November U.S. Curling News by USA Curling

November 2009

Volume 65, Number 2 U

www.usacurl.org I

Established 1945 AT

CURLING

Introducing...

NEWS

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THE ROAD TO VANCOUVER...2010 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES, FEB. 12-28

Pustovar, Sugahara join Hall of Fame by Terry Kolesar, Editor

Meet Team USA, Pgs. 8-9

INSIDE:

ive-time national champion and multiple world medalist Paul Pustovar (Hibbing, Minn.) and longtime curling supporter Kaytaro “Kay” Sugahara (Stamford, Conn.) are the

newest members of the United States Curling Association Hall of Fame. Induction ceremonies will be held later this year at the discretion of the future inductees. Pustovar, 57, has competed at 21 men’s national championships, capturing national titles in 1977, ‘80, ‘91, ‘98 and

2002. At the World Men’s Championship he won a bronze medal in 1991 and twice finished fourth (1977, 2002). He also won the senior national title in 2009, finishing second at the subsequent World Senior Championships. In 2007, he coached the Todd Birr team at the world championships,

Vancouver draws near

UNDER 18?: Apply to compete in the 2010 U-18. Page 3 100 YEARS YOUNG: Portage curler celebrates centenary. Page 5. COLLEGE CRAZE: Get ready for tourney. Page 6. MAD-TOWN MANIA: Head to Madison for Club Nationals. Page 7. DOUBLE TAKEOUT: 2010 Mixed Doubles set to begin. Page 10. GETTING FRIENDLY: USWCA Friendship Tour a big success. Page 11.

Olympian Plys set to appear on ‘Bank of Hollywood’

Bonspiel Results – P13 College Curling – P6 Comics–P6 Curler’s Calendar–P13 Letters–P12 Member Services–P3 Rocket Exhaust–P14 Tales from Sheet 9–P5 USWCA – P11

Members of the 2010 U.S. Paralympic Team for Wheelchair Curling had a chat with “Today Show” host Meredith Vieira Nov. 4 during the 100-day kick off to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games festival held at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Team members (from left) Augusto Perez, Jacqui Kapinowski and James Joseph were joined by the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team for Curling team members as well as the athletes from the seven other Olympic sports for the day-long event. Photo by Marc DePerno

Hurry Hard Condoms promote education & HIV/AIDS prevention t has been nearly 30 years since the first cases of what would become known as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) were reported in the United States. Today, there is still no cure for AIDS or HIV – but there is prevention. The fact that this disease is still raging after 30 years is a testament to the dangers not only of the disease, but of complacency and ignorance. Education is the key to prevention. The need to

I C E

Continued on Page 15

by Terry Kolesar, Editor

DEPARTMENTS

T H E

bringing home the bronze. “It’s a great honor, probably the greatest that’s ever been bestowed on me in curling,” Pustovar said of the induction. “Just to be mentioned with all the other curlers that are in the Hall

S P O R T

press further with education and prevention is compelling, particularly for today’s youth. USA Curling was presented with an opportunity

O F

to help make a difference in the fight against AIDS/HIV when sponsor Kodiak Technology Group (KTG) proposed a unique project merging the strengths of this organization with those of the Monterey County Aids Prevention (MCAP) program. Kodiak, a 10-year sponsor of USA Curling’s information technology services, also supports MCAP, whose primary focus is to educate all Continued on Page 2

F I T N E S S

A N D

hris Plys (Duluth, Minn.), alternate on the men’s 2010 U.S. Olympic Team for Curling, is set to appear on the new reality TV show “Bank of Hollywood” on the E! network. “Bank of Hollywood,” produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions, is set to debut at 10 p.m. ET on Dec. 14 with eight episodes planned. Plys sent in an audition tape this summer and got called to Los Angeles earlier this month for a second audition and was selected to appear PLYS on the show. The idea of the show is simple – judges hand out cash to people seeking money for a variety of reasons. A panel of celebrity judges will determine who receives the money, which is coming from their own pockets with a minimum disbursement of $2,000.

Continued on Page 15

F I N E S S E

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

NOVEMBER 2009

‘Be Smart. Stay Safe.’ Continued From Page 1 ®

VOLUME 65, NO. 2

NOVEMBER 2009

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: Jan. 29, 2009 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 Leland Rich Vice Presidents Kent Beadle Walt Erbach James Pleasants Chris Sjue Treasurer Jack Bernauer Secretary Dave Carlson Directors Albert M. Anderson** [2012] Paul Badgero [2012] Kent Beadle [2012] John Benton (AAC) [2010] Jack Bernauer* [2010] Geoffrey Broadhurst [2010] Maureen Brunt (AAC) [2010] Dave Carlson [2010] Walt Erbach* [2010] Janet Farr (USWCA) [2012] Kathleen Harlow [2010] Chrissy Haase (AAC) [2010] Peggy Hatch** [2011] Cyndee Johnson [2011] Nicole Joraanstad (AAC) [2010] Kellie Krake [2012] Jerome Larson [2012]

Jan Legacie [2010] Richard Maskel (AAC) [2010] Gordon Maclean [2013] Tom O’Connor (AAC) [2010] Bob Pelletier [2012] James Pleasants [2010] Leland Rich [2011] Sean Silver [2012] Chris Sjue [2010] Tim Solie [2010] Mark Swandby [2011] Beau Welling* [2010] Georgia West [2010] 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: Jean Lindner, jean.lindner@usacurl.org

Off-site staff: Sports Psychology Consultant Dr. John Coumbe-Lilley Coaching Development Director Scott Higgins National Wheelchair Development Coach Steve Brown

people about the risks of HIV, and to convince them to take responsibility for their health. Hurry Hard Condoms© will be the educational vehicle for this project. Hurry Hard was chosen for the product title because this unique curling lingo often becomes a catchy, favorite saying of newcomers and new fans to the sport, especially during the extensive Olympic coverage. The packaging will also have the tagline, “Be smart. Stay safe.” KTG will produce and sell the condoms online, with distribution handled by MCAP and all profits split equally between MCAP and USA Curling to support their overall organizational missions. Hurry Hard Condoms© will be available for purchase online at www.hurryhardcondoms.com by Dec. 1, which is also World AIDS Day. In the 1980s and ’90s, the AIDS epidemic led to a significant increase in awareness about the need to take precautions when engaging in sexual activity. Public knowledge about AIDS/HIV spiked considerably in 1991 when NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson was diagnosed with HIV and subsequently became a spokesman for AIDS awareness and education campaigns. It’s almost as if we’re back to where things started pre-Magic: “It could never happen to me.” Before you convince yourself of that, however, please consider some of the statistics: • Worldwide, approximately one in every 100 adults aged 15 to 49 is HIVinfected. • Two young Americans are infected by HIV/AIDS every hour, with 40,000 to 60,000 infected annually. • HIV/AIDS infections are also increasing in people over age 50, who now make up 15 percent of all infected individuals. Eleven percent of all new AIDS cases today are in people over age 50. • In a study of women’s health around the world, HIV/AIDS has been found to be the leading cause of death and disease in women 15 to 44 years of age. Data shows that one in five deaths among women are due to HIV related to unsafe sex practices. • For the past six years, HIV has been the leading cause of death for blacks 25 to 44 years of age. HIV is the fifth-leading

cause of death for whites. The primary goal of the Hurry Hard Condoms© program is to continue to raise awareness about the need to educate people—especially youth—about the dangers of sexually transmitted infections. Secondarily, this program may also provide new revenue streams to help support the core missions of both the Monterey County Aids Prevention program and USA Curling. Using the sports culture as a conduit for education about healthy lifestyles and safer sex is not unique. Sex is a part of life, and sport has a positive role to play in addressing the HIV threat to life. As the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated in its “HIV and AIDS Prevention Through Sport” factsheet: “The IOC has a moral obligation, as indeed it is required by its Charter to place sport at the service of mankind. It is committed to playing a leading role in the Olympic Movement’s contribution to the global fight against HIV & AIDS by committing effort and mobilising resources. AIDS is threatening to destroy our collective sporting future and everyone must play their part in this fight. This is why all of us – a father or mother, a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a teacher or a coach, an administrator or a community leader, an athlete or a spectator – are being called on to play a part in the response to HIV & AIDS and in the fight against discrimination.” Condom wrapper artwork was designed by Olivia Robinson, daughter of long-time USCA staffer Sandy Robinson. Please see additional references below. • Monterey County Aids Prevention — http://www.mcap.org • International Olympic Committee HIV/AIDs Prevention through Sport (document) – http://www.olympic.org/ Documents/Reports/EN/en_report_1140.pdf) • “The Girl Effect: HIV/AIDS Prevention Starts with a Girl” – Nike Foundation global campaign effort (http://www.boardsportsource.com/show_n ews_item/32987_NIKE-LENDS-SUPPORT-TO-HIV-AIDS-PREVENTIONSTRATEGY/en) • “Life is not a Game. Wear a condom.” – Nike HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (http://www.gbcimpact.org/node/722) • World AIDS Day (December 1) — http://www.worldaidsday.org/

Hurry Hard Condoms© will be available for purchase online by Worlds AIDS Day (Dec. 1) at www.hurryhardcondoms.com

National Wheelchair Curling Outreach Development Director Marc DePerno Head Ice Technician Dave Staveteig

CURLER’S NAMEPLATES

Head Games Official Bill Forsythe

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UNITED STATES WOMEN’S CURLING ASSOCIATION OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jennifer Stannard FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Nancy Seitz Maureen Guay SECOND VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY Jill Owens TREASURER Jean Vorachek USCA LIASION Janet Farr PROMOTIONS & Loraine Waybourn PUBLIC RELATIONS

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NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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

Applications being accepted for 2010 U-18 by Deborah Moulton, Youth Committee Chairwoman he Optimist International Club of Canada has invited the USCA to send at least two and possibly three boys’ and two girls’ teams to the Under-18 Championship to be held in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, March 31-April 4. This event is a wonderful opportunity for young teams to participate in an international event that includes teams from the Canadian provinces, Japan and Europe. The Optimists want to emphasize that this event is designed to give

young, inexperienced, developing teams a chance to improve their skills in a friendly competition. In addition to the competition and banquet, there is a half-day of training by some of Canada’s top instructors. We encourage all qualifying juniors to put together a U-18 team and complete the application. Applications for the 2010 U-18 Optimist International Curling Championships are due in the USCA office by close of business Jan. 8. Mail all applications to the attention of Bev Schroeder at USCA, 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482. Applications and additional information and require-

ments are available on the USCA website. The Optimist International Club requires that all players must be 17 years of age or younger as of Dec. 31, 2009. Each participating team will represent their state/region and all players on the team must reside in the same state/region. Each state/region may be represented by no more than one boys’ and one girls’ team. The Optimist International requests that each team be accompanied by a Level II or higher coach that is 21 years of age or older. The USCA U-18 Selection Committee selects states/regions to

Dues, rosters deadline: Jan. 31 by Sandy Robinson, USCA Controller

he USCA has used e-mail to distribute its packet of information for filing membership rosters and submitting USCA dues for 2009-10. These notices were sent to club and region treasurers, or to another officer if we lacked an e-mail address for the treasurer. The USCA roster and dues materials are also available at the links below. We are asking clubs to update their rosters online using the USCA’s web database. We will, of course, continue to process paper rosters for clubs that are unable to make digital updates, but are hopeful that most will find online filing not only easy, but beneficial. Improved data accuracy, control of and access to membership data, report generation capabilities, year-round updating capabilities – these are all things made possible by our

web database. Five USCA roster and dues documents are combined into one document that includes: • 1-USCA Treasurer Letter on Letterhead • 2-Controller Letter on Letterhead. • 3-USCA Dues Definitions. • 4-Roster and Dues Filing Instructions - a six-page document that includes step-by-step instructions for digital membership roster filing options. These files were sent to each club’s treasurer or dues contact and also are posted online at www.usacurl.org/usacurl. * NEW THIS YEAR! — Win a Prize - Take a Survey! If your club’s rosters and USCA (aka USA Curling) dues are received at USA Curling by Jan. 31, 2010, you will earn a chance to win one of five exclusive USA Curling prizes! Also, complete the USA Curling online demographic survey by Jan. 31, 2010, and earn two addi-

tional chances to win. If your club is a member of the Great Lakes or Wisconsin curling association, please contact the USCA office for an additional document related to your regional dues. The USCA membership database has been designed and built with the assistance of USCA sponsor Kodiak Technology Group (bitRail), and will continue to evolve to meet the needs of our organization and members. Your suggestions for improvements are welcome. Please let us know if you have any difficulties at any stage of the filing process – we are happy to help. Contact Jean Lindner: jean.lindner@usacurl.org or 1-888-CURLERS (2875377), Ext. 207. A note for those updating via uploads: Please send your upload file to Jean Lindner via email at jean.lindner@usacurl.org. At this time the system isn’t allowing clubs to complete the upload.

send teams based upon the merits of the applications received. State/regions will be notified of the USCA’s selection by Jan. 18, 2010. If applications from more than one qualified team in a state/region are received, the USCA will request that the state/region’s curling association hold a playdown. State/region playdowns must be completed by Feb. 22, 2010. Teams are responsible for travel costs and some meals. Hotel costs are paid by the Optimist International Club for four players and a coach. If the team elects to bring a fifth player, their expenses must be paid in full by the team.

Certifications Level I instructor David Garrison Michael Graves Lori Kawleski Lionel W. Locke Richard A. Ramirez Karen Shane

Scott E. Stevinson Susan Tortorelli Level II instructor Lori Kawleski Ben Levy Level IV coach William “Bill” Tschirhart

Artsy calendar a fund-raiser for curling The next edition of Ana Arce’s “Fire on Ice” curling calendar is now for sale at www.anaarce.com (See calendar ad on Page 7). The calendar comprises 13 shots of curlers, happy to divest themselves of a few clothes for the benefit of their sport. It is, however, complemented by another 13 artistic shots comprising a special “Art of Curling” supplement printed on the reverse side of each sheet printed on highquality, A3 size paper. The calendar’s featured club this year is St. John’s, Newfoundland, with three models appearing. In addition, models from Italy, Denmark, Switzerland,

Finland, Scotland, France, and Latvia join other nationalities gracing its pages. Fire on Ice is a fundraiser for the models’ teams. Over past editions, the producers have been able to contribute in excess of 60,000 (Euro) to women's curling worldwide. Ana Arce, the inspiration behind the calendar and its photographer, is a keen competitive curler herself, and will be representing Spain at the European Curling Championships 2009. A Fire on Ice Facebook group has just been launched, and is already generating considerable interest.

Brazil set to challenge USA once again for berth at 2010 World Championship by Terry Kolesar, Editor he four-sheet Grafton Curling Club in Grafton, N.D., will host a challenge between USA and Brazil on Feb. 5-7 for the final North American berth at the 2010 Capital One World Men’s Curling Championship in Cortina, Italy. Brazil issued its second challenge against the United States for the berth and will get the opportunity to earn it in a best-of-five competition spread over three days in

February. Last year in Bismarck, N.D., Todd Birr’s team easily defeated the Brazilians in three straight games to earn the berth for the U.S. at the 2009 Ford Worlds in Moncton, New Brunswick. Once again, the top men’s team in the U.S. Order of Merit based on this season’s competition results as of Dec. 31 that has already qualified for the 2010 USA Curling National Championships will represent the USA. Teams begin qualifying for the Nationals Jan. 5-10 at four Qualifying Round events across the

U.S. Teams that don’t advance to the Nationals from the Qualifying Round will have a second chance to earn a berth at the Challenge Round, also being held in Grafton, Feb. 4-7 (and not to be confused with the World Curling Championship Challenge). Twelve teams compete at both the men’s and women’s World Curling Championships each year. Two teams represent the Americas Zone, encompassing both North and South America. Since the inception of the world championships, the only two World

Curling Federation member associations to represent the Americas have been Canada and the United States. Canada has qualified for the 2010 Worlds because they ranked higher at the completion of the 2009 Worlds (Canada finished second to USA’s fifth-place showing). Brazil, a WCF member since 1998, is challenging the U.S. for the second Americas berth in Cortina. All five Brazilian nationals are currently training in Quebec, Canada, at the Lennoxville Curling Club.

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

McCormick, Fenson score WCT event titles The 2010 U.S. Olympic Team for Women’s Curling earned its first World Curling Tour event victory of the season on Nov. 8 by defeating Ontario’s Lisa Farnell rink, 5-2, at the OVCA Fall Classic in

Kemptville, Ontario. Debbie McCormick (Rio, Wis.) led teammates Allison Pottinger (Eden Prairie, Minn.), Nicole Joraanstad (Madison, Wis.) and Natalie Nicholson (Bemidji, Minn.) to an undefeated record to

grab the $4,500 CDN cash prize. The win follows up two successful events in Switzerland in which the team advanced to the playoffs as well. 2006 Olympic bronze medalist Pete Fenson (Bemidji, Minn.)

led his team to the Duluth Cashspiel title Nov. 8 in Duluth, Minn., with a 4-3 win over 2008 national champion Craig Brown (Madison, Wis.) in an extra end. Teaming up with Fenson were fellow

Olympic medalists Shawn Rojeski (Chisholm, Minn.) and Joe Polo (Bemidji, Minn.) as well as 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials runner-up Tyler George (Duluth, Minn.), who recently joined the team.

Meet the U.S. Olympic Curling Team as the Milwaukee Admirals host a Salute to Curling

Monday, December 28, 2009 • 7:00pm Milwaukee Admirals vs Grand Rapid Griffins Curling Clubs are encouraged to bring their clubs, friends, and family to this very special night

$4 from each $16 ticket will help send Team U.S.A. to Vancouver One Curler from each of the top 4 selling Wisconsin Curling Clubs will get a chance to take on the Olympic Curlers during the game

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

100 years young, Moseley’s passion is strong onald Moseley reports that his father, Forrest “Mose” Moseley, is going strong after his 100th birthday Oct. 13, 2009. Forrest started curling in his late 70s, at the Portage (Wis.) Curling Club. He retired from the game at age 96 on doctor’s orders, but is still a loyal fan of curling, attending many events at the club. Over 200 citizens of Portage celebrated his centenary with Mose Oct. 18 at the Portage Presbyterian Church. Mose always enjoyed sports. In his younger days he played softball, bowled, golfed and fished. He was city tennis champion for seven consecutive years, quitting tennis due to press of time at his work. He managed or co-managed a gas station for 38 years. In his late 70s he started to curl, and from the end of that very first season, he always looked forward to the next season, especially to the annual senior national bonspiel. He enjoyed the fact that it was held in different places around the country, as he enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. In his last several years on the ice, he was celebrated as the oldest active curler in the United States. Forrest is especially looking forward to Feb. 1821, 2010, when the Portage Curling Club is hosting the

Tales From Sheet Nine

David Garber djgarber@charter.net Senior Men’s National Bonspiel, to watch the curling and enjoy visiting with his many curling friends. (Portage will also host the Senior Men’s National Championship in late January.) The rise of Russian curling As curling in the world continues to grow in more nations, Russia is stepping up and expanding beyond well-known places like Moscow and St. Petersburg. The World Mixed Doubles and Senior Curling Championships will be hosted April 15-24 in Chelyabinsk, a city of about one million, just east of the southern Ural Mountains. A browse of Wikipedia reveals that Chelyabinsk was known as “Tankograd” for its production of World War II armaments. The city,

Forrest Moseley (left to right), Jerry Garrigan, “Doc” Curtis and Frank Rhyme at Moseley’s last senior bonspiel, held at the St. Paul Curling Club in 1996. His latest delivery was receiving the honor of throwing out the first stone at an event in Portage in February 2006.

founded in 1736, grew dramatically after Stalin moved entire factories east in 1941 to be out of reach of the German military. This industrialization converted a small town into an industrial powerhouse, which it remains to this day. Visitors can fly into Chelyabinsk, or fly first to Yekaterinburg (about 95 miles north, famous as the site where the Czar and his family were killed in 1918) and then travel overland. The adventurous can take

the Trans-Siberian rail from the east. The area was closed to foreigners until 1992. Chelyabinsk has produced top-level speed skaters and ice hockey players. Perhaps production of world class curlers is next. Good luck to the eventual winners of the 2010 U.S. Senior and Mixed Doubles National Championships, and bon voyage as you visit a faraway city to compete for the world championships. Hopefully, you and your families will be able to

spend some time as tourists as well as competitors and fans, and see an area few Americans have visited. In 2014, the Olympic Winter Games will be hosted in another Russian city, Sochi. Unlike Chelyabinsk, Sochi, on the Black Sea coast, is a resort city (population about 400,000). According to Wikipedia, Stalin loved Sochi and built his favorite dacha here, where tourists can visit his former study. The area has a rich history of varied cultures and battles.

Continental Cup to continue in January 2011 The Canadian Curling Association and the World Curling Federation have reached a partnership agreement to continue to stage the unique Continental Cup of Curling. In addition, it was also announced that World Financial Group will become the title sponsor of the Continental Cup, which is patterned after golf’s Ryder Cup, featuring Team North America versus Team World, in a variety of curling disciplines. It began in 2002 in Regina and has been contested six times, all in Canada, with the sides currently knotted at three wins apiece. While sites and dates have not yet been confirmed for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Continental Cups, the World Financial Group has signed a contract to be the title sponsor of the event for the next two editions, with an option for a

third year. The Continental Cup competition involves 12 teams (three men’s and three women’s for both Team World and Team North America) in a fourday event, featuring regular Team games, Mixed Doubles, Singles, Mixed Skins and Skins games. Each segment awards points for wins (or ties), with the first side to reach 200 points declared the winner. The first WFG Continental Cup, presented by Monsanto, will be staged in January 2011, a different time frame from past Cups, which were contested in late November or early December. TSN, the exclusive television network for the CCA’s Season of Champions, is expected to provide comprehensive coverage of the 2011 Continental Cup, similar to

its coverage of the 2008 renewal and the first three editions of the Cup from 2002-04.

The Perfect Holiday Gift For Curlers: A Collection Of Nine Original Curling Songs! Titles include: The Skip Is Always Right Burnt Rock Blues Good Sweeping! Psycho Curler $12 per CD. Send check to: Stephen Christman 6801 Cloister Court

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

College Curling Your contact: Rich Larko, larko2123@comcast.net, 847-729-0934 • www.collegecurling.org

College programs do produce future club members by Rich Larko, College Curling Coordinator everal years ago two graduate students from Northwestern University contacted me and asked if I could help them find a place to curl in the Chicago area. I met with them and convinced them to start a curling club at the school, and I’d arrange for them to curl at the North Shore Curling Club. The club embranced the idea and made arrangements to provide a fixed time for Northwestern curlers to practice and play Sunday afternoons. The club further agreed to

supply organized and intense instruction every Sunday. As a reward for interested student curlers the North Shore club invited the students to sign up for regular events with regular members. This last carrot was one of the keys to the success of the program. We quickly turned rookies into better-than-average curlers. The students learned to curl, learned strategy and most of the subtleties of the game as well as the courtesies of curling. Suddenly Northwestern curlers were welcome everywhere and they were welcome in bonspiels and state-sponsored events. The student-leaders were aggressive and convinced

school authorities to embrace the school curling program and provide the club with a modest, but significant yearly grant for ice time and use of club facilities. The net result of all this was the creation of a lot of good young curlers...young, strong, enthusiastic, fresh faces, etc. The students were smart and sponsored an alumni open house to introduce non-curlers to the game. These efforts brought North Shore more new curlers. We hope this success story convinces curlers and clubs all over the country to not only embrace a student program, but more importantly, to use the opportunity to run a serious program and

turn the students into real curlers. Welcome the students, treat them as adults, make them part of the club, show them how to get into nearby bonspiels. Mentor them, coach them. The Northwestern student curlers are beginning to gradute now. and going out into the world and joining curling clubs. Of the original group of students we have seen one of them joining an Illinois club even before he graduated. Another has moved to Milwaukee and already joined the Wauwatosa Curling Club. Still another has accepted a job in Michigan and is joining the Midland Curling Club. One of the female students

moved back to New Jersey and joined the Plainfield club in the middle of last season and has been to several bonspiels already this season. Several other students are seriously looking for jobs in areas where curling is available. In the past we have been challenged to quantify that college curling produces future dues-paying curlers. The Northwestern program at North Shore Curling Club is a model of how to run a program that produces future curlers. Along with an enlighened management we thank North Shore Curlers Jim and Debbie Murray and coach Craig Carlson for their continuing hard work.

Two major college events on tap this season

he Bowling Green Regional Championship is set for Jan. 29-31 at the Bowling Green Curling Club in Bowling Green, Ohio. The contact person is PJ Wolf, 103 South Main St., Apt. 29, Bowling Green, OH 43402; 419283-0088; Pjwolf@bgsu.edu. The sign-up deadline is Jan 8. Checks and entry must be in hands of PJ Wolf no later than 5 p.m. The entry fee is $100 per team with the first 24 teams entered followed by a waiting list. This is an open event. There will be three divisions with eight teams each divided by team experience. All teams will play at their own level of experience.

The event will use the same format as National Tournament with the first game on Friday evening. followed by two on Saturday, and the event finals on Sunday morning. Meals include Friday dinner, lunch and dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday. Snacks will be available throughout the event. Win, place and show awards will be handed out in all three divisions. This will be a great warm-up for championships in the National Tournament in Chicago, March 1214. Get your teams together and sign up as soon as possible. To be eligible to compete, students must be undergraduate or graduate students attending recog-

The Funny Side

nized schools at least half time. A $59 per night plus tax rate has been arranged at a nearby hotel. Talk to PJ Wolf to arrange hotel. National Tournament The National Championship Tournament will take place March 12-14 at the Chicago-area curling clubs. Four or five divisions will be played depending on the number of registered teams. All teams play at their own level of experience. Win, place and show awards given in each division. Format: one game Friday evening, Two Saturday. Finals Sunday morning. Food: Dinner Friday, lunch and dinner Saturday, lunch Sunday.

The sign-up deadline is March 1. Entry fee is $120 per team. Entries must be in the registrar’s hand no later than 5 p.m. on March 1. A wait list will begin after that. Eligibility is the same as the BGSU event. Send entries to: Dr. Robert Richardson, 608-788-0595; richards.rob2@uwlax.edu Headquarters hotel: Courtyards by Marriott 1801 Milwaukee Ave. Glenview, Il 60026 847-803-2500 Be sure to inform reservation clerk that you are part of College Curling Tournament to guarantee $79.50 rate. Deadline for rate guarantee is March 1.

Order your copy of the official Olympic curling pin & ten s r i y K f the lub b o C d ne llins ling g i r s o De ch C e Cu l i g R an i Tr

www.usacurl.org/usacurl or call the USCA office at 888-287-5377 to order your copy now! $25 + shipping

Jerome Seidl Jerome “Jerry” R. Seidl, Janesville, Wis., passed away Sept. 27, 2009. Born in Medford, Wis., Seidl was a longtime curler in the Wisconsin area and a member of the Blackhawk Curling Club.

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.”

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Head to Madison for Club Nationals action by Jeremy Roe, Co-Chairman, 2010 Club National Championships lub pride and Olympic spirit will be on full display at the 2010 USA Curling Club National Championship presented by Crowne Plaza Feb. 20-27 in Madison, Wis. Plan to join us as a competitor by entering your regional club playdown in January, or as a spectator for all the fun and excitement.

Along with the great action on the ice, there will be Olympic viewing on a big screen in our clubroom. If you cannot make it to Madison to watch in person, follow the action online as we webcast one

Tickets: $10—Opening reception $5—Adult day pass $3—Day pass ages 13-18 Free—Ages 12 and under $20—Awards banquet $50—All inclusive event pass Tickets can be purchased at the door each day. Merchandise with

live game from the Club Nationals each draw, complete with commentary and chat room for viewers’

the event logo and souvenir programs will be available for purchase at the event. Headquarters hotel: Madison Crowne Plaza Call (608)244-4703 or 800404-7630 for reservations under the “Club Curling Nationals 2010” room block until Feb. 8.

comments! Visit www.2010ClubNationals.com for the latest updates.

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

To mark 100 days until the opening ceremony of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, members of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team for Curling and 2010 Paralympic Team for Wheelchair Curling were invited to Rockefeller plaza and presented with official Team USA hats by the U.S. Olympic Committee. Junior curlers from the Nutmeg Curling Club in Bridgeport, Conn., had the opportunity to present the hats to Team USA. Curlers taking part included (above, lr) Kent Suslavich, Abbey Suslavich, Libby Brundage, Emily Winter and Miles Hogarth, with 2010 Paralympians (front, l-r) Jacqui Kapinowski, Jimmy Joseph and Augusto Perez. Photo by Megan Suslavich

All members of the USWCA are Join over 2600 Women welcome to share their passion in 60 Curling for curling by participating in: Clubs The Five and Under Challenges (Open, Throughout Mixed and Women’s), The the U.S.A. The Mission of the United States Women's Curling Association (USWCA) is to develop, nurture and promote the sport of curling among today's women and all youth. Our motto, "The Heart of Curling" is the core of that Mission.

All-American, The National Women’s Bonspiel and The Senior Women’s Bonspiel. In addition, the USWCA sponsors three annual Junior Bonspiels to foster the love of curling in our youth. To learn more about how your curling club can apply for membership in this dynamic organization, please contact Carol Wood, USWCA Membership Chair at carwood@rochester.rr.com or visit our web site at www.uswca.org.

This edition’s 26 curlers wish you a beautiful 2010 … and thank you for your support!

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Meet Team USA Fast facts: Natalie Nicholson • Team McCormick has won the Position: Lead past four straight U.S. national Birthdate: March 10, 1976 titles – a USA Curling record • McCormick, Pottinger and Hometown: Bemidji, Minn. Sachtjen won the first – and only – Occupation: Nurse practitioner Family: Married to John; one daughworld gold medal for the women’s ter, Stella curling program back in 2003 Highlights: • All five are former U.S. junior • Making first Olympic appearance champions • Coach Henry is a former champi• 7-time U.S. national champion; on as well. He won two U.S. men’s earning silver medal at 2006 Worlds • Two-time U.S. junior champion titles in the 1980s. • 2004, 1997 USA Curling Team of • Both Pottinger and Sachtjen have the Year U.S. mixed national titles under • 2009 USA Curling Female Athlete their belts as well of the Year • The only Olympian in the group, McCormick represented the U.S. at Natalie is the sparkplug of the team, the 1998 Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan, and 2002 in Salt adding an energy to the team while on the ice. At the 2009 Women’s Lake City. World Championship, she was the • The only U.S. curling Olympic medal won was in 2006 when Pete top-ranked athlete at the lead position. Fenson’s team won bronze • The best finish for the women at the Olympics was fourth in 2002 Tracy Sachtjen (McCormick was vice skip on that Position: Alternate Team USA (l-r) Natalie Nicholson, Allison Pottinger, Debbie McCormick, Nicole Joraanstad and team) Birthdate: Feb. 20, 1969 Tracy Sachtjen. They’re coached by Wally Henry. • McCormick’s husband proposed Photos by Martha Busse, Martha Busse Photography, Madison, Wis. Hometown: Lodi, Wis. to her during the 1998 Nagano Occupation: Events & sports coordiOlympic Winter Games nator with Lodi School District and • Pottinger, Nicholson and YMCA Sachtjen all are moms Family: Married to Karl; two chilover the years with people she’s met throughout her career. A • McCormick and Pottinger were both born in Canada. dren, Sierra and Desmon proven winner (McCormick, Pottinger and Sachtjen won the world McCormick moved as a young child while Pottinger lived there title in 2003), Debbie is looking to finally get on the Olympic until she came to the U.S. for college, where she played softball at Highlights: medal podium in Vancouver after finishing 4th in Salt Lake City in the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. • 2003 world champion 2002 and 5th in Nagano, Japan, in 1998. • Joraanstad, the youngster in the group, recently became engaged. • 5-time U.S. national champion • Nicholson gave birth to her first child in 2008, a daughter, Stella. • 3-time U.S. junior national champion Allison Pottinger • 1998 U.S. mixed champion Position: Vice skip Debbie McCormick • 1989 USA Curling Female Athlete of the Year Birthdate: July 5, 1973 Position: Skip • 2003 and 1999 USA Curling Team of the Year Hometown: Brampton, Ontario Birthdate: Jan. 8, 1974 • Competing in her first Olympic Games Currently resides: Eden Prairie, Minn. Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Occupation: Marketing research analyst for General Mills Currently resides: Rio, Wis. Fun stuff: Family: Married to Doug Pottinger, 2004 U.S. national men’s curlOccupation: Works for Home Depot Hobbies: Gardening, running, biking, kayaking, hiking, golfing, ing champion; two daughters, Lauren & Kelsey Family: Married to Pete McCormick and any form of exercise Highlights: Highlights: Favorite vacation spots: Florida, anywhere with her family and a • Making first Olympic appearance • 2003 world champion beach • 2003 world champion; silver medals in 2006, 1999, 1996 • Three-time Olympian (2010, 2002, 1998) Favorite food: Mexican • 9-time U.S. national champion • 7-time U.S. national champion (2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003, Favorite drink: Dark beer • 1994 U.S. junior champion; silver medal at Junior Worlds 2001, 1996; 4 most recently as skip) Volunteer work: Volunteers with kids groups in her community • 2008 USA Curling Female Athlete of the Year • 4-time U.S. junior champion; two silvers and one bronze at and cancer support groups • 2003 & 1999 USA Curling Team of the Year World Juniors Fun stuff: • Has earned three medals at world championships (2003, gold; Tracy also is a proven winner with multiple national titles and one Hobbies: Running, skiing, water-skiing 2006, silver; 1996, silver) world title on her resume. A longtime friend and teammate to Favorite TV shows: Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice • 2003 USA Curling Team of the Year McCormick, Tracy can easily jump in and play at any position at a Favorite vacation spot: Phuket, Thailand • 2003 and 2006 USA Curling Female Athlete of the Year high level based on her dedication to staying in shape and on top Favorite foods/drinks: Red wine, pizza, Diet Coke Fun stuff: of her curling game. The eldest member of the team at 40 years Favorite band: Counting Crows old, Tracy was the first U.S. junior champion back in 1987. Allison is the team’s strategist and longtime teammate of Favorites sports teams: Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Wally Henry McCormicks. Together they’ve won junior titles, women’s titles, Brewers Position: Women’s team head coach and a world championship in the two decades they’ve curled with Birthdate: May 5, 1947, in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba Pets: Two female Weimaraners (Ellie & Ava) each other on and off. Hometown: Beaver Dam, Wis. Hobbies: Scrapbooking, kayaking, pheasant hunting with doggies Occupation: Retired and husband, Pete, bike riding Nicole Joraanstad Family: Two children, Debbie McCormick and Donnie Henry Dreams of...being on the Price is Right Position: Second Favorite TV shows: Game shows, What Not to Wear, The Birthdate: Nov. 10, 1980 Highlights: Deadliest Catch, sports (especially Andy Roddick) Hometown: Seattle • Has coached Team McCormick since 2003, earning gold medal Favorite foods/drinks: Coffee, fruit smoothies, perogies, pizza, Currently resides: Madison, Wis. with team in 2003 seafood, Mexican food, Japanese food, Chinese food, steak, red Occupation: Senior corporate recruiter for TDS Telecom • 2007 USA Curling Coach of the Year wine Family: Engaged • 2007 U.S. senior men’s champion Highlights: • 2-time U.S. men’s champion (two bronze medals at Worlds) Probably one of the most well-known American curlers, Debbie is • Making first Olympic appearance • Assistant coach at 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake a fan favorite as she embraces the relationships she has formed • 6-time U.S. champion; winning silver at 2006 Worlds City • Two-time U.S. Junior national champion; winning bronze at Fun stuff: 2000 World Juniors Hobbies: Camping, gardening, traveling, fishing • 2004 & 2000 USA Curling Favorite TV shows: History Channel, Law & Order, CSI Team of the Year Favorite vacation spot: South shore of Lake Superior • 2007 USA Curling Female Athlete of the Year Fun stuff: 2010 Olympic Winter Games • Hobbies: Working out, cookDraw schedule, Feb. 12-28, Vancouver, B.C. ing, traveling Women • Favorite TV shows: Brothers All times local Pacific Time (PT) and Sisters, Lost, Girls Next Door, The Office, Private 2/16: USA v. Japan, 2 p.m. Practice 2/17: USA v. Germany, 9 a.m. • Favorite vacation spot: 2/18: USA v. Denmark, 2 p.m. Switzerland 2/19: USA v. Russia, 9 a.m. • Favorite food/drink: Steak, 2/20: USA v. Great Britain, 2 p.m. Diet Coke 2/21: USA v. Canada, 9 a.m., USA v. Sweden, 7 p.m. Nicole brings a youthful edge to the American women’s team and is the ultimate team organizer/manager. This team has played together since 2006 and Nicole organizes all flight arrangements and paperwork for competitions. A fitness fanatic, Nicole considers working out a hobby.

2/22: No USA women’s game 2/23: USA v. China, 9 a.m., USA v. Switzerland, 7 p.m. 2/24: Tiebreakers (if needed), 9 a.m., noon & 7 p.m. 2/25: Semifinals at 9 a.m. 2/26: Bronze-medal match, 9 a.m.; gold-medal, 3 p.m.

Coming in the next issue...Meet the 2010 U.S. Paralympic Team for Wheelchair Curling

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Meet Team USA Fast facts: Highlights: • Team Shuster won its first • 2009 U.S. men’s national champinational title when it counted most on – the 2010 Olympic Team Trials • 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials • Shuster is a four-time men’s for Curling champion champion (3 titles as a member of Fun stuff: Team Pete Fenson in 2003, 2005 Favorite TV shows: CSI, Top Chef, and 2006) Heroes • The only Olympian in the men’s Favorite vacation spot: Grand group, Shuster was a member of Rapids, Minn. the 2006 Olympic team that won Favorite foods: Italian food, ribs U.S. curling’s first Olympic medal Career plans/dreams: After leaving – bronze as a member of Team the IT industry, he’d like to open a Fenson small restaurant • Shuster, Smith, Isaacson and Plys Hobbies: Bass fishing, golf, comare all former U.S. junior champiputers, cooking ons • Shuster, Isaacson and Plys Jokingly referred to as Grandpa by teamed up to win the gold medal at his teammates, John, at age 40, prothe 2007 Winter World University vides a calming presence for his 20Games. This was the first and only some-year-old teammates. He medal ever won by the U.S. curlbrings a quiet leadership based on ing program at this event. his years of experience on the ice. • Plys has won a U.S.-record 5 Chris Plys U.S. junior titles (last four in a Position: Alternate row) and brought home the first Birthdate: Aug. 13, 1987 world junior men’s gold medal Hometown: Duluth, Minn. since 1984 in 2008. Occupation: Works for family busi• At age 22, Plys was the youngest Team USA (l-r) Chris Plys, John Benton, Jeff Isaacson, Jason Smith and John Shuster. They’re ness skip in the field at the 2010 U.S. coached by Phill Drobnick. Highlights: Olympic Team Trials. • 2008 World junior champion • The team jokingly refers to • Five-time U.S. junior champion Benton as “grandpa” to reflect the age gap • 2008 USA Curling Team of the Year (Benton is 40 while the rest of the team and • 2007 World University Games gold medalist even the head coach are in their 20s). • Competing in his first Olympic Trials and John Shuster second national championship Position: Skip Fun stuff: Birthdate: Nov. 3, 1982 Hobbies: Writing & listening to music, skateHometown: Chisholm, Minn. boarding, hockey Currently resides: Duluth, Minn. Favorite foods: Pizza, chicken nuggets, Occupation: Bar manager at Duluth Curling Arizona iced teas Club; also works on the grounds crew at golf Dream job: Musician course in Duluth Highlights: Chris is an up-and-coming star for USA • 2006 Olympic bronze medalist Curling based on his success at the junior • Four-time U.S. men’s national champion level. He has won the past four (and five • 2007 World University Games gold medalist overall) U.S. junior titles and won gold at the • 2004 U.S. junior champion world juniors in 2008. At 21 years old, Chris • 2006 U.S. Olympic Committee’s Team of the was the youngest skip in the field at the U.S. Year 2010 Olympic Team Trials for Curling, finish• 2006 USA Curling Team of the Year ing with a 3-6 record. He was added to Team • 2009 USA Curling Male Athlete of the Year Shuster as the alternate in time for the 2009 Fun stuff: Men’s World Championship. Chris comes Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, wakeboarding, from a large family and is the oldest child. He baseball, golf has many tattoos across his body and expressPets: Two German short-haired pointers es himself through music. Favorite music: Country One beauty/grooming item he can’t live withPhill Drobnick out: A hat Position: Men’s team head coach Favorite sports team: Minnesota Twins Birthdate: Oct. 8, 1980, in Virginia, Minn. Favorite foods: Smoked fish, pizza, Buffalo Hometown: Duluth, Minn. chicken, steak, oven-fried pork chops Occupation: Probation officer with St. Louis Lucky charms: Family & long-sleeved Nike County shirt from 2006 Olympic Games Highlights: • Coached the Chris Plys rink to world junior Known for being loud on the ice because of his gold medal in 2008 and bronze in 2009. passion for the sport and competitive streak, • As an athlete, won the 2000 U.S. Junior Shuster is a big-game player who enjoys the Nationals and competed in four U.S. national last shot for the win. A member of the first Team Shuster in action at the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. championships team to win an Olympic medal for U.S. curlPhoto by Jerome Larson • 2009 & 2008 USA Curling Coach of the Year ing, Shuster has dreamed of skipping a team at Fun stuff: the Olympic Winter Games since he was a • Phill hails from the Iron Range of Minnesota, Jeff Isaacson teenager. He rarely curls without a baseball cap on. known as Hockey Town USA Position: Second Jason Smith Hobbies: Golf, tennis Birthdate: July 14, 1983 Position: Vice skip • Each year Phill and a friend travel the U.S. to attend Poison Hometown: Virginia, Minn. Birthdate: Sept. 18, 1983 concerts Currently resides: Gilbert, Minn. Hometown: Chisholm, Minn. • Favorite TV shows: Seinfeld (his all-time favorite), Big Brother, Occupation: Teacher Currently resides: Cape Coral, Fla. The Hills (big fan of Laura Conrad!) Highlights: Occupation: Highway services technician Favorite vacation spot: Las Vegas • 2007 World University Games gold medalist Highlights: Dreams of vacationing in...Mexico and Haiti • 2005 U.S. Junior champion; finished fourth at World Juniors • 2009 U.S. men’s national champion Favorite foods: Ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, pizza • Competing in third U.S. men’s championship (finished as run• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Curling champion Dream job: Phill loves his job as a probation officer but dreams to ner-up in 2002) • 2005 U.S. Junior champion; finished fourth at World Juniors serve for a U.S. senator some day. • 2005 Junior Nationals All-Star Team • Bronze medalist, 2003 World Junior B Championships Fun stuff: • 2005 Junior Nationals All-Star Team Favorite vacation spots: Fort Meyers, Fla.; Las Vegas; Hawaii Fun stuff: 2010 Olympic Winter Games Hobbies: Playing cards, poker, cribbage, smear, four-wheeling, Other sports: Basketball, bowling, softball Draw schedule, Feb. 12-28, Vancouver, B.C. boating, swimming Hobbies: Playing cards, cribbage, pool, listening to music, going Men Favorite foods: Fish, pizza, seafood to the beach, hanging out with friends All times local Pacific Time (PT) Favorite TV shows: Bones, CSI, Life, House Dreams of traveling to: Australia Favorite place in his backyard: The beach Favorite food: Sushi. “A few years ago, I would have never even tried to eat it. Now, I absolutely love it.” Jason can eat whatever he wants without gaining weight, as apparent in his 150-pound frame. Not a big fan of cooking, Jason says “Anything that can be made in the microwave is for me.” Favorite drink: Mountain Dew Jason is highly competitive and is the team’s sparkplug on the ice. He excels at just about any sport he tries.

Jeff is a true student of the sport and studies game films all the times. He has an extensive library of curling film, which is not always easy to come by based on TV coverage over the years. While quiet and mild mannered, Jeff’s knowledge of strategy and the sport makes him the professor of the team. John Benton Position: Lead Birthdate: June 23, 1969 Hometown: Afton, Minn. Currently resides: St. Michael, Minn. Occupation: Operating systems analyst with Fairview Health Services of Minnesota

2/16: USA v. Germany, 9 a.m.; USA v. Norway, 2 p.m. 2/17: USA v. Switzerland, 2 p.m. 2/18: USA v. Denmark, 9 a.m. 2/19: USA v. France, 2 p.m. 2/20: USA v. Sweden, 9 a.m. 2/21: USA v. Great Britain, 2 p.m. 2/22: USA v. Canada, 9 a.m.; USA v. China, 7 p.m. 2/23: No USA men’s draw 2/24: Tiebreakers (if needed), 9 a.m., noon & 7 p.m. 2/25: Semifinals at 2 p.m. 2/27: Bronze-medal match, 9 a.m.; gold medal, 3 p.m.

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

2010 Mixed Doubles action heads to Seattle by Terry Kolesar, Editor ineteen teams will compete at the third edition of the U.S. Mixed Doubles Championship set to be contested Dec. 3-6 at the Granite Curling Club in Seattle. This is the largest pool of teams since the event began in 2007 with half of the competing field hailing from the host club. Among the competing teams is defending champion Cristin Clark (Lynnwood, Wash.), who won the title with husband Brady Clark last season and went on to finish 18th at the

World Mixed Doubles in Italy. Clark is teaming up this year with Sean Beighton (Edmonds, Wash.), who has competed at the national junior level previously. Clark also is a six-time U.S. mixed national champion. Also in the mix are 2008 finalists Derek Surka and Charrissa Lin (both of New Haven, Conn.) and 2009 semifinalist Steve Lundeen (Seattle), who is competing this year with new partner Elizabeth Coffin (Mountlake Terrace, Wash.). Family ties are the overwhelming theme at the 2010 Mixed Doubles. Of the competing Seattle-area

teams, sisters Jaynie Pleasants, Cindy Kozai and Sharon Vukich all have teams. Vukich’s daughter, Em Good, and son, Jake Vukich, have formed a team meaning they’ll also compete against their uncle Jim Pleasants, husband of Jaynie. The Pleasants’ are one of three competing married couples. They join Surka and Lin and Bart and Abigail Read (Appleton, Maine). The five-sheet Granite Curling Club most recently hosted the 2007 U.S. Junior National Championship. Here’s a look at the team rosters for 2010 U.S. Mixed Doubles Championship: Team Clark: Cristin

Clark (Lynnwood, Wash.) and Sean Beighton (Edmonds, Wash.) Team Coleman: Gabrielle Coleman (Mountain View, Calif.) and Barry Ivy (Livermore, Calif.) Team Cornfield: David Cornfield (Seattle) and Leslie Frosch (Shoreline, Wash.) Team Doherty: Timothy Doherty and Connie Kupferschmidt (both of St. Paul, Minn.) Team Gemmell: Dean Gemmell (Short Hills, N.J.) and Janice Langanke (Middletown, N.J.) Team Good: Em Good and Jake Vukich (both of Seattle)

Team Iwanick: Arnie Iwanick (La Center, Wash.) and Katie Kauffman (Lynnwood, Wash.) Team Levy: Ben Levy (Ypsilanti, Mich.) and Emily Juocys (Rochester Hills, Mich.) Team Lopac: Senja Lopac (Minneapolis) and Matt Zyblut (Danville, Va.) Team Lundeen: Steve Lundeen (Seattle) and Elizabeth Coffin (Mountlake Terrace, Wash.) Team Mazzotta: Gary Mazzotta (Minneapolis, Minn.) and Michelle Summer (Maple Grove, Minn.) Team McLean: Derrick McLean (Bothell, Wash.) and Lysa Hambley (Lynnwood, Wash.) Team Meechai: Joyance Meechai (New York, N.Y.) and Jason Nawyn (Chelsea, Mass.) Team Pleasants: James Pleasants and Jaynie Pleasants (both of Seattle) Team Read: Bart Read and Abigail Read (both of Appleton, Maine) Team Schultz: Eric Schultz (Burnsville, Minn.) and Julie Smith (St. Paul, Minn.) Team Surka: Derek Surka and Charrissa Lin (both of New Haven, Conn.) Team VanWieringen: Barry VanWieringen (Kenmore, Wash.) and Cynthia Kozai (Seattle) Team Vukich: Sharon Vukich (Seattle) and Mike Calcagno (Kirkland, Wash.)

Host hotel for 2010 Juniors announced For the latest information about the 2010 USA Curling Junior National Championships, Jan. 23-30 in Bemidji, Minn., visit http://2010juniornationals.com/ The host hotel for the Junior Nationals is the AmericInn Lodge and Suites. Conveniently located across from the Bemidji Curling Club, curlers and curling fans are a just short walk away from the action. To make reservations, call 800-396-5007. Ticket information also can be found on the event website.

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Friendship Tour a hit with Manitoba curlers by Barbara Hamm, USWCA he United States Women’s Curling Association (USWCA) hosted the 2009 Canadian Senior Women’s Friendship Tour. During the first two weeks in November, senior women from five towns and more than seven clubs within the province of Manitoba were hosted in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. The tour members participated in a wealth of curling experiences and enjoyed great food, the hospitality of the home hosts, and warm welcome from the U.S. communities. Wisconsin hosted the Friendship Tour at the Milwaukee Curling Club, the Blackhawk Curling Club

USWCAsponsored junior bonspiels enter 10th season by Shelley Dropkin, USWCA This season marks the 10th anniversary of USWCA sponsorship of the regional junior bonspiels. These bonspiels exist to promote and support the growth of youth curling and are hosted regionally across the United States in order to minimize travel for the juniors. USWCA provides a traveling trophy for the first-event winner and additional event award pins. The USWCA member clubs hosting the upcoming junior bonspiels this season are: Broomstones Curling Club, Wayland, Mass., (took place Nov. 20-22); Madison Curling Club in McFarland, Wis., on Dec.12-13; and the Capital Curling Club in Bismarck, N.D., on Jan. 8-10. Posters will be sent to the host clubs and all USWCA representatives to promote these events. Some reimbursement funds are available to assist with travel – reimbursement request forms are available on the USWCA website. For more information, visit www.USWCA.org or contact USWCA Junior Bonspiel Chairperson Shelley Dropkin, 508-4813860, sdropkin@rcn.com.

competed against curlers from both Detroit, Mich., and Bowling Green, Ohio. While in Chicago, the group was able to enjoy a tour through the city, the Bean, the University of Chicago and the museums. The rolling plains between Detroit and Cleveland gave the Manitoba curlers a good view of vast farmlands and fields, many of which still had crops. The Friendship Tour ended with three days in the city of Cleveland, enjoying stiff competition at the Mayfield Curling Club and the Cleveland Skating Club. The Friendship Tour and the USWCA curlers enjoyed two house parties, a tour of the University Circle and Museum area, and a city tour that gave them a view of the lakefront, a taste of the history of

in Janesville, the Madison Curling Club in McFarland, Wis., and the Kettle Moraine Curling Club in Hartland, Wis. USWCA curlers from Poynette, Portage, Racine, and the Waltham Curling Club in Triumph, Ill., joined to provide outstanding competition. The Friendship Tour group enjoyed the brisk walks in the good fall weather while visiting local sites. Special arrangements included a brewery tour in Milwaukee, and the State Capital in Madison, where they were invited to sit in the Wisconsin Supreme Court chambers. In Illinois, the Manitoba curlers were hosted by Chicago and Exmoor curling clubs. The bus took the group to the beautiful new Detroit Curling Club, where they

Cleveland and the city marketplace. Fourteen members of the 2006 Friendship Tour to Canada traveled from across the USWCA to join the Canadians, tour couriers, local curlers and hosts for the festivities at the closing banquet. The next Friendship exchange will be in 2012, when the 16 USWCA curlers will travel for the fourth curling tour of a Canadian province. Always in the Spirit of Curling, scores are not important to the tour; rather it is the friendship, the blending of backgrounds, and memories that make the Friendship Tour so special. Many games ended in a tie; off the ice the curlers shared much laughter, provided good entertainment, and shared many curling stories.

Nationals tickets on sale 2010 USA Curling National Championships in Kalamazoo, Mich. General admission tickets, March 6-12: Early bird draws Last Draw of the Day Opening day Family day: March 7

$10 opening day pass or per draw $10 adult ticket with free admission for one child per draw

Adult ticket

$10

Child ticket (2-12 years)

Senior ticket (62+)

Military discount

Group of 15-99

Group of 100+

Student (K-12 schools)

Adult GA day pass*

$25 per day pass

Child GA day pass*

$20 per day pass

’Tis the season to be thankful by Loraine Waybourn, USWCA, Public Relations

*day pass available for certain

RED LEVEL

WHITE LEVEL

BLUE LEVEL

Adult package

$199

$174

$169

Child package

$124

Adult ticket

$18

$15

$13

Child ticket (2-12 years)

Senior ticket (62+)

$16

$13

$11

Military discount

$16

$13

$11

Group of 15-99

$16

$13

$11

Group of 100+

$15

$12

$10

Adult day pass*

$30

$26

$20

Child day pass*

$12

Red level seating benefits: $199 • Tickets to all draws, opening and closing ceremonies (includes 24 actual draws and three possible tiebreakers) • Limited edition lapel pin • Choice of seating for semifinals and finals • 20% discount at Icehouse by Burdick’s (food only) • One free curling lesson White level seating benefits: $174 • Tickets to all draws, opening and closing ceremonies (includes 24 actual draws and three possible tiebreakers) • Choice of seating for semifinals and finals • 20% discount at Icehouse by Burdick’s (food only) • One free curling lesson Blue level seating benefits: $169 • Tickets to all draws, opening and closing ceremonies (includes 24 actual draws and three possible tiebreakers) • Choice of seating for semifinals and finals Child package (any level) seating benefits: $124 • Tickets to all draws, opening and closing ceremonies (includes 24 actual draws and three possible tiebreakers) • Choice of seating for semifinals and finals • One free curling lesson The Wings Stadium Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The ticket office accepts cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover Card (269-345-5101).

Holiday thanks in six words or less: • Fun bonspiel committees creating great bonspiels! • Volunteer committee chairs communicating often. • USWCA reps connecting with individual members. • Curling News editors improve submitted articles. • Executive groups working with humor together. • Ice technicians maintaining flat, keen ice. • League drawmasters organizing balanced compatible teams. • Club presidents volunteering their people skills. • Curling talent maintaining the club facility. • Mentors who gladly give useful advice. • Traveling teams who support regional bonspiels. • Talented skips gracefully, continually developing teams. • Vice who forgets she’d rather skip. • Treasurer’s accurate verification and timely reporting. **With apologies to Larry Smith and Rachel Fershleiser, Editors of Smith Magazine and co-editors of “Not Quite what I was Planning: SixWord Memories by Writers Famous and Obscure.” The idea stems from a literary legend. As the story goes, Ernest Hemingway was once asked to write a story in six words. His response: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Dear Editor: Your timely article from the Fall 2009 edition of this newsletter gave an important reminder of the dangers that are faced when operating and maintaining a refrigeration system, especially those containing ammonia. But I’m sure many of your readers were left wondering, “Why do we use this toxic, flammable, deadly stuff in the first place?” As a fan and advocate of ammonia as a refrigerant, I can say the answer is simple…it’s the best. It’s the best environmental option, the best long-term option, the least-cost option and the safest option. Think back to the late 1980s. The news was full of stories about how CFC refrigerants, sometimes called freon, were destroying the ozone layer. Internationally, a plan was put in place to phase out the worst offenders and eventually phase out the rest. Fast forward to 1997, fears of global warming prompted those same world leaders to meet in Kyoto where most, excluding the U.S., signed an agreement to phase out global warming gases, which include most of our current man-made refrigerants. Since vapor compression-based refrigeration was first patented in 1834, hundreds of substances from printer’s ink to air have been tried as refrigerants but only one has been consistently used for over 100 years; ammonia. Why ammonia? It beat out early competitors due to its chemical stability, availability and efficiency. Through the 1900s ammonia remained popular due to efficiency and price. Today it’s rapidly becoming the refrigerant of choice among the environmentally conscious crowd because it is efficient, has no ozone depleting properties, no global warming potential and is a naturally occurring substance. Older ice rink refrigeration systems that do not use ammonia typically use R22. R-22 is an HCFC refrigerant, which means it has some ozone depleting and global warming properties. Under the aforementioned international agreements, starting January 1, 2010 manufacturers will not be able to build new refrigeration systems that use R-22. Likewise, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has placed strict limitations on the further manufacture of R-22 and replacements

parts for existing R-22 systems. Clubs that currently use R-22 should contact their refrigeration contractor soon to put a plan in place for maintaining their systems. Newer ice rinks have often opted for HFC refrigerants, such as R-404A. While these refrigerants have no ozone depletion potential, they can still contribute to global warming if leaked. For this reason, many environmentalists are pushing for the limitation and eventual ban of these refrigerants. While nothing is for certain, the idea is gaining momentum in Europe, California and among a segment of U.S. legislators. Ammonia has always been popular in the food processing industry, especially manufacturers of chilled and frozen food. Many of the man-made refrigerants cost $5 to $50/lb versus less than $1/lb for ammonia. Ammonia is also one of the most energy efficient refrigerants allowed for use in the U.S. In these days of ever rising energy costs, this makes ammonia a very attractive option. Finally, despite its flammability, toxicity and awful odor, many (like me) consider ammonia to be the safest refrigerant. It must be understood that any and all refrigerants can injure or kill if not treated properly. Both R-22 and R-404A have pressure and temperature properties similar to ammonia and would probably have “blew out” of a heat exchanger similar to the one in the Medford accident. Just like ammonia, the refrigerant would have been extremely cold and caused injury. The only difference with ammonia is that concentrations above 16 percent in the air can ignite while most other refrigerants will not. In the Medford accident, I don’t believe concentrations could have rose to that level. Why do some consider it

the safest refrigerant? Ammonia is a “self-alarming” refrigerant. At only 5 ppm, most people can smell ammonia, which is much lower than the concentration of 300 ppm where OSHA says a person can survive for 1/2 hour without adverse effects; though they won’t be comfortable. Other refrigerants have no or very little smell. This lack of warning has led to accidental asphyxiation in other ice arenas. Treat all refrigerants with respect. Reiterating and expanding on the safety precautions from your previous article, there are several items to keep in mind when working with ammonia or any other refrigerant. 1. Have respect for all refrigerants. Most of the refrigerants, including ammonia and R-22, are high pressure refrigerants. When the refrigeration systems have been shut down and the refrigerants have warmed to room temperature, they exist at pressures ranging from 100 to 200 psi above atmospheric pressure. A professional must pump the refrigerant out of all equipment prior to servicing. 2. Call a professional to do your service work. For safety, legal and liability reasons only a trained technician should service refrigeration equipment. If major changes are planned for the refrigeration system, local code officials should be contacted to insure all locally enforced codes are being adhered too. 3. Be safe. At minimum long sleeve shirts, gloves and other protective attire should be worn when servicing any refrigeration system or attached components. If it is an ammonia system, a face shield and respirator should be worn and technicians should

work in pairs. Clubs with ammonia systems should install eyewash and shower stations in the mechanical room. If exposed to ammonia, you want to get under the safety shower for at least 15 minutes to neutralize the ammonia. 4. Install refrigerant monitors. Mechanical rooms should have refrigerant monitors installed to alert building occupants of any refrigerant leak. This is especially important if the refrigerant is R-22, R-404A or any other refrigerant that does not have an odor. 5. Post emergency numbers. Have emergency contact numbers posted in the mechanical room, in the club house and anywhere else there is a phone. These should include: local fire department, local hospital, ambulance service, and refrigeration contractor. Invite these groups out yearly so they can review the system and possibly offer ideas for improving the safety of your facility. 6. Do not skimp on the maintenance budget. I know the carpet needs replacing and the walls need paint, but having a safe and reliable refrigeration system is vital to the operation of a curling club. If you are looking for additional funds, contact your local electric utility to see what they can offer to help improve the efficiency of your refrigeration system. Some programs will only rebate installations of new high efficiency equipment, while others will assist paying for training, maintenance and even replacement parts. 7. Invest in training and education. Anyone servicing or operating the refrigeration system should be trained by those who designed and installed the system. Additional training should be sought out often for new people and as a refresher for existing icemakers. If ammonia is used, all club members should have a rudimentary ammonia awareness training so they know what to do if ammonia is leaked, when to evacuate, where to evacuate to and other lifesaving information. Good curling, Dan Dettmers

2009-10 OLYMPIC AND WORLD EVENTS EVENT 2010 Olympic Winter Games 2010 World Junior Championships 2010 Paralympic Winter Games 2010 Ford World Women’s Championship 2010 World Men’s Championship 2010 World Mixed Doubles Championship 2010 World Senior Championships

SITE Vancouver, B.C., Canada Flims, Switzerland Vancouver, B.C., Canada Swift Current, Saskatchewan Cortina, Italy Chelyabinski, Russia Chelyabinski, Russia

DATE Feb. 12-28 March 5-14 March 12-21 March 20-28 April 3-11 April 15-24 April 16-24

Call your local satellite provider to request TSN Dear Editor, A couple moments of your time can help us get what we all want – more curling on TV and growth of our sport. Here’s what you can do: Contact your local satellite providers (DIRECTV, Dish Network) and tell them that you would like The Sports Network (TSN), the Canadian affiliate of ESPN, added to their programming lineup. For those not familiar with TSN, they broadcast curling like the U.S. networks broadcast golf. I’ve already contacted my satellite provider, DIRECTV, and was told that they look for “trends from our customers to determine what channels should be considered.” Well, let’s start a trend! Whether you’re a satellite subscriber or not, you can contact them to let them know that you’d like TSN to be a part of their lineup. If you’re not a satellite subscriber, let them know that you might consider becoming one, if they add TSN. In addition to curling coverage, there are a lot of reasons why TSN would be a hit here in the U.S., so use your imagination and let your satellite providers know about it. It’s easy – I contacted DIRECTV by going to http://support.directv.com/a pp/ask. At this site, you can ignore the part about becoming a customer – just scroll down to the “Contact Information” and “What can we help you with?” sections, fill them out, and you’re good to go. About the growth of our sport - if we get more curling on TV, more people will be exposed to it, more people will attend Open Houses, more people will join leagues, etc. It’s a nobrainer, so what are you waiting for? Hurry! Steve Liske

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.

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Kansas City Open

Winners of the Kansas City Open were (l-r) Eric Schultz, Kevan Edwards, Ron Paul and William Rivallas.

The Kansas City Curling Club April Barbecue Bonspiel took place April 2426. Here are the results: 1EW—St. Paul: Eric Schultz, Kevan Edwards, Ron Paul, William Rivallas 1ERU—Kansas City: R. Curtis Mullen, Bill Stafford, Natalie Wolfe, Kathleen Leahey 2EW—Kansas City: Anne Barthel, Cathy Wilson, Anna Merrett, Mary Miller 2ERU—Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Circle City: Murray Marple, Martha Marple, Wes Hoffman, Tammy Urbanczyk 3EW—Kansas City: John Taylor, Shelley Buse, Tracey Taylor, Leo Buse 3ERU—Capital: Jason Neutz, Greg Neutz, Bill Cleary, Lynn Neutz 4EW—Kansas City: Ian Wolfe, Jon Nelson, Walker Ferebee, David Sanders/Keith Briscoe 4ERU—Kansas City: Tracey Bernath, Chris Nazar, Tim Cole, Grant Sarris

North Shore Open

The 24th Annual Open was held Oct. 1-4 at the North Shore Curling

Key: O–Open; X–Mixed; XD–Mixed doubles; M–Men’s; W–Women’s; S–Senior; WC–Wheelchair C–Cashspiel; J–Junior; ST–Stick

Winners of the North Shore Curling Club Open Bonspiel were (1-r) Greg Eigner, Tom Rudland, Michael Detje and Glen Cook.

Winners of the Racine Men’s Bonspiel were (l-r) Russ Armstrong, Jeff Wright, Russ Brown and Chris Shallmo.

Date Type DEC. 4–6 M Alpine, WI X Appleton, WI–Holly Hog Centerville, WI J SM Chicago, IL–Old Boys O Fargo-Moorhead, ND Grand Forks, ND SW Madison, WI–International Cashspiel C Mayfield, OH–Women’s One Day W Nutmeg, CT–Crystal Snowflake W DEC. 11-13 Anchorage, AK–Christmas ‘Spiel Bemidji, MN Columbus, OH Curl Mesabi, MN (Eveleth) Detroit, MI–Senior One Day (12/12) Duluth, MN–Mixed Doubles Exmoor, IL–Continental Granite, WA–Holiday Lake Region, ND–Northern Lights Madison, WI Mankato, MN Owatonna, MN–Dr. McGillicuddy Philadelphia, PA Schenectady, NY–10 & Under St. Paul, MN–Jack McCann 40+ Waupaca, WI

O J O C S MD M O O J J O J M M SM

DEC. 18–20 O Stevens Point, WI–Cashspiel 2010 JAN. 1–3 Coyotes, AZ (Scottsdale)–All American W Grand Forks, ND–New Year’s O

Winners of the Exmoor Mixed Bonspiel were Stella Geason, John Geason, Pat Van Till and Ken Van Till.

CORRECTIONS The Curling News editor regrets that she often mistakes the Midland and Mayfield clubs, most recently in a write-up in the last issue related to officiating training at the Midland Club. Hopefully no one showed up in Ohio for this clinic. Midland is in Michigan; Mayfield is in Ohio. My sincere apologies. On a more serious note, I also had some major over-

sights in my listings for the donation program. This is an essential program to the health of the USCA and I apologize to the following folks whose donations were not properly denoted. ILLINOIS Chicago Jack Wulfekuhle, $500 Exmoor Larry & Ann Brown, Team, $250 GREAT LAKES Midland John & Pat Zimmerman, Silver, $80

JAN. 8-10 Appleton, WI–Men’s Invitational Chicago, IL–Gloamin’ Detroit, MI–Men’s International Duluth, MN–Bruce Bennett 40+ Eau Claire, WI Hibbing, MN–Jon Minne Lodi, WI Marshfield, WI Milwaukee, WI–Kiltie Philadelphia, PA–Cracked Bell St. Paul, MN–Cold Cash Wausau, WI–Tietge High School Willmar, MN–New Year

M W M M O J M W X O W J O

JAN. 14–16 Broomstones, MA Chesapeake, MD–Funspiel Chicago, IL Clintonville, WI Hibbing, MN–Sunny Hill Itasca, MN Portage, WI Potomac, MD Rice Lake, WI Utica, NY–Mitchell Wausau, WI–Highlander’s

M O M M M J J J X M W

JAN. 22–24 X Blackhawk, WI (Janesville) Centerville, WI SX W Granite, WA X St. Paul, MN–Winter Carnival Two Harbors, MN–Men’s International M Utica, NY–Empire State W Willmar, MN–U-18 J JAN. 26–27 Itasca, MN

JAN. 27–28 Milwaukee, WI–Kiltie

Club in Glenview, Ill. Here are the results: 1EW–Oakville Zoo: Greg Eigner, Tom Rudland, Michael Detje, Glen Cook 1ERU–Chicago: Beaner Franks, Debbie Lange, Mike Bonnema, Dan Hinderer 2EW–NSCC: E.J. Stern, Ev Wilson, Paul D. Lange, Steve Neff 2ERU–Madison: Lester Boles, Chris McMahon, Paul Ryan, Dan Wiza 3EW–St. Paul: Mike Farbelow, Jim McCann, Jim Ivey, Jim Lokensgard 3ERU–Broadmoor: Darrick Kizlyk, Merv Kizlyk, Alyssa Rosnagel, Dena Rosenberry 4EW–Madison: Ken Neidhart, Tim Funk, Craig Lee, Terry Cunningham 4ERU–East York: Jason Chang, Michelle Mok, Patrick Lam, Ada Shang

Racine Men’s

The Racine Curling club held its second annual Men’s Invitational Bonspiel Nov. 6-7. Here are the results: 1EW–Exmoor: Jeff Wright rink 1ERU–Kettle Moraine:Jeff Neff rink 2EW–Racine: Mike Dry rink 2ERU–Wauwatosa: Mike Vigil rink 3EW–Racine: Chris Anderson rink 3ERU–Appleton: Andy Barnes rink 4EW–Burlington Lions: Dick Bauman

JAN. 29–31 Albany, NY–Governor’s Bowl Alpine, WI Arlington, WI Broomstones, MA–Little Rockers Chesapeake, MD–GNCC Sr. Men’s Chicago, IL Hibbing, MN–Coors Light Mixed Mankato, MN Medford, WI–Badger Women’s Schenectady, NY Two Harbors, MN Waupaca, WI

M X M J SM W X M W O O M

FEB. 5–7 Cape Cod, MA J Centerville, WI W X Clintonville, WI X Curl Mesabi, MN Detroit, MI–Ladies One Day (2/6) W X Granite, WA X Kettle Moraine, WI (Hartland) Madison, WI X Milwaukee, WI M Minot, ND–George Killians X Owatonna, MN–Miller Lite O Pardeeville, WI–Watermelon O St. Paul, MN–Ranger O Wausau, WI–Badger State Games WMJX FEB. 12–14 M Broomstones, MA–Francis Dykes Centerville, WI X Detroit Lakes, MN–Vern Turner O Duluth, MN–International MW Grand Forks, ND W Itasca, MN–Sweetheart’s X J Madison, WI–State High School M Marshfield, WI X Racine, WI Rice Lake, WI M Schenectady, NY–USWCA National W J St. Paul, MN–Kyle Satrom Wausau, WI M FEB. 19–21 Arlington, WI Copper Country, MI–Copperspiel Detroit, MI Fargo-Moorhead, MN Green Bay, WI Grand Forks, ND–Youth Can-Am Granite, WA Heather, MN Pardeeville, WI Portage, WI Utica, NY–Cobb Waltham, IL

SM O X X M J J M SM S X M

FEB. 23–24 Chicago, IL–Heathers

FEB. 26–28 Albany, NY–Dutch Shoe Anchorage, AK–Fur Rondy Ardsley, NY–McKay Douglas Centerville, WI Duluth, MN–Bert Payne Heather, MN Kettle Moraine, WI Mankato, MN Mayfield, OH–Evergreen Schenectady, NY–Kayser 5 & Under St. Paul, MN

W O M M J W X W X X M

MARCH 5–7 Appleton, WI–Two-Man Stick (3/6) Columbus, OH Duluth, MN–Bert Payne Grafton, ND Kettle Moraine, WI Marshfield, WI

St W J W J X

rink 4ERU–Burlington Lions: Rick Reesman rink

Exmoor Mixed

The Exmoor Mixed Bonspiel was held Nov. 13-15 at the Exmoor Country Club. Here are the results: 1EW–Kettle Moraine: Ken Van Till, Pat Van Till, John Geason, Stella Geason 1ERU–Midland: Ian Tomlinson, Kathy Tomlinson, Craig Murchison, Pam Murchison 2EW–Wilmette: Al Longmore, Lori Michaels, Kevin Ritter, Kathy Ritter 2ERU–Exmoor: Larry Brown, Dainee McNeill, Vince McNeill, Ann Brown 3EW–Chicago: Doug Boyd, Susan McDonald, Mike Jones, Stephanie Martin 3ERU–Various clubs: Denny Stidham, Kris Stidham, Craig Carlson, Carol Carlson 4EW–Exmoor: Russ Armstrong, Tracy Lawless, Brian Lawless, Leslie Armstrong 4ERU–Chris Schallmo, Annaliese Crawford/Tammie Schallmo, John Beckwith, Joanne Beckwith

Schenectady, NY Tri City, WI–Tri City Men’s Vikingland, MN–Runestone Waltham, IL

J M O X

MARCH 12–14 Arlington, WI Duluth, MN–Dunlop Grafton, ND Green Bay, WI–Shamrock Heather, MN Itasca, MN–Gopher State Lake Region, ND–High School Lodi, WI–St. Patrick’s Day Portage, WI–Alumni Schenectady, NY–Gordon Emmett Stevens Point, WI Willmar, MN–Olympic Novice

SM X M W X W J X O M M O

MARCH 19–21 Aksarben, NE–Irish Centerville, WI Curl Mesabi, MN Grand Forks, ND Green Bay, WI Heather, MN Itasca, MN–State High School Kettle Moraine, WI Nutmeg, CT–Golden Handle Pardeeville, WI Utica, NY–Child’s Challenge

O SM M M J J J M M O W

MARCH 26–28 Blackhawk, WI Broomstones, MA Grafton, ND Itasca, MN Lake Region, ND Mankato, MN–Bunny Minot, ND–Grainbelt Shirtsleeve Pardeeville, WI Potomac, MD–Cherry Blossom Stevens Point, WI Two Harbors, MN

M J X O X O O O O X X

APRIL 9–11 Anchorage, AK Granite, WA Green Bay, WI Pardeeville, WI–Red Baron

O O X M

APRIL 23–25 Coyotes, AZ (Scottsdale)–Desert Ice

APRIL 25–28 Hibbing, MN–Last Chance

MAY 28–30 Hollywood, CA–Summer Blockbuster O San Francisco, CA–Golden Gate O JUNE 4–6 Great Smoky Mountains, TN

JUNE 11–13 Granite, WA–Summerspiel

JULY 3–5 Pittsburgh, PA–TropiCurl

JULY 8–11 Cape Cod, MA

JULY 11–14 Cape Cod, MA

JULY 16–18 Cape Cod, MA Green Bay, WI–Tailgate

M O

AUG. 6–8 Green Bay, WI–Summerspiel

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Doing sport psychology in USA Curling he purpose of this article is to give the reader an insight into the role of a sport psychology consultant and one approach to delivering mental skills training and team enhancement. This is so myths are busted and the curler reading this sees a sport psychology consultant as a regular resource just as they are in many of the Olympic and non-Olympic sports performance activities. As a sport psychology consultant working in curling, I am often asked questions like. “So what’s mental skills training all about?” Or my favorite question, “Where’s your couch?” I am happy to have these questions because I take it as a sign of interest in the field and the benefits of sport psychology. The benefits of sport psychology when you boil them down are simple. They help to increase enjoyment, improve concentration when you need it most, and enhance control and consistency over performance. The thing to remember is that working with a sport psychology consultant is a choice. Sometimes I work with the whole team, others’ times just one or two curlers or just the coach. Nobody should be made to work with a sport psychology consultant. Sport psychology consultants are very different from other types of counselors because of the field of study and experiences that we need to have; the intensity of the performance relationships and the constant pressure to maintain confidentiality in an open environment means that our professionalism is tested every day. Competitive sports work on very short-term goal achievement that leads to long-term accomplishment. Unlike other things in life, there’s where things get foggy. In competitive sport there is a defined start and end and there is always a clear result that must be handled. Doing the work of a sport psychology consultant means lots of hours observing, listening, traveling and then acting effectively when called upon. When teams commit to using a sport psychology consultant over the longterm, performance is sustained and enhanced. At other times, teams call a consultant only when things have gone wrong and it’s a last resort before chaos and underperformance starts. This is the least favorite place for many consultants

By John Coumbe-Lilley USA Curling sports psychology consultant

(me included) to be in because the commitment is not there from the team and the tyranny of the urgency has taken over, and before anyone knows it the time for a best performance is past and conversation turns quickly to what could have been done differently. With such variance much of my work is brief in nature involving corridor consults, short walks between facilities, emails, individual telephone calls, and team conference calls. When my work is more formalized team briefings, face-to-face consults, lunches and coffee breaks, the work can take place anywhere the individual or team feels it can be done. Sometimes I work with the coach and curler at the same time on the ice and this is focused, fun and fulfilling because we are working as a performance team. It’s an exciting role because no two individuals are the same with the same needs and each team is completely unique in the way it functions and performs. Every day is a challenge to deliver the goods and be effective for the individual and team. A typical day for me when I am working on site with an engaged team starts at 7 a.m. and can finish between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. the next day. During this time several team meetings, individual curler consults, team coach/manager checkins and tailored resource development can take place. Typically, I might have some idea of what the work will entail, often I do not and I work in the direction that the team needs to go in. The pace of the work, its intensity, and complexity means that I often cool myself down because nothing is in my control apart from what I do. It would be great to have everything planned and have it work out but sport, like life, rarely goes exactly to plan. This means that adaptability and a reserve of approaches, tools and humor have to be on hand. My work has to be documented and there is constant feedback involved.

While there are resources available for practitioners, they require tailoring for each curling team. When I am not on-site with teams I email, correspond through surface mail and telephone calls. The hours I work are between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. and are most likely to be scheduled ahead of time. The work is “on demand,” and this means that working with individuals our boundaries have to be set both ways to make things manageable. My work is evaluated by curlers, coaches and my employer (USA Curling). I am grateful for this because I know what I am doing well at and what I need to improve on in my work. In my work with USA Curling, I have found it most useful to use Jack Lesyk’s 9 Mental Skills Model (9MS) (see below). I prefer it to other models because it’s simple to explain and for many folks

develop skills and support mental skills training integration. It is important for a consultant to conduct a mental skills assessment or a needs assessment to establish a baseline to develop a hypothesis with the athlete, and for the athlete to check their own assumptions. Then a discussion about the assessment results takes place and a determination by the curler of how they want to progress is made. Then we work collaboratively to design an action plan with clear goals, timelines and expected results. Depending on the curler this can be a very detailed plan or bullet pointed or something in between. Then interesting work starts for me. As many people know, I am not a curler, but I try to be a quick study and I use the best available information and guidance from leaders in curling to work with curlers to understand

Jack Lesyk’s 9 Mental Skills Model. Ohio Center for Sports Psychology

new to sport psychology it shows a natural pathway to personal best performance. I know Jack personally and he has been a friend to USA Curling allowing us to use his work. The 9MS shows a pathway based on attitude, motivation, goals and commitment. These are the things that are important to proactive and responsible athletes. Self-imagery and positive self-talk help gain control over performance and managing emotions, nervousness and concentration are core skills for top performance. This practical model makes a lot of practical sense because research, practical insights from competitors and sport psychologists and my own perspectives support it. When I start work with a curler I ask them to complete the self-assessment that Jack designed and we move on from there. The ongoing consultancy work that I do utilizes all kinds of evidence-based tools to develop self-awareness,

their perspectives, roles, challenges and competitive desires. The best source of that information is the person or teams that I am

working with. However, being an outsider to the sport is invaluable to me because I am free of prejudices and previous knowledge and I have fresh eyes to look at old challenges. I find curlers appreciate that because they can talk freely knowing that they are teaching and educating me as much as I might be supporting them, too. The outcome of this is that my work ends up being tailored for every individual based on a strong combination of evidence from sport psychology and the lore and technique of curling that individuals bring with them to our work together. Sometimes I am asked what curlers interested in sport psychology should do to get started. If you’re thinking about working with a sport psychology consultant decide, what you want to accomplish from your participation in curling; know what you want and work with a consultant who is going to work with you to meet your needs. The impact of a motivational speaker lasts as long as the meeting time, and they may be fun and entertaining but they’ll leave and take their message with them. Work with a sport psychology consultant in your area to enhance your long term performance. They are part of your team and can help you unlock the door to your own personal best performance over the long term. There are many effective sport psychology consultants and they can be found at http://appliedsportpsych.org/ If you have any questions about sport psychology email me at

15th Annual Top 10 Shakespearian Quotations on the Roarin’ Game: 10] If there be not conscience to be used in every trade, we shall never prosper. [Pericles, Act iv, sc. 2, l. 11] 9] Fie, fie upon her! She is able to freeze. [Pericles, Act iv, sc. 6, l. 3] 8] My ample hope was promised before I drew this gallant head. [King John, Act v, sc. 2, l. 112] 7] ‘Tis the best brine a maiden can season her praise in. [All’s Well That Ends Well, Act i, sc. 1, l. 56] 6] Thou shall be pinched. [The Tempest, Act i, sc. 2, l. 238] 5] The bricks are alive at this day to testify it. [2 Henry VI, Act 4, sc. 2, l. 145] 4] I ne’er heard yet that any of these bolder vices wanted less impudence to gainsay what they did than to perform it first. [The Winter’s Tale, Act iii, sc. 2, l. 55] 3] I’ll canvass thee between a pair of sheets. [2 Henry IV, Act ii, sc. 4, l. 242] 2] She sweeps it through. [2 Henry VI, Act i, sc. 3, l. 77] 1] That stands upon the rolling restless stone. [Henry V, Act iii, sc. 6, l. 29] – Richard Maskel

NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Use online registration for all club events Tune in ®

USA Curling announces a new online registration solution for all member clubs through partner Compete-At.com. We encourage every club to sign-up for Event Manager to see the benefits of using the online solution for playdowns, clinics, classes and even social events. An online registration solution will help your club run more efficiently, reduce paper waste and streamline operations. Please visit our website for more information about this new service. There is no cost or obligation to register your club. Please feel free to set up a demo event and try it out. The system is free to demo. There are no costs until you take entries for a

paying event. Follow the link on the USA Curling website to sign up. • Accept online registrations and payments via credit card for all of your member events • Create photo galleries and post event documents • Send Emails to event participants • View details on participant registrations • Export all of your captured data to csv FAQs What will this cost my club? Creating your account is free. This new service is a pay-as-you-go service, Example: You are running an

event and charge $50 for an entry per team. A fee of $2.50 (5 percent) is retained and the remaining funds are distributed back to you. If each team member contributes to this cost, the price is about the same cost as a postage stamp and your club has no out-of-pocket costs. Does this replace my existing club website? Not at all. Many clubs have put a great deal of time and effort into creating a unique and compelling club website. From your existing website you can simply link to your new registration page. For clubs that don’t have a strong web presence, Event Manager gives you the ability to create a club website at no additional cost.

Builder, curler to be inducted into USA Curling Hall of Fame Continued from Page 1 of Fame is incredible.” “I have known Paul for 30 plus years and words cannot describe Paul’s high level of standards and dedication to both the sport of curling and community,” said Paul Vendetti, Hibbing Curling Club president, in his nomination paperwork. “Paul’s demeanor both on and off the ice is monuPustovar mental and his expertise and knowledge of the game have been valuable on numerous occasions, especially when the Hibbing Curling Club hosted the U.S. Nationals in 2008. Paul has proven himself to be an asset to both the Hibbing Curling Club and the community on all levels.” Pustovar started curling in 1967 in Chisholm, Minn., in the high school program after being introduced to the sport by his father, a charter member of the Chisholm Curling Club. According to Pustovar, his greatest curling moment on the ice came in 1991 at the world championships in Winnipeg. After the team lost its first three games, they won the next four out of five to get into the playoffs where they eventually won a bronze medal. Great focus and a strong work ethic continue to assist Pustovar in his curling career. “The mark of a good curler is that you’re able to forget about everything else in your life when

you step on the ice. Especially when you’re the skip, you have to remember every shot,” he said. Pustovar currently plays vice skip for the Todd Birr rink, which won bronze at the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Curling in February. He also continues to skip his senior team with the hopes of repeating as national champion and representing the U.S. at the world level once again. “As long as my knees work, and I don’t have any aches and pains, I’ll keep playing,” he said and laughed. “My longevity in this sport has been that I haven’t been hurt.” In fact, Pustovar hasn’t missed a curling season since 1970. After attending college in Duluth, Minn., he received his master’s degree in education from Mankato State University and taught for a few years in Burnsville, Minn. “I was always in a place where there was curling because of my passion and love of the game,” he said. Now living in Hibbing, Pustovar works as an insurance agent, which gives him the flexibility in his work schedule to travel to curling events and compete at a high level. Pustovar and his wife, Carole, have two sons and two grandchildren. He has twice been USA Curling’s Male Athlete of the Year (1998, 2002). Sugahara was a key proponent in making curling an Olympic medal sport in 1998, after years of tirelessly marketing the sport worldwide. His decades of contributions to the sport have earned him his induction into the Hall of Fame in the builder category. “This is a great honor, but a bit surprising. All I

Sugahara

care about is growing the sport of curling worldwide,” Sugahara said. “When I’m in Japan, Singapore, Houston, wherever, I spread the word. That’s why I worked so hard on getting it in the Olympics. I’m just out to help the sport.” When the world championships lost its sponsor, Sugahara and Chuck Hay of Scotland, along with Canadians Laurie Artiss, Don Lewis, Don Turner and Doug Maxwell, formed Hexagon Curling International and sponsored three world men’s championships from 1986-88 (by 1988, Sugahara was the lone sponsor). Soon after, Ford of Canada stepped in as title sponsor. “He has given not only to the Worlds but also to several clubs close to his home - Ardsley, Nutmeg and Norfolk. He remains a charter member of the Houston club and the club in Tokyo,” said Sally MacKenzie, Nutmeg Curling Club, in her nomination paperwork. “To this day, Kay continues to be a silent donor to many clubs and events throughout the world. As many know, Kay does not always welcome recognition but seems to find a way to contribute where there is a need and asks politely to not be mentioned.”

Sugahara, owner of Fairfield Maxwell Services, Ltd., a shipping management company in New York City, was instrumental in 2006 when the USCA obtained 40 sets of curling stones through the World Curling Federation to be used to help start new curling clubs after the wave of popularity spinning from the 2006 Olympic Winter Games jumpstarted a substantial growth in USCA membership (since 2002, the USCA membership has increased 27 percent). Sugahara’s company donated the transportation of the stones from Scotland to the USCA national office in Stevens Point, Wis. Those rocks were quickly dispersed to eager new clubs on a rent-to-own basis. Sugahara was first introduced to the sport of curling in 1973, as he lived near the Ardsley (N.Y.) Curling Club. He has been a fixture at world championship events since he first attended in 1980. In 1988, Sugahara received the World Curling Federation’s Elmer Freytag Award, an award given to curlers or builders contributing to the sport. Builders are honored for distinguished service and major contributions to the development and advancement of curling internationally, according to the WCF website. Now in his early 70s, Sugahara continues to curl, albeit begrudgingly with the stick, and his passion for the sport of curling continues to strengthen. “Helping out, wherever I can, allows me to maintain a connection with the sport,” he said. Sugahara has two daughters, Lisabeth and Katy, and two grandchildren.

Dec. 14 to E! Network Continued from Page 1

The panelists include Candy Spelling, widow of producer Aaron Spelling; poker star Vanessa Rousso; Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton and Sean Patterson, president of Wilhelmina Models. Bryan Callen will be the host. The series is based on a British show, Fortune: Million Pound Giveaway. “It was sweet…just the whole process of seeing how the TV production works, and getting to work with people who do this every day and experiencing the whole Hollywood thing for a few days,” Plys said. Plys, 22, won the world junior title in 2008 and was the youngest skip in the field at the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Curling in February. After John Shuster’s team eventually won the Olympic Trials, Plys was selected as the alternate and has been training with the team in preparation for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. The money he asked for from the show is to help pay for his family to attend the Olympic Games. His father has been battling brain cancer for the past few years and was unable to be in Sweden with Plys when he won gold. Ryan Seacrest Productions also produces the E! series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” “Denise Richards: It’s Complicated,” and “Leave it to Lamas.” To learn more about Plys, visit the USA Curling website and click on “Team USA.”

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NOVEMBER 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008