost to Canada, 9-3, in the tiebreaker game at the Dewars Centre in Perth, Scotland. Becca Hamilton (McFarland, Wis.) and the American ladies were trying to earn a second straight playoff appearance at the World Juniors after the Americans won bronze in 2010, but Canada’s Trish Paulsen had other plans as the Canadians beat the Americans for the second time in less than a day to eliminate the U.S. from earning a coveted playoff berth. Hamilton and teammates Tara Peterson (Eagan, Minn.), Karlie Koenig (Oconomowoc, Wis.), Sophie Brorson (Duluth, Minn.) and alternate Rebecca Funk (McFarland, Wis.) finished fifth overall. The American men finished sixth. The match-up with Canada was somewhat similar to their round robin game as the U.S. ladies fell behind quickly in the first half of the match and were 2011 World Junior Men’s Championship Round Robin Sweden 8-1 Switzerland 7-2 Norway 6-3 Canada 6-3 Scotland 5-4 USA 4-5 China 4-5 Finland 3-6 Denmark 1-8 Czech Republic 1-8 Playoffs: Page 1-2 Game: *Sweden 021 010 201 0 – 7 Switzerland 000 102 000 2 – 5

*Norway Canada

Page 3-4 Game: 010 110 100 x – 4 001 004 032 x – 10

Semifinal: *Switzerland 002 020 010 1 – 6 Canada 010 100 201 0 – 5 Bronze-Medal Game: Norway 121 030 21x x – 10 *Canada 000 101 00x x – 2 Gold-Medal Game: Switzerland 100 201 001 0 – 5 *Sweden 011 010 210 0 – 6 USA results: USA 8, Czech Republic 3 Norway 9, USA 3 Sweden 11, USA 1 Canada 9, USA 2 Switzerland 7, USA 4 Scotland 8, USA 4 USA 8, Denmark 6 USA 5, Finland 1 USA 6, China 4 Sportsmanship Award: Roger Gulka, second, Switzerland

not able to stage a comeback. Canada scored three in the opening end and earned two more in the third when Hamilton elected to hit instead of draw, and the Canadians stole two to build a 5-0 lead. “Things were just not going our way today. Not enough ice, turned it in. It was kind of the turn of the game. I think our shoulders went down a little bit,” Hamilton said. The U.S. got on the board with a single in the fourth and forced Canada to a single in the fifth before earning a deuce in the sixth to cut into the lead at 6-3. But, Canada answered with a deuce of its own and stole a single in the eighth to seal the win. “It’s my first year skipping so I am happy to be at the worlds,” Hamilton said. “We have one more year of juniors together, so hopefully we’ll see everyone in Oestersund again!” This was the third straight World Juniors appearance for Peterson, 19, and Brorson, 20, and second overall for Hamilton, 20, and Koenig, 17. The American ladies, including Funk, 19, are still eligible for junior competition next season. Americans Aaron Wald and John Landsteiner played in their final games as juniors at the event. Meanwhile, the U.S. men finished the week on a three-game win streak to finish sixth. Aaron Wald (Chisholm, Minn.) and his team of Joshua Bahr (Bemidji, Minn.), Jared Zezel (Hibbing, Minn.), John Muller (Hibbing, Minn.) and John Landsteiner (Duluth, Minn.) finished on a high note, winning their last three games to finish with a 4-5 record. In the round robin finale, the U.S. men

defeated China’s Jihui Huange rink, 6-4. “We’ve had a rough time, but finishing the last three games winning was nice,” said Wald, who was playing in his final game as a junior. “Toward the end of the week we came together a little bit and decided to curl a little better. We’ve just had fun and didn’t need to think about winning or losing, we just went out and had fun.” The U.S. men took the lead with a deuce in the third end and then followed up with a steal of one on the Chinese. After holding China to a single in the fifth, the U.S. scored two

USA’s Becca Hamilton (above, left) delivers a stone during World Juniors action. Josh Bahr (left) and Aaron Wald watch the line of a Scottish stone coming down the ice. Photo by Leslie Ingram-Brown

more to pad their lead, 5-2. China was only able to muster singles once again in the seventh and ninth ends, with the U.S. holding on for the win. Scotland went on to defeat Canada for the women’s title, with Russia earning the bronze. On the men’s side, Sweden prevailed over Switzerland, with Norway winning bronze over Canada.

The 2012 World Juniors will take place March 3-11 in Oestersund, Sweden. The U.S. teams will be determined at the 2012 U.S. Junior Nationals, which will take place Jan. 28-Feb. 4 in Madison, Wis. 2011 World Junior Women’s Championship Round Robin Scotland 7-2 Russia 7-2 USA 5-4 Sweden 5-4 Switzerland 5-4 Canada 5-4 Norway 4-5 Japan 3-6 Czech Republic 3-6 France 1-8

USA *Canada

Tiebreakers: 000 102 00x x – 3 302 010 21x x – 9

*Switzerland 010 002 010 x – 4 Sweden 001 100 302 x – 7 Playoffs: Page 1-2 Game: Russia 003 010 100 10 – 6 *Scotland 110 002 011 01 – 7

Canada *Sweden

*Russia Canada

Page 3-4 Game: 003 020 201 1 – 9 010 202 010 0 – 6 Semifinal: 201 001 102 1 – 8 030 300 030 0 – 9

Bronze-Medal Game: *Russia 202 102 011 x – 9 Sweden 010 020 000 x – 3 Gold-Medal Game: *Scotland 201 302 20x x – 10 Canada 010 010 01x x – 3

USA’s John Muller (above, left) and Josh Bahr sweep for Jared Zezel. The American ladies (l-r) – Sophie Brorson, Becca Hamilton (back to camera), Karlie Koenig and Tara Peterson – re-group in between ends during round robin action at the 2011 World Juniors. Photos by Leslie Ingram-Brown

USA results: USA 12, France 2 USA 10, Switzerland 8 Russia 5, USA 2 Scotland 8, USA 3 USA 8, Sweden 2 Japan 7, USA 6 (extra end) USA 7, Norway 1 Canada 8, USA 2 USA 7, Czech Republic 6 Sportsmanship Award: Anna Li, skip, France

Curling News

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

APRIL 2011

UNITED STATES

New Jersey, Minnesota win Club Nationals by Terry Kolesar, Editor

innesota’s Seppo Sormunen and New Jersey’s Janice Langanke rinks were crowned champions March 12 of the seventh edition of the USA Curling Club National Championships held at the Mankato Curling Club in Mankato, Minn. Sormunen and his Duluth Curling Club teammates Jeff Ritchie (Cloquet, Minn.), Michael Huska (Duluth, Minn.) and Roger Hendrickson (Duluth, Minn.) defeated Jeff Wright’s Illinois team, 8-7, in dramatic extra-end fashion. It was a tight match until the eighth end when Sormunen’s team, trailing 5-2 at the time, scored four points to take the team’s first lead. A steal of one in the ninth was answered by Illinois with a deuce to tie the game and send it into overtime where Minnesota prevailed when they scored a single. “The caliber of play at this event was outstanding,” Sormunen said. “It really embraces the whole sport of curling and gives us a chance to compete with teams at our level. It’s not about go out and recruit a team, it is about guys who play together all season long in league and at bonspiels. It gives us a chance to represent our clubs. Sormunen’s team had to get through a tiebreaker first by defeating Michigan’s Chad Roberts and then take on the top seed, North Dakota, in the semifinals before reaching the gold-medal match. “It forces a club curler to really work on the game and bring your team to that next level,” Sormunen said. “The event is such a great experience and it’s less cutthroat than say a Nationals that’s leading to worlds. It’s about camaraderie. The banquet on Saturday night

2011 USA Curling Women’s Club Nationals champions (l-r) Janice Langanke, Rachel Howell, Shara Dellatore and Barbara Klug.

2011 USA Curling Men’s Club Nationals champions (l-r) Seppo Sormunen, Jeff Ritchie, Michael Huska and Roger Hendrickson.

Gold medalists: Minnesota region/Duluth Curling Club: Seppo Sormunen (Duluth, Minn.), Jeff Ritchie (Cloquet, Minn.), Michael Huska (Duluth, Minn.), Roger Hendrickson (Duluth, Minn.) Grand National region/Plainfield Curling Club: Janice Langanke (Middletown, N.J.), Rachel Howell (Brick, N.J.), Shara Dellatore (Stewartsville, N.J.), Barbara Klug (Gillete, N.J.) Silver medalists: Washington region/Granite Curling Club: Em Good, Jill Lamberts, Jennifer Westhagen (all of Seattle), Hannah Volkman (Shoreline, Wash.) Illinois region/Exmoor Curling Club: Jeff Wright (Libertyville, Ill.), Russ Armstrong (Lake Bluff, Ill.), Russ Brown (Lake Forest, Ill.), Steve Waters (Evanston, Ill.), Stephen Wright (Chicago) Bronze medalists: North Dakota region/Grand Forks Curling Club: Beth Bohlman, Susan Stern, Amy Bushaw, Dawn Zimney, Gail Ingwalson (all of Grand Forks, N.D.) Washington region/Granite Curling Club: Benj Guzman (Everett, Wash.), Paul Lyttle (Seattle), Darryl Pahl (Seattle), Jeremy Dinsel (Bothell, Wash.) Fourth place: North Dakota region/Fargo-Moorhead Curling Club: Ryan Berg (West Fargo, N.D.), Mitchell Oakland (Fargo, N.D.), Randy Askew (Moorhead, Minn.), Jordan Brown (Fargo, N.D.) Minnesota region/St. Paul Curling Club: Shelly Kinney (Champlin, Minn.), Amy Lou Anderson (Plymouth, Minn.), Peggy Gazzola (Apple Valley, Minn.), Julie Smith (St. Paul, Minn.), Megan Pond (Lilydale, Minn.) was great because everyone felt like they’d won something.” Langanke (Middletown, N.J.) and her Plainfield Curling Club team of Rachel Howell (Brick, N.J.), Shara Dellatore (Stewartsville, N.J.) and Barbara Klug (Gillete, N.J.) earned a single with the last rock of the game to defeat Washington’s Em Good rink, 6-5. The New Jersey ladies got out of the gates quickly in this match as they stole three points over the first two ends of play. Washington scored singles in the next two ends but

never was able to take the lead. Good’s team would finally tie the game with a deuce in the ninth, but Langanke held on for the win in the 10th by scoring a point. “Winning a national curling championship has been a lifelong dream of mine, so this feels great,” Langanke said. “I am really proud of my team, they fought so hard despite being sick and exhausted. We played a total of 108 ends out of a possible 110 during the week, so none of our games came easy. Many thanks to the

Mankato Curling Club for making us feel at home, and thanks to our GNCC friends for cheering us on.” This is the first Club Nationals title for both teams. Wright moved up a spot after a bronze-medal finish in 2010. In the bronze-medal matches, Washington’s Benj Guzman rink defeated Ryan Berg’s squad from North Dakota, 9-5. Beth Bohlman’s North Dakota team captured the women’s bronze medal after stealing the final three ends to defeat Minnesota’s Shelly Kinney rink, 8-7.

2011 USA Curling Club National Championships Men’s Round Robin North Dakota 8-1 Illinois 7-2 Washington 5-4 Michigan 5-4 Minnesota 5-4 New Jersey 5-4 Alaska 4-5 Colorado 3-6 Wisconsin 3-6 California 0-9 Tiebreakers: *New Jersey 001 210 210 0 – 7 Washington 300 001 003 1 – 8 Michigan *Minnesota

003 010 02x x – 6 420 102 10x x – 10

Semifinals: *North Dakota 101 120 010 x – 6 Minnesota 020 003 104 x – 10 *Illinois Washington

204 101 0xx x – 8 020 010 2xx x – 5

Bronze-Medal Game: *North Dakota 030 001 010 x – 5 Washington 101 110 203 x – 9 Gold-Medal Game: Minnesota 010 010 041 01 – 8 *Illinois 201 001 100 20 – 7

2011 USA Curling Club National Championships Women’s Round Robin New Jersey 7-2 Washington 7-2 North Dakota 6-3 Minnesota 6-3 Illinois 5-4 California 4-5 Michigan 3-6 Wisconsin 3-6 Colorado 2-7 Oregon 2-7 Semifinals: *New Jersey 020 210 001 2 – 8 Minnesota 102 001 110 0 – 6 North Dakota 020 104 101 0 – 9 *Washington 104 030 010 1 – 10 Bronze-Medal Game: Minnesota 103 012 000 0 – 7 *North Dakota 010 300 111 1 – 8 Gold-Medal Game: New Jersey 210 001 010 1 – 6 *Washington 001 100 102 0 – 5

Key: O–Open; X–Mixed; XD–Mixed doubles; M–Men’s; W–Women’s; S–Senior; WC–Wheelchair C–Cashspiel; J–Junior; ST–Stick Events are listed Friday through Sunday but some may begin earlier. Check the club’s website for more information. MARCH 25–27 Aksarben, NE–Irish Open O Arlington, WI SM Blackhawk, WI–Last Chance M Duluth, MN–House of Hearts O Grafton, ND X Itasca, MN–Second to Last O Minot, ND–Shirtsleeve O Pardeeville, WI–Spring Fling O Potomac, MD–Cherry Blossom O APRIL 1–3

Fairbanks, AK–International MW Granite, WA–April Open O Green Bay, WI–Funspiel X Lake Region, ND X Mankato, MN–Bunny X Stevens Point, WI X Two Harbors, MN X APRIL 8–10 Columbus, OH–5 & Under O Hibbing, MN–Last Chance M Plainfield, NJ–Bonsqueal O Poynette, WI O Rochester, NY–International O APRIL 15–17 Coyotes, AZ–Desert Ice O Seattle, WA–Evergreen CC O APRIL 24–MAY 1 At Sea, Caribbean–Waterspiel O APRIL 29–MAY 1 Broadmoor, CO O

Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX MAY 6–8 Park City, UT–Rocky Mtn. MAY 20–22 Poynette, WI MAY 27–29 San Francisco, CA JUNE 3–5 Great Smoky, TN JUNE 10–12 Granite, WA JULY 7–10 Cape Cod, MA–Summerspiel JULY 10–13 Cape Cod, MA–Summerspiel JULY 14–17 Cape Cod, MA–Summerspiel Green Bay, WI–Tailgate JULY 17–20 Cape Cod, MA–Summerspiel

O O O O O O X W M O Wc

JULY 21–24 Capital, ND–Summerspiel AUG. 5–7 Green Bay, WI–Senior Men’s Triangle, NC–Carolina Classic AUG. 19–21 Fort Wayne, IN–Summerspiel AUG. 26–28 Rice Lake, WI–Summerspiel SEPT. 30–OCT. 2 North Shore, IL–NS Open OCT. 21–23 Midland, MI–Invitational

O SM O O O O O

Don’t see your event listed or it’s listed incorrectly? Send bonspiel dates and corrections to Terry Kolesar, terry.kolesar@usacurl.org. The final deadline of the season for submitting bonspiels results is May 6.

Need to update your mailing address? Did you move and need to update your mailing address so you don’t miss any of your Curling News mailings? If so, please call (1-888-CURLERS) or e-mail Christy Hering, christy.hering@usacurl.org.

Curling News UNITED STATES

APRIL 2011

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

USA finishes seventh in Prague by Terry Kolesar, Editor

ugusto Perez and Team USA won two of its final three games to finish in seventh place at the 2011 World Wheelchair Championship in Prague, Czech Republic. More importantly, the seventh-place finish secures a berth for the Americans in next year’s championship in South Korea. Perez (East Syracuse, N.Y.) and teammates James Pierce (North Syracuse, N.Y.), James Joseph (New Hartford, N.Y.), Jacqui Kapinowski (Point Pleasant, N.J.) and Penny Greely (Green Bay, Wis.) defeated Korea, 12-3, but then lost to Russia, 9-7, in a tough extra-end battle in round robin action. Needing a win in the round robin finale to stay ahead of Sweden, Germany and the Czech Republic, the Americans won their final match, 9-3, over the Czechs to finish with a 3-6 record.

“The main goal was to qualify Team USA for 2012 worlds in Korea... done ... and also to obtain points for Team USA toward qualification for Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games ... done; we obtained four (points),” Perez said. The U.S. gained an early 2-0 advantage and held Radek Pokorny’s Czechs to a single in the second end before pulling away in the third. The Americans scored a deuce and then stole two in the fourth and a single in the fifth to build a 7-1 advantage. The U.S. added another deuce in the seventh and the game was out of reach for the Czech team. “One thing that was truly important to me is that in the last two years the team was ready to implode,” Perez said. “While we still have lots of things to work on, one thing is true – we showed courage on the ice when the games were not going our way. We kept our heads and spirits cool to the last minute. I have always fought to build a team.

2011 World Wheelchair Championship Round Robin Canada 9-0 Norway 6-3 Russia 6-3 Scotland 6-3 China 5-4 Korea 4-5 USA 3-6 Sweden 2-7 Germany 2-7 Czech Republic 2-7 Playoffs: Page 1-2 Game: *Canada 302 011 0x – 7 Norway 010 200 1x – 4

*Russia Scotland

Page 3-4 Game: 101 110 100 – 5 030 001 013 – 8

*Scotland Norway

Semifinal: 321 042 xx – 12 000 100 xx – 1

Bronze-Medal Game: *Norway 022 120 1x – 8 Russia 200 001 0x – 3

USA’s Augusto Perez (above) prepares to deliver his skip’s stone. Jimmy Joseph (bottom, left) and James Pierce (bottom, right) keep a steady eye on the end of the broom at the end of the ice during round robin action at the 2011 World Wheelchair Championship in Prague, Czech Republic. Photos by Pavla Urbova, World Curling Federation

Teams win championships, individuals play the game.” The top seven teams, plus the 2012 host country, automatically qualify spots for their nations at the upcoming world championship, which will be played Feb. 18-25, 2012, in Chuncheon City, South Korea. “The only difference this year with last year’s is that we lost several games by one point. Last year these games went our way by one point, but that is curling.” Canada went on to win

its second world wheelchair title (2009, 2011) and third title in a row as Canada also won gold at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. The Canadians defeated Scotland, 73, to win the gold. The bronzemedal was won by Norway as they defeated Russia, 8-3.

Gold-Medal Game: *Canada 200 221 0x – 7 Scotland 011 000 1x – 3 USA results: Norway 5, USA 4 Canada 5, USA 4 USA 9, Germany 3 Scotland 6, USA 5 China 11, USA 4 Sweden 9, USA 6 USA 12, Korea 3 Russia 9, USA 7 USA 9, Czech Republic 3

The most important line is the one you cannot see by Jon Mielke, Capital Curling Club

hat is the most important line on a sheet of curling ice? This is a question that I routinely ask skills clinic attendees or individuals who want advice on how to improve their delivery. Respondents typically look bewildered and offer a variety of responses. Ultimately, I suggest that the most important line is the invisible line from the hack foot to the skip’s broom. Instructors, whether they are teaching beginners or doing refresher work with intermediate curlers, talk about the “ABCs” of a good curling delivery – alignment, balance, and curl (grip, turn, and release). Balance is something that curlers must learn and eventually take for

granted and the release can warrant an article all its own (a million dollar slide and a two-cent release produces a two-cent shot). So, for now, let’s focus on alignment and the invisible line. Experienced league skips can often tell if a teammate is going to miss a shot, simply by the way he or she sets-up in the hack. Sometimes is it simply the way that the shooter’s body is positioned – are they lined up to drive out of the hack straight toward the broom? The simple answer for shooters is to clean the ice in from of the hack, clean the rock, set it in front of the hack, and then stand-up behind the hack and wait for the skip’s call. When the skip’s broom is in position, step into the hack with the hack foot pointed at the broom. Then kneel down and square your shoulders to the invisible

line from the hack foot to the skip’s broom. The next, all-important step is to get the stone centered on the invisible line. Quite often, the rock is misplaced and subsequent movements are not on the invisible line. Just watch, many curlers start their delivery with a misplaced rock or take the stone back to a point in the middle of the hack rather than to the hack foot. In either case, the resulting shot will probably not be at the broom. Starting the stone on the invisible line and bringing it back to the hack foot also places the stone in line with what is typically the shooter’s dominant eye. This allows the shooter to look over the top of the stone and directly at the skip’s broom during the slide – much like looking down the barrel of a gun when aiming. That’s a good thing. With the body square to

the broom and the rock centered on the invisible line, subsequent body and rock movements throughout the delivery should be either straight away from or straight toward the skip’s broom. Any sideways motions will have to be corrected for at some point during the delivery (Ccurve) and will often result in a shot being thrown wide or narrow. Keeping things simple and straight will result in more made shots. Shooters can also do a performance check on themselves once the stone is out of their hand and traveling down the ice. Rocks typically do not start curling during the first 1015 feet after the point of release. Take a look – is the released stone on the invisible line? And, how about the shooter’s body – is it on the invisible line and going straight toward the skip’s broom? If not, the align-

ment was faulty and the shot will probably be wide or narrow. So, don’t forget to look at and use the most important line on the curling sheet – that invisible line from your hack foot to the skip’s broom. If you line up with and slide down that line and keep the rock centered on that line, you will make more shots, win more games, and have more fun. For more intermediate skills materials, check out USA Curling’s website at www.curlingrocks.net (click on Inside the USCA – New Training Tools – Skills Camp Handouts). Good curling! (Jon Mielke is a Level III instructor and a Level III coach. He is the immediate past chairman of the USCA’s Training & Instruction Committee and a member of Bismarck’s Capital Curling Club).

Curling News

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

UNITED STATES

APRIL 2011

Curling stick army set to invade

ccording to confidential sources, a curling stick army is being recruited to help repel an expected Martian attack on U.S. curling clubs. Martians, who live on an icy world, spend most of their waking hours looking for frost, their only food. For unknown reasons, frosty ice is disappearing on Mars. When the Martians last scanned the Earth about 40 years ago, they found plenty of frosty ice, but their analysis determined that the only frost source on Earth that was nutritious to them was the type found in U.S. curling clubs (and maybe the odd sheet in

Manitoba). The Martians are fast, tiny people who dress in funny costumes and who resemble the cowboy and the Roman soldier in the movie, Night at the Museum. They believe the frost in one four sheet curling club could support several million of them indefinitely. What the Martians don’t know, and the key to Earth’s defense, is that since their last scan of Earth, most clubs have installed dehumidifiers and/or heaters, which has eliminated most frost. In other words, the Martians will be sorely disappointed in the quality of American curling ice, and not because

it is too straight. The U.S. Curling News got wind of the invasion plans from a dependable source, a bonspieler who, one recent Sunday about 1 a.m. during a bonspiel weekend said, “I saw what appeared to be Martian scouts examining sheet three.” According to the source, “The Martians seemed half-starved and sluggish, slurring their speech. They seem to speak English, with Canadian accents.” In view of all this, the U.S. authorities do not plan to try shooting down the Martians’ itty-bitty little spaceships, but rather, to allow them access to club

ice, then use the now-forming stick army to throw very fast takeout after takeout to flatten the invaders (slowed by starvation) like steamrollers flatten creatures in Looney Tunes. The invasion is expected next Thursday. Thursday league curlers are advised, should they see Martians at their club, “Do not confront the little guys and gals. Although small, they will be grumpy from hunger and have a venomous bite. Run, then call the Editor, U.S. Curling News, who will arrange with authorities to send a platoon of the stick army to save your ice.” And, for goodness sake, do not turn off your club’s

Tales From Sheet Nine

David Garber, dj.garber@charter.net

dehumidifier.

Learn from losing without learning to lose As the season draws to a close, and we reflect on the competitions we played in and what might have been had things gone our way. Often there is a tinge of disappointment to be felt, especially by those who committed so much time, energy and money to competing nationally. Often these curlers practiced well but came up short in a competition they really wanted to do well in – a playdown or a national event. Nothing stings so much sometimes as losing a close game when you have played at the top of your game. Sometimes close defeats can feel like victories when the opponent is so great and expected to win but you took them to the limit, and disappointment is overshadowed by exceeding expectations. Other times playing poorly and losing badly is disappointing for different reasons. Disappointment is a tricky feeling. We can be disappointed in ourselves, which can feel really awful when we feel like we let ourselves down because we know we could have done better. On the other hand, we can be disappointed in a teammate who underperformed, and we can feel a little resentful toward them because our goals were not achieved because of how

By John Coumbe-Lilley, USA Curling sports psychology consultant

we see their individual performance affecting our goals. Or, we can be disappointed and deflated of having given so much for so little perceived reward. But, hang on for a moment. Disappointment can take many forms and have scattered direction. Disappointment does not change results but it can motivate us to movement. It provides us with a decision, to choose to accept the reality and work with it, or continue to have a bit of a pity party about what happened. Sport is exclusive. There can only ever be one eventual winner in a championship at any level. A saying goes, “It’s not how many times you fall down, it’s how many times you get up that count.” Or another saying is that, “As long as you find your feet

equal to the number of falls you’ve taken, you’ll be okay.” The point of both statements is to be resilient after a setback. Recovering from a setback shows mental toughness, it shows that we can cope and renew our commitment to getting better and playing well. So, how do you bounce back after a setback and cope with disappointment? Productive steps for overcoming disappointment 1. Look back at what happened and assess whether everything that could have been done was done to prepare you to your best level. 2. List the things that went well and you enjoyed about the experience. 3. Identify the things that did not work – don’t dwell on them. Learn from them and think about how you would do it differently given the same situation. 4. Recognize what you did well and starting matching the things you want to improve with them. 5. Envision what your future performance looks like if you only do your best things. 6. Set your vision to the next competitive event that you will test yourself at. (It does not have to be the next one, just one that you feel strongly about doing very well at). 7. Set goals and use a top

Spring board meeting scheduled The 2011 USA Curling Board of Directors will meet for its spring board meeting April 29-May 1 at the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington in Bloomington, Minn. In addition, the annual member’s meeting will be held Saturday, April 30 (same location). The public is invited to attend the committee and board meetings. Committee meetings take place on Friday afternoon

and evening as well as Saturday morning. The Board of Directors meeting begins at noon on Saturday, April 30, and typically concludes in the early evening with the meeting reconvening Sunday morning. A complete meeting schedule will be finalized as the meeting draws closer. Feel free to call the USCA office at 1-888CURLERS for updates and to let us know if you’re planning to attend.

coach to help you. Someone with national level experience or higher. (Hopefully someone Level 3 certified or with success themselves an the national stage or higher). 8. Start planning how you are going to be at your best and put your energy, focus and desire to achieving your goals. 9. Do your plan. Disappointment in sport is an inevitable feeling and shows we care about what we do. There will be anoth-

er competition and that is where your effort should be focused. Learn from losing without learning to lose. Use the offseason and early 2011-12 season to build your competitive capacity. Prepare for the toughest challenges ahead with the belief that you will be ready to perform at your top level against the best competition. At the end of the 2012 season have no regrets because you did what you could do to curl the best way possible.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About “The Most Interesting Curler in the World” (“I don’t always throw hits, but when I do, I prefer heavy peels. Stay upweight, my friends.”) 10] He has the unique ability to alternate throwing both right- and left-handed — on the very same delivery. 9] He can read a sheet of “negative ice” backwards — even before stepping foot inside the club. 8] Bob LaBonte supposedly once put a “blessing” on him. 7] He can yell “Hurry Hard” in 237 different languages, including Klingon. 6] Statisticians routinely give his intentional “throw throughs” a bonus score of “5” on a scale of 4. 5] He once threw the wrong turn on his hammer shot in an extra end— and it worked out brilliantly. 4] Most curlers are only “as good as their last shot,” but he is “as good as everyone else’s last shot.” 3] He is renowned throughout the world for scoring an “8 end”— in every single game he plays. 2] While some players are content to merely “own” the four-foot, he will often “rent it out” for windfall profits. 1] His skipping strategy is so advanced that he never plays by “The Book,” even though he wrote it. – Richard Maskel

APRIL 2011

Curling News UNITED STATES

USA Curling ... Dare to curl

Ram reaching out into curling community

SA Curling is regularly seeking new private and corporate partners to help grow the sport and support our competitive programs as well. The most recent partnership, with The Ram Restaurant & Brewery, is turning out to be a terrific union, not just for the national organization but also for local curling clubs. The Ram (www.theram.com) is a private, independent, family-owned and operated restaurant business currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. It was founded by two friends who took their entrepreneurial spirit and experiences they received making pizza and serving beer at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor to open their own restaurant. That first restaurant was a “Deluxe Tavern” that served hot food, including cook-your-own burgers and steaks, along with beer and wine. Today, Ram International has 27 restaurants in six states: Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Oregon and Washington. There are 17 restaurants bearing the flagship Ram name; six more siblings titled CB Potts; another three fine-dining experiences called C.I. Shenanigan’s and Murphy’s, and one Mexican restaurant—Sonrisa— in Seattle. In 1995, Ram International launched the Big Horn Brewing Company to brew its own handcrafted beer. The Ram Brewery beers are annual award winners, and have become the vehicle for supporting USA Curling. Ram donates a portion of its proceeds from every Taster Curl (beer sampler) sold in its “Curls for Curling”

DEREK BROWN Continued From Page 1

The framework of a program for long-term, sustained competitive success was established after two years of evaluation and planning in partnership with the USOC, as well as internal and independent reviews of the existing USA Curling program following the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. “We need to provide our athletes of today and the future with the very best opportunities to achieve their dreams, and to succeed in Olympic-level sports today this means a focused, well thought out program with the best resources we can manage,” said USA Curling President Chris Sjue (Fargo, N.D.). “USA Curling is evolving into a modern sport organization, and while maintaining our heritage is and always will be important, it is time that we commit to fully pursuing elite performance,” Sjue said. “Derek Brown is the guy we have chosen to lead this charge, and with his dynamic leadership and past experience, we are confident that he will build a program that our

campaign. This support helps USA Curling continue to grow the sport nationally and pursue international excellence. To date, curling clubs in Boise, Denver and Seattle have connected with their local Ram family restaurants. There has also been some activity in the Chicago and Indianapolis areas, and other relationships are just starting to brew. The Boise Curling Club has established an excellent relationship with Ram Regional Leader Kevin Martinez. The club has had meetings and parties at the Ram, and the restaurant hosted a fundraiser for the club early in the season. Ram has helped the club produce and print a new promotional brochure, and the club will be using Ram’s “Stone House” for its end-of-season party/meeting. CB Potts in Highland Ranch, Colo., treated the Denver Curling Club to great hospitality during two open houses run by the curling club Feb. 25-26. The club was provided with hospitality space at CB Potts, and the restaurant donated all the appetizers, food and beverages. CB Potts is also displaying Denver Curling Club merchandise in its lobby, and has hung other USA Curling and Denver Curling Club

banners. The Seattle Granite Curling Club hosted several brewmasters and other Ram employees from around the Puget Sound area in January for an introduction to curling night. The club is exploring several other ideas to build upon this relationship locally. The Ram and USA Curling are two organizations rooted in tradition, excellence and fellowship. These two organizations found each other in the aftermath of the

2010 Olympic Winter Games, which coincided with the afterglow of a Ram leadership conference in New Orleans that incorporated curling. We encourage all USA Curling members to support this proud new partner whenever you have the opportunity. If you have a Ram family restaurant in your area and would like assistance in being introduced to their store leaders, please contact Rick Patzke at rick.patzke@usacurl.org.

athletes and organization will embrace and be proud of.” “I am delighted to have been appointed as Director of High Performance, and I am excited by the direction the USCA is taking with its High Performance Program,” said Brown. “USA Curling has many talented athletes and coaches and I am looking forward to working with them. The ultimate goal is, of course, to win Olympic and World medals.” “The USOC commends the USCA on establishing the framework to build and implement a strong high performance program,” said Alan Ashley, USOC Chief of Sport Performance. “Our focus in the relationship with USCA is around helping them create a performance structured system that once fully implemented will provide the athletes with the greatest potential for international competitive success. We are seeing encouraging signs of the USCA’s commitment to that success as is indicated in their strategic high performance decisions and the governance best practices they are implementing. We look forward to our continued partnership.” Brown will temporarily relocate

to the United States and form an advisory group to begin tackling the first of several major projects, including the development of a 2011-12 High Performance Plan with the USOC; the expected hiring of additional program staff; implementation of new athlete development and training programs, and the development of the 2014 U.S. Olympic Team selection procedures for curling. Brown was most recently coaching the David Murdoch team from Scotland, and prior to that served as the Performance Director and Head Coach for SportScotland Institute of Sport and the British Curling Association, from 20062010. He was also the National Coach for the Royal Caledonian Curling Club (Scotland) from 2006-2010, and the British Curling Association Olympic Men’s Team Coach from 2003-2006. The new U.S. program director has vast experience across three Olympic Winter Games, one Paralympic Winter Games, 15 World Championships, and 10 European Championships. During Brown’s tenure with SportScotland and British Curling from 2006 to 2010, the curling program deliv-

ered an unprecedented six World Championship medals and five European Championship medals. The highlight during this period was Scotland’s 2009 World Men’s Championship gold medal, won by the team skipped by David Murdoch. As the USA Curling Director of High Performance, Brown will oversee the development and implementation of elite level programs from the talent identification level to Olympic and World Championships. His immediate priority will be to develop and implement a long-term high performance plan, incorporating knowledge gained from the 2010 independent and internal high performance program reviews. Brown will also be responsible for identifying and hiring additional high performance staff as necessary, in conjunction with the USCA chief executive; direct the delivery of programs to participating athletes and coaches; ensure the development of coaching education, sports science and sports medicine programs, and be responsible for annual budget development and financial oversight of all high performance programs.

The Boise Curling Club and the local Ram Restaurant and Brewery have already connected for a beer tasting party this fall. Pictured are Boise member Dave Rittenhouse (far right) and local brewmasters from the Boise Ram. Submitted photo

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APRIL 2011

Blackhawk Mixed The Blackhawk Curling Club in Janesville, Wis., held its 44th annual mixed bonspiel on Jan. 21-23. Here are the results: 1EW—Madison: Tim Ebert, Shelly Kosal, Todd Gabower, Randi Schieber 1ERU—Wauwatosa: James Krutilla, Pauline Krutilla, Bob Craig, Val Craig 2EW—Blackhawk: Tom Okray, Celia Zaccard, Tom Zaccard, Paula Kalke 2ERU—Exmoor: Robert Moulton, Deborah Moulton, Jim Behm, Diane Behm 3EW—Green Bay: Chris Anderson, Virginia Anderson, Matt Wood, Amanda Hyttel 3ERU—Racine: Steve Thery, Missy Thery, Keith Erdman, Jody Erdman 4EW—Madison: Greg Kuelz, Erika Balgord, Ed Tyler, Vicki Mayr 4ERU—Joe Norris, Jeri Norris, Fred Messman, Wynne Messman

Winners of the GNCC Kayser Mixed 5 & Under were (l-r) Candace Stefanik, Michael Stefanik, Sara Marchand and Brian Damon (skip).

Winners of the GNCC Senior Mixed at the Chesapeake Curling Club were (l-r) Cathy Jones, Joe Diamond, Majik Jones and Wick Dudley.

Winners of the Arlington Men’s Bonspiel were (l-r) Jeff Dahmen, Ben Pechan, Kraig Dereen and John Packard (skip). Runners-up were (back, l-r) Shane McPeak, Dean Teeter, Jeff Koch and Mark Kretzmann.

Winners of the McKay Douglas were Green Bay’s team of (l-r) Jeff Casper, Brad Casper, Danny Casper (mascot), Kirt Johnson and Jeff Kuemmel.

Winners of the Blackhawk Mixed Bonspiel were (l-r) Tim Ebert, Shelly Kosal, Todd Gabower and Randi Schieber.

Mayfield Evergreen Mixed Bonspiel champions were (l-r) Jim Tschudy, Jane van Vliet, Rita Dedolph and Doug Dedolph.

Winners of the Northwest Bonspiel were (l-r) Jon Medure, Matthew Rudig, Jeff Isaacson and Jason Smith.

Winners of the outdoor Clear Lake Bonspiel were Suzy Olsen, Bryan Dickson, Ryan Claussen, Julie Wennberg and Dan Wennberg.

Winners of the Rice Lake Men’s Invitational were (front, lr) John Eustice, Vince Bernet, Tom Froistad and Chris Dolan. Runners-up were (back, l-r) Dennis Zappa, Wes Mohns, Dane Jensen and Larry Sharp.

Winners of the Stevens Point Men’s Bonspiel were (back, l-r) Dale Schroeder, Troy Schroeder, Casey Konopacky and Ryan Braudt. Runners-up were (front, l-r) James Krutilla, Tony Jacobson, Jack Konopacky and Tom Okray.

Stevens Point Men’s The Stevens Point (Wis.) Men’s Bonspiel took place March 11-13. Here are the results: 1EW–St. Paul: Troy Schroeder, Ryan Braudt, Casey Konopacky, Dale Schroeder 1ERU–Blackhawk: James Krutilla, Tom Okray, Tony Jacobson, Jack Konopacky 2EW–Tri-City: Jed Brundidge, Scott Stensberg, Drew Brundidge, Ethan Brundidge 2ERU–Marshfield: Michael Bissonette, Jon Kalsow, Matt Ruhlousch, Kyle Kolstad 3EW–Eau Claire: Brooks Bauer, Brad Sommer, Stuart Lorentz, Dalton Hoepner 3ERU–Madison: Art Espinoza, Dan Hedteke, Robert Horton, Derick Kluge 4EW–Marshfield: Todd Besler, Tim Hovre, Rob Brown, George Spindler 4ERU–Green Bay: Brian Wolff, Ron Greening, Dustin Schwabz, Ted Treska

Superior Men’s The Northwest Bonspiel took place March 4-6 in Superior, Wis. Here are the results: 1EW–Duluth: Jason Smith, Jeff Isaacson, Matthew Rudig, Jon Medure 1ERU–St. Paul: Mike Schneeberger, Jeff Erickson, Mike Mueller, John Eustice 2EW–Curl Mesabi: Rory Malner, Mike Kolb, Mike Manick, John Strukel 2ERU–Fort William (Canada): Don Spakowski, Don McConkey, Mike Gordon, Tom Bond 3EW–Duluth: Jim Luttinen, Bob Johnson, Scott Walker, Steve Lasky 3ERU–Duluth: Ross Litman, Sam Perrella, Bob Magie, Mike Piper 4EW–Fort William: Brent Carey, Dave Toivonen, Tim Pozihun, Rod Macdougall 4ERU–Fort William: Jamie Philp, Brian Walford, Randy Robinson, Jerry Pilot

Clear Lake Open The Third Annual Sleigh and Cutter Outdoor Bonspiel ook place on Clear Lake in Waseca, Minn. Here are the results: 1EW–Dan Wennberg, Suzy Olsen, Julie Wennberg, Bryan Dickson, Ryan Claussen 1ERU–Brad Bettermann, Jeremiah Kasten, Guy Minnich, Scott Minnich 2EW–Fred Zbacnik, Bill Groh, Cindy Groh, Wally Johnson 2ERU–Gary Larson, Matt Hartloff, Brian Terwedo, Scott Larson 3EW–Gary Janzen, Keri Clemons, Kevin Clemons, Gordy Osland 3ERU–Brian Dallmann, Glen Wolf, Bret Wobschall, Craig Doring

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APRIL 2011

Ardsley Men’s The 75th McKay-Douglas Men’s Bonspiel took place Feb. 24-27 at the Ardsley (N.Y.) Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW—Green Bay: Brad Casper, Kirt Johnson, Jeff Kuemmel, Jeff Casper 1ERU—Philadelphia: Craig MacKinlay, Bruce Clouser, Brian Dudt, Ken Seiverd 2EW—Nutmeg I: Robert Chebetar, Adam Chebetar, Frank Aulenit, David Asano 2ERU—Ardsley II: John Noble, Mark Bussy, Ed Sibert, John Schuster 3EW—Nutmeg III: Derek Surka, Peter DeJong, Matt Bertonica, Kyle Slover 3ERU—Nutmeg II: Jeff Hannon, Rob Reihl, Allan Alward, Jeff Kotz 4EW—New Pond: Doug Burchesky, Brad Glaser, Sean Burchesky, Andrew Glaser 4ERU—Cape Cod III: Paul Mort, Keith Richardson, Scott Tynell, Frank Balas 5EW—Utica: Brian Moore, Mike Swiercz, Roger Rowlett, Neal Burns 5ERU—Tillsonburg / Ardsley: Leslie Peter, Jon Peter, Dave Schrull, Jeff Klein, Dave Wagenheim 6EW—Ardsley Park: George Shirk, Link Heffner, Ward Doonan, Andy Stedman 6ERU—Triangle: Rich Wallace, Mike Hartman, Dick Macartney, Dick Lachapelle

Appleton Men’s The 2011 Appleton Men's Invitational Bonspiel took place Jan. 79. Here are the results: 1EW—Madison: Bill Rhyme, Dave Russell, Mark Swandby, John Bartlett 1ERU—Green Bay: Brian Wolff, Scott Vissers, Dave Walder, Dan Loughney 2EW—Janesville: Tony Jacobson, Bryant Schaefer, Eric Garvin, Steve Monroe 2ERU—Racine: Chris Anderson, Nate Hazen, Matt Wood, Jeremy Harms 3EW—Milwaukee: Rob Strzelczyk, Ryan Beighton, Jeff Steffek, Alan Roberts 3ERU—Green Bay: Ed DeRubis, John Schnurer, Dave Destache, Brad Bucholz 4EW—Chicago: Ed Thompson, Steve Carlson, Mike Barry, Mike Sherry 4ERU—Wausau: John Hebbe memorial rink

Belfast Men’s The Belfast Curling Club Men's Little International Bonspiel was held on Feb. 17-20. Here are the results: 1EW—Belfast: Jeff Dutch, Terry Fancy, Paul Hauser, Cory Chase 1ERU—Belfast: Jim Boulier, Paul Doody, Rob Dietz, Pete Wood 2EW—Heather: Bill Brownrigg, Brian Cummings, Vern Lister, Les Gardiner 2ERU—Carleton: Jack Steel, Blaine Walsh, Bob Hunter, Ivan Crawford 3EW—Thistle-St. Andrews: Jeff Stewart, Dan Armstrong, Kevin Baxter, David Lin 3ERU—Thistle-St.Andrews: Ken Grass, Randy McKim, Larry Crawford, Al Smith 4EW—Broomstones: Dave Secor, Mike Lannan, Tim McLeary, Keith DeSchamp 4ERU—Thistle-St. Andrews: Claude Moore, Wade Moore, Gavin Ross, Ryan Moore

Centerville Men’s The Centerville Men’s Bonspiel took place Feb. 25-27 in Centerville, Wis. Here are the results: 1EW—Centerville: Perry Trim, Matt Robertson, Trygve Ekern, Dan Ekern 1ERU—Centerville: Chad Anderson, Chad Chartier, Nathan Trim, Jason Nelson 2EW—Eau Claire: Jim Bauer, Keith Hammond, Brent Carpenter, Tom Abel 2ERU—Centerville: Nate Carhart, Chad Anderson, Tyler Truax, Kyle Canar 3EW—Centerville: Neil Wilber, Roger Nelson, Leonard Hovell, Jason Hovell, Fritz Truax 3ERU—Centerville: Bob Hammond, Earl Trim, Rudy Hovell, Rick Weltzien 4EW—Eau Claire: Ron Parks, Stewart

Lorentz, Mark Haakana, Dave Kaiser 4ERU—Centerville: Jeremy Burt, Willie Bittner, Jared Burt, Andrew Beirne

Centerville Mixed The Centerville Mixed “Caddy Shack Style” Golf Weekend took place Feb. 11-13. Here are the results: 1EW: Randy VanVleet, Lynita Delaney, Mark Delaney, Norma VanVleet 1ERU: Brian Brenengen, Holly Brenengen, Kyle Lindberg, Heidi Brenengen 2EW: Larry Adams, Rhonda Adams, Ron Veglahn, Mary Veglahn 2ERU: Drew Arnold, Laurie Arnold, Thom Keiffer, Robyn Keiffer 3EW: Jason Saffert, Sara Hein, Tony Davis, Emily Saffert 3ERU: Bryan Hosler, Lisa Hosler, Dave Fish, Marilee Fish 4EW: Luke Sonsalla, Cassie Dahl, John Salsman, Sara Ecker 4ERU: Mike Oslie, Judy Nelson, Ray Burt, Renee Westberry

Chicago Senior Men’s The 43rd Annual Seniors of Chicago Curling Club Old Boys Bonspiel took place Dec. 3-5. Here are the results: 1EW—Arlington: Lewie Falk, Dave Qualle, Clif Erstad, Larry Manthe 1ERU—Chicago: Doug Boyd, Grant Niehus, Bob Wilson, Tom Breen 2EW—Madison: Ken Neidhart, Cliff Andreoli, Paul Matzke, Bob Wixson 2ERU—Kettle Moraine: Jim Buege, Gary Dowd, John Geason, Jeff Seboth 3EW—Exmoor: Larry Brown, Ken Birchard, Joe Kadleck, Bob Kohn 3ERU—Kettle Moraine: Jerry Helding, Terry Ball, Tom Hoffman, Bob Flemming 4EW—Chicago: John Reid, Craig Crawford, Dave Bemus, Ralph Mack 4ERU—Racine: Gus Antonneau, Dave Duerwachter, Jack Bernauer, John Madden

Detroit Men’s The 125th Detroit Men’s International Bonspiel took place Jan. 79 at the Detroit Curling Club in Ferndale, Mich. Here are the results: 1EW—Beach Grove, Ontario: Gerry Stecyk, John Bortolotti, Romano Curti, John Petrasovic 1ERU—Midland: Ken Quackenbush, Drew Webster, Jim Jagodinski, Michael Graves 2EW—Roseland, Ontario: Ian Ross, Jason Hebert, Bradley Way, Jordan Way 2ERU—Detroit: Duke Grimshaw, Mike Cloutier, Fred Zosel, Paul Szmigiel 3EW—Roseland: Kevin Corriveau, Max Fusco, Sean Boyle, Tony Jovcevski 3ERU—Detroit: Paul Badgero, Mark Mets, Dave Smalstig, Mike Duvall 4EW—Mayfield: Matt Holtwick, Ben Levy, Alex Smith, Jordan Wesler 4ERU—Detroit: Jeff Boats, Howard Crawford, Dan Maggio, Nick Yambura 5EW—Detroit: Dallas Schneider, Joseph Lawrence, Dave Turner, Gene Brauninger 5ERU—Columbus: Steve Clay, Steve Schaffer, Eric Johnson, Ryan Greene

Mayfield Mixed The Mayfield Curling Club in South Euclid, Ohio, hosted the 2011 Evergreen Mixed Bonspiel Feb. 28. Here are the results: 1EW—Mayfield: Doug Dedolph, Jane van Vliet, Jim Tschudy, Rita Dedolph 1ERU—St. Catherine’s (Canada): Brian Toth, Lori Picheniuk, Bob Borthwick 2EW—KW Granite (Canada): Craig Stait-Gardner, Tracy Suerich, Doug Suerich, Catharine Rouse 2ERU—Unionville (Canada): Ron Morgan, Jane Morgan, Brian Monti, Louise Ferri 3EW—Mayfield: Luci Schey, Joel Appel, Buzz Rosenfeld, Susie Rosenfeld 3ERU—Brantford Golf & Country Club (Canada): Reg Madison, Loretta Madison, George Brown, Sylvia Brown 4EW/Consolation—Leaside/Bobcay-

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geon (Canada): Ron Till, Lee Till, Brian Kishbaugh, Judy Kishbaugh 4ERU/Consolation—Columbus: Karen Hamilton, Bob Baroni, Jerry Baughn, Barbara Baroni

Milwaukee Men’s The 58th Annual Milwaukee Men’s Invitational Bonspiel took place Feb. 46, 2011 at the Milwaukee Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW—Exmoor: Sean Silver, Chris Schallmo, Steve Schultz, Jim Calaway 1ERU—Kettle Moraine: Todd Flemming, John Fischer, Done White, Jeff Brown 2EW—Milwaukee: Jay Packard, Mark Witt, Billy Geller, Larry Unterberger 2ERU—Kettle Moraine: Dave Foley, Dan Jegier, Tom Halla, Craig Czerniejewski 3EW—Wauwatosa: Mark Conrardy, Peter Muller, Bill Christensen, Tom Havas 3ERU—Mayfield: Jeff Poe, David Geake, James May, Andrew Riehl 4EW—Milwaukee: Matt Goelzer, Fred Blizzard, Nate Gebert, Dave Goelzer 4ERU—Exmoor: Russ Brown, Ken Brown, Larry Brown, Gordon Buntrock

Winners of the Centerville Mixed Bonspiel were (l-r) Randy VanVleet, Lynita Delaney, Mark Delaney and Norma VanVleet.

Chesapeake Senior Mixed The GNCC Senior Mixed Championship was hosted by the Chesapeake Curling Club in Easton, Md., on March 4-6. Here are the results: 1EW—Chesapeake: Wick Dudley, Majik Jones, Joe Diamond, Cathy Jones 1ERU—Chesapeake: Sandy Bemis, Rick Bulala, Jeanne Henkel, Dick Bemis 2EW—Plainfield: Earle Conrad, Maryann Vermeulen, Bob Graham, Mary Cognetta 2ERU—Albany: Linda Felice, Hollis Felice, Andra Sheinkopf, Ray Hickey 3EW—Chesapeake: John Earl Hutchison, Lorrie Needles, Pooch Klein, Sandy Seebach 3ERU—Chesapeake: Mooch Healy, Susanne Healy, Mark Williams, Jan Finger 4EW—Potomac: Linda Murphy, Bob Pellitier, Linda Long, Chuck Skinner 4ERU—Chesapeake: Julie Tsamoutales, David Rieck, Pam Parks, Steve Gehnrich

Winners of the Milwaukee Men’s Invitational were (l-r) Steve Schultz, Jim Calaway, Chris Schallmo and Sean Silver.

Winners of the Pardeeville Red Baron Bonspiel were (l-r) Mark Swandby, Stan Vinge, Wally Henry and Craig Lee.

Plainfield Men’s The 32nd PCC Stone Bonspiel took place March 3-6 at the Plainfield (N.J.) Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW—Grain Exchange (Winnipeg): Dave Carswell, Dave Steski, Doug Cork, John Cunningham 1ERU—Potomac: Michael Fry, Nick Datlowe, Michael Campbell, Ron Aubin 2EW—Philadelphia II: Bruce Clouser, Brian Dudt, Daniel Dudt, Cody Clouser 2ERU—Philadelphia I: Michael Dunnam, Eric Knight, Mark Wheeler, Ian Alexander 3EW—Plainfield: Link Heffner, Rich Ashford, Bob Fox, David Folkes 3ERU—Plainfield IX: Andrew Kraft, Dan Festerling, Frank Sharp, Bob Benson 4EW—Ardsley II: Peter Austin, George Austin, Jon Peter, Bill Pekowitz 4ERU—Plainfield II: John Wilman, Adam Tousant, Ted Kreutz, Dean Roth

Winners of the Detroit Men’s International Bonspiel were (l-r) John Petrasovic, John Bortolotti, Romano Curti and Gerry Stecyk (skip).

Potomac Mixed The GNCC Raymond Kayser Mixed 5 & Under Bonspiel took place Feb. 2427. Here are the results: 1EW–Schenectady: Brian Damon, Sara Marchand, Mike Stefanik, Candace Stefanik 1ERU–Utica: Charles Skinner, Sarah Artessa, Charles L. Skinner, Monique Neaves 2EW–Potomac: Dave Baxter, Courtney Shaw, Melvin Shaw, Sandy Macan 2ERU–Broomstones: Adam Jacobson, Alana Steinhardt, Kevin Leahy, Eva Steinhardt 3EW–Schenectady: Brad Austin, Linda Austin, Dave Knussma, Laura Knussma 3ERU–Chesapeake: Laura Heuer, Art Heuer, Gail Beattie, Ron Beattie

Winners of the Centerville Men’s Bonspiel were (l-r) Perry Trim, Matt Robertson, Trygve Ekern and Dan Ekern.

4EW–Philadelphia: Mike Graziano, Melissa Foote, Steve Haack, Maggie Cherlow

4ERU–Broomstones: Robby Melville, Teri Olson, Scott Olson, Christina Young

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Pardeeville Men’s

Rice Lake Women’s

The 2011 Red Baron Bonspiel took place Feb. 26-27 in Pardeeville, Wis. Here are the results: 1EW—Madison: Mark Swandby, Stan Vinge, Wally Henry, Craig Lee 1ERU—Pardeeville: Dusty Branton, Josh Heieke, Randy Branton, Bob Schoenherr 2EW—Pardeeville: Bill Ehlert, Sonny Villwock, Mike Haynes, Aron Kershaw 2ERU—Blackhawk: Charlie Dana, Tony King, Cal Merath, Mike Swets 3EW—Arlington: Dave Phillips, Ron Lovick, Nate Phillips 3ERU—Madison: Pete McCormick, Isiah Turner, Greg Bortz, Thud Kosal 4EW—Poynette: Kurt Marquardt, Jim Falk, Jeff Falk, Justin Reddeman 4ERU—Waukesha: Bob Brenckle, Jon Brenckle, Robert Bergmann, Rob Haagensen

The Wisconsin Badger Women’s Bonspiel took place Jan. 28-30 in Rice Lake, Wis. Here are the results: 1EW–Wausau: Terri Fisher, Marcia Tillisch, Susan Sandquist, Pam Kopp 1ERU–Rice Lake: Kathy Ricci, Pat Stoik, Judy Cronk, Sydney Schieffer 2EW–Green Bay: Doris Yelk-Wilberg, Mark Kenneke, Tracy Opicka, Juliana Klocek 2ERU–Racine: Lora Christensen, Lisa Johnson, Paual Kalke, Tanya Schober 3EW–Madison: Nancy Powers, Shelly Kosal, Mary Parker, Luann O’Connor 3ERU–Madison: Lori Karst, Angie Montgomery, Dae Jean Jahnke, May Tibbits 4EW–Blackhawk: Valerie Craig, Stacy Sennett-Baden, Erica Pickett, Laureen Spielman 4ERU–Appleton: Nancy Davis, Jeri Norris, Sue Van Rooy, Teresa Larken

Rice Lake Men’s The Rice Lake Men’s Invitational took place Feb. 11-13 in Rice Lake, Wis. Here are the results: 1EW—St. Paul: Chris Dolan,Tom Froistad, Vince Bernet, John Eustice 1ERU—Rice Lake: Larry Sharp, Dane Jensen, Wes Mohns, Dennis Zappa 2EW—Madison: Dan Wiza, Jim Niedhart, Adam Derringer, Jeff Robinson 2ERU—St. Paul: Jeff Hudson, Craig Zbacnki, Steve Harvey, Steve Lyden 3EW—Rice Lake: Dale Stoik, Kraig Smith, Mel Pearson, Dick Schmidt 3ERU—Rice Lake: John Mickesh, Steve Kucko, Kyle Schlampp, Ryan Vavra 4EW—St. Paul: Daniel Metcalf, Terry Metcalf, Joseph Marinac, Paul Marinac 4ERU—St. Paul: Jim Bronson, Jim Bata, Wayne Richert, Bill Haider

APRIL 2011

UNITED STATES

Appleton Stick The Big Stick Bonspiel took place in Appleton, Wis., on March 5. Here are the results: 1EW–Waupaca: Dennis Girard, Elmer Keil 1ERU–St. Paul/Appleton: Bud Berry, Bob Randa 2EW–Appleton: Lou Buccino, Paul Siedschlag 2ERU–Pardeeville: Steve Thompson, Greg Freiberg 3EW–Pardeeville: Barry Pufahl, Margo Pufahl 3ERU–Racine: Michael Dry, Debbie Dry 4EW–Stevens Point: Bob Berg, John Frederiksen 4ERU–Wausau: Richard Waack, Andy Anderson

Winners of the Wisconsin Badger Women’s Bonspiel were (l-r) Terri Fisher, Marcia Tillisch, Susan Sandquist and Pam Kopp.

Winners of the Fourth Annual Charity Roseland Women's Bonspiel at the Roseland Curling Club in Windsor, Ontario, were Bowling Green’s team of (l-r) Joanne Hipp, Kathy Haswell, Cary Brown, Elizabeth Dixon (Roseland CC) and Sheila Kerrigan (Roseland CC).

till I lurk in the back of The U.S. Curling News. Thank you to those who e-mailed kind words to me and those who e-mailed my Boss Lady Editor. Boss Lady (cute, yet very dangerous) seemed pleased with my first column. Let’s get serious and see if I can make it two in a row. Last issue I pleaded with the better curlers to take new curlers on the road and have some fun at a ‘spiel. I urged new curlers to get on the road because there are lots of ‘spiels that would welcome them and not overwhelm them. This, I believe, is how we take new curlers and turn them into curling addicts. This is also how new curlers get better. I’d like to continue along these lines and spout an idea on how you can be a better curler and make USA Curling better as well. Just a little advice to newer curlers (and some not-sonew curlers) on teammate skills. Just some thoughts from a guy who used to play a lot and now sees things from behind the glass. Alas, we need not define The Bad Teammate... for we have all seen him. (I’m going to use the male pronoun, although the female pronoun would work equally well). He’s the guy who berates teammates for missing shots. He’s the guy who blames others for losses. He’s the guy who takes credit for wins and takes no blame for losses. Don’t be That Guy. Don’t ever curl on a team with That Guy. He will hurt your shooting and ruin your fun. Now, here comes a little harder part of not being That Guy. Body language is a very important part of being a good teammate. Banging your broom, a dirty look or even an exasperated sigh when a teammate makes a mistake also qualifies you as That Guy. You might just as well get in his face and shout, “You are terrible, and I wish you

Tucked in the Back Page

By Ben Tucker tuck@usacurl.org were never born!” Watch your body language. Now for the hardest part: You need to be a good teammate to yourself. If you blow up after one of your own misses, you are That Guy. If you get so mad at yourself that you rant on and on in your own mind about how costly that miss might prove, you are That Guy. For, if a teammate berates you after every miss, he will eventually hurt your game. If you berate yourself after every miss, you are doing equal harm. Don’t be That Guy to yourself. After your own miss, a brief expression on emotion is allowed. Then let it go before it cascades into repeated misses. Review what you did wrong and then let it go. Great shot or terrible shot... a quick vent of emotion and then get ready for the next rock. Like so many sports, curling is about consistency. Emotion – good or bad – interferes with consistency. Emulate top players in curling or any of your favorite sports. They get over the last one and on to the next one incredibly quickly. For The Good Of The Game Congrats to the FargoMoorhead Curling Club, Scheels Arena staff, USCA staff, volunteers, ice crew and USCA directors on a wonderful USA Men’s and

Women’s National Championship. I really hope that we can continue to hold Nationals on expensive arena ice. It’s very important to our top teams to gain that experience. I’m already looking forward to Philadelphia next year and making plans to attend. I’ve received two e-mails with wonderful ideas for future columns. If you have thoughts or questions that you would like to share with me, drop me an email. I promise to either answer you privately or turn it into a column. To spice up the USCA website over the curlingslow summer months, I’ve been asked to contribute something. My current thinking is to post some basic curling strategies for new skips. If you like this idea, let me know. If you have other things you’d like to see, let me know that as well.

Tucker is a member of the Grafton Curling Club and makes his living farming in North Dakota. Send questions or comments to Tuck at tuck@usacurl.org. Send complaints to his dictatorial editor (terry.kolesar@usacurl.org).

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Did you win a bonspiel?

Laura Collyer (left) presented the Chicago Gloamin’ Gaels Bonspiel championship trophy to winners (l-r) Diane Kelly, Twila Yednock, Deborah Moulton and Carol Stevenson.

Winners of the Appleton Big Stick Bonspiel were Dennis Girard (left) and Elmer Keil.

Do you need to send in bonspiel results for publication in the Curling News? Send info to Editor Terry Kolesar via email at terry.kolesar@usacurl. org. The next deadline is May 6, which is the final edition of the 2010-11 season.

APRIL 2011

Curling News UNITED STATES

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