Fall 2009 U.S. Curling News by USA Curling

Fall 2009

Volume 65, Number 1 U

www.usacurl.org N

Established 1945 T

$2.50

CURLING

Introducing...

NEWS

...Podium Gold See our complete line at Goldline.ca, or request a catalogue at ellen@goldline.ca 1 800 465 6900

“The Simpsons” and curling. Pg. 9

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

Vancouver: Here we come by Terry Kolesar, Editor

Top Athletes, Pg. 12

INSIDE: CURLTV CHANGES: CurlTV, USA Curling end partnership. Page 2. CAMP CRUNCH: Juniors head to the Cape. Page 3. GET YOUR CLUB OLYMPIC READY: Tips for open houses. Page 4. AMMONIA!!: Medford man survives scary explosion. Page 5. JAPAN JUGGLE: Apply to compete in Japan. Page 7. DRAW-TASTIC!: Olympic, Paralympic draws announced. Page 8.

DEPARTMENTS

he U.S. men’s and women’s 2010 Olympic curling team recently completed the seventh summer training camp and began the competitive portion in preparation for representing the U.S. at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Teams led by John Shuster (Duluth, Minn.) and Debbie McCormick (Rio, Wis.) trained extensively this summer at six camps at the Green Bay (Wis.) Curling Club, USA Curling’s training center for the Olympic and Paralympic teams this year, as well as at one camp in Park City, Utah. The 2010 Paraympic team nominees, led by Augusto Perez (East Syracuse, N.Y.), also attended high performance camps in Green Bay and Lake Placid, N.Y. The sum-

Bonspiel Results – P14 Championships – P7-11 College Curling – P6 Comics–P6 Curler’s Calendar–P13 Member Services–P3 Rocket Exhaust–P12 Tales from Sheet 9–P5 USWCA – P9-10

Brian McWilliams, USA Curling sports trainer, assists Chris Plys. Photo by Martha Busse Photography

mer training camps, which typically spanned four days, focused on conditioning, mental skills training, strategy tactics and improving curling skills. In Switzerland in early September, Shuster and teammates Jason Smith (Cape Coral, Fla.), Jeff Isaacson (Gilbert, Minn.), John Benton (St. Michael, Minn.), Chris Plys (Duluth, Minn.) and Coach Phill

A very intense Jason Smith in the gym during training camp. Photo by Martha Busse Photography

Drobnick (Duluth, Minn.) competed against the top men’s and women’s Swiss teams, including 2006 Olympic silver medalist Mirjam Ott and multiple worlds and Olympic competitor Ralph Stoeckli. “I thought that our training camp in Switzerland was very valuable,” said Phill Drobnick, men’s coach. “We got a lot of ice time, some good games in with some top European teams, along with the opportunity to get used to training and playing outside of North America.” The men’s team finished 6-5 record for the event. They returned to Europe to compete in the Oslo

have an extended period of time to do a few extra things on the ice. The ladies did a great job with all aspects of the camp. They continued their physical training programs on their own even after the physical Augusto Perez, 2010 Olympic support staff had to depart.” Media Summit. The women finished with Photo by Getty Images a 7-2 record against com(Norway) Cup and in Basel, petitive European teams. “The all around curling Switzerland in late skills of this team are much September. improved and constant due The U.S. women’s team to the hard work by all of McCormick, Allison through the summer,” Pottinger (Eden Prairie, Henry said. Minn.), Nicole “The whole Joraanstad team is excited (Madison, Wis.), about moving to Natalie the competition Nicholson schedule and (Bemidji, showing other Minn.), Tracy teams that we Sachtjen (Lodi, are a team to be Wis.) and Coach reckoned with.” Wally Henry After return(Beaver Dam, ing from the Wis.) faced simtraining and ilar competition. competition in “It turned out Men’s team running Zurich, the U.S. to be a super drills during camp. teams began the camp,” said Photo by Martha Busse competitive porWally Henry, Photography tion of their women’s coach. schedules with “It was good to events on the World Curling Tour. They’ll return to Green Bay in December for at least one more preparatory camp prior to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Feb. 12-28.

Debbie McCormick, 2010 NBC Media Summit. Photo by Getty Images

Continued on Page 2

Order your official 2010 Olympic curling pin

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

T H E

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2010 Paralympic wheelchair curling team member Augusto Perez (above, right) won the gold medal at the 2009 International Canoe Federation’s world championship in August in Nova Scotia in the 200M sprint. Submitted photo

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FALL 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: Nov. 13, 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]

FALL 2009

USCA, CurlTV opt to discontinue partnership

VOLUME 65, NO. 1

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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 National Wheelchair Curling Outreach Development Director Marc DePerno Head Ice Technician Dave Staveteig Head Games Official Bill Forsythe

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

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

The U.S. Curling Association (USCA) and CurlTV.com have mutually agreed to discontinue the partnership agreement that assigned full-access CurlTV.com subscriptions to all USCA members. This decision was based on a revised business model being implemented by CurlTV.com and the low percentage of USCA members who were actually activating their subscriptions. The USCA and CurlTV.com will continue to work together in other mutually beneficial ways outside of direct subscriptions for all members. Both organizations recognize the value that CurlTV.com can

bring to USCA members, and they will continue to work on and promote opportunities to feature U.S. events and customized programming. CurlTV.com announced a relationship with TSN, Canada’s premier sports network, to provide online broadcasts from selected Seasons of Champions Events in addition to the regular TSN schedule on Oct. 1. CurlTV.com, in conjunction with TSN, will broadcast online several draws per day from Canada’s biggest events of the year with the Road to the Roar on Nov. 10. CurlTV.com will offer several online

broadcasts per day from the Roar of the Rings, the Canadian Olympic Team Trials, in Edmonton Dec. 613. Watch the teams that will join the four men’s qualifiers - Glenn Howard, Kevin Martin, Randy Ferbey and Kevin Koe – as well as the first four women’s qualifiers – Jennifer Jones, Shannon Kleibrink, Cheryl Bernard and Stefanie Lawton – to see who will be crowned Canada’s men’s and women’s Olympic representatives. CurlTV.com will also be in Halifax to provide online broadcasts with TSN for the Tim Hortons Brier, the Canadian Men’s Championship.

Continued from Page 1

The Paralympic team nominees competed this summer at the Cape Cod summer bonspiel against able-bodied curling teams and fared well. They’ll continue their competitive training schedule with competitions in Norway, Scotland and Canada over the next few months. Team members include Perez, James Pierce (North Syracuse, N.Y.), James Joseph (New Hartford, 2010 Paralympic team coach Steve Brown helps out at a wheelN.Y.), Jacquelyn chair curling clinic held this summer. Kapinowski (Point Submitted photo Pleasant, N.J.), Patrick McDonald (Orangevale, Calif.) and Coach Steve STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION Brown (Madison, Wis.). (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) Both teams received 1. Publication Title: UNITED STATES CURLING NEWS. 2. Publication No.: 1064-3001. 3. Filing Date: 9-08-2009 4. Issue Frequency: Bi-monthly (five issues in season). 5. No. of Issues media training as a small Published Annually: 5. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $16.00. 7. Complete Mailing Address of part of their camps as well. Known Office of Publication: 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 15525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Kevin Sullivan, owner of Point, WI 54482. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: United States Curling Association (same address as #8, above). Kevin Sullivan Editor: Terry Kolesar, same address. Managing Editor: Terry Kolesar, same address. 10. Owner: United States Curling Association, Inc. Complete Address: same address as #8 above. 11. Communications and forKnown Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or mer director of communiMore of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: none. 12. For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates. The purpose, function, and nonprofit cations for President status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: [X] Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. 13. Publication Name: United States Curling News. 14. George Bush, led the Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 2009; 9-08-09. media training charge with Average No. Copies Actual No. Copies of 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation the Olympic teams. Each Issue Preceding Single Issue Published 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date Using that training, 11,600 11,470 a. Total No. Copies Shuster, McCormick and b. Paid and.or Requested Circulation 10,846 11,019 1. Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Perez took part in the U.S. Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541 85 Olympic Committee’s 53 2. Paid In-County Subscriptions 0 0 3. Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Media Summit Sept. 11-12 0 42 Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS in Chicago where 275 jour- Paid Distribution 0 0 4. Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS 10,931 11,114 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation nalists and photographers d. Free Distribution by Mail 0 were in attendance. 0 1. Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541 0 0 2. In-County as Stated on From 3541 Earlier this summer 0 0 3. Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS 173 140 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail Shuster and McCormick 173 140 f. Total Free Distribution 11,104 11,254 g. Total Distribution took part in a similar 496 216 h. Copies Not Distributed 11,600 media summit sponsored 11,470 i. TOTAL 98.44% 98.75% Percent Paid and/or Rquested Circulation by NBC in Los Angeles. 16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the October/November 2009 issue of this The training is a key part publication. of telling the stories of the 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Terry Kolesar, Editor. Date: 9-08-09 athletes effectively I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or inforthroughout this one-year mation requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including multiple damages and civil penalties). period leading to Vancouver.

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

Vancouver Olympics right around the corner by Chris Sjue, Vice President of Member Services

s we gear up for another curling season, one hardly needs to be reminded of the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver in February. With the Olympics so close to the United States, we can expect over 80 hours of curling on NBC’s net-

works, and if you are lucky enough and receive Canadian TV you can watch even more. For most U.S. curling clubs the Olympics will be another great opportunity to attract new members and raise the level of interest in curling throughout the local community. Having been through Salt Lake and Torino, most clubs have seen the impact the Olympics can have on their clubs. But, regardless if you have been through it before, now is the time to

continue with plans for Vancouver to help grow the sport of curling. Over the next several issues of the Curling News, we will be bringing articles to assist you in maximizing the exposure the Olympic Games will have on curling in the U.S. The first article in the Olympic preparation series is by Potomac Curling Club’s Sandra McMakin (See PREPARE YOUR CLUB WITH OLYMPIC EVENTS, Page 4).

Certifications

Eye on the future

Participants at the Cape Cod Curling Club’s junior camp accelerated their learning skills in July in Cape Cod, Mass. The camp is one of four annual junior camps put on by the USCA and facilitated by member clubs. Submitted photo

Eight-Ender At the Fargo (N.D.) Mixed Bonspiel, on Feb. 20, the Al Gulseth rink laid an eight-ender during the

second end of one of their scheduled games. Members of the team included Al Gulseth, Michelle Wagner,

Mark Gulseth and Patty Olesen. Did your team lay eight? Read below to submit results.

How to submit eight-ender results An eight-ender is a great accomplishment for someone to achieve in the sport of curling. Like a hole-in-one in golf, it may be an once-in-a-lifetime event. To remember this moment, the American Curling Foundation & Museum sends an eightender acknowledgement patch to any team that obtains this goal. In order for you and your teammates to receive an eight-ender patch, there is a quick and easy procedure to follow to register this accomplishment. First, you need to take two photos of the eight-ender, preferably with the members of the team. Second, send both photos

(hard copy, not electronically) with a small explanation on the date, place, event and team roster to USA Curling, Attn: Bev Schroeder, 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482. We will then forward your photos and team information to the American Curling Foundation & Museum for registration. The USCA will send eight-ender patches for each member of your team. We will also acknowledge the eight-ender in the U.S. Curling News. It’s a fairly easy process for such a great achievement. Please direct questions to Bev at beverly.schroeder@usacurl.org.

Level I Instructor George Aldrich Van Anderson Don Arsenault Darcy Beery Kirk Beery Ryan Berdan Pamela J. Biesenthal Dan Bliss Robert Broadhurst Rick Bulala Candice Clark David Cumming Frederick Flynn Jason Franchi Heather Freeland Leonard Gaines Jennifer Geake Sharon Giese George Garofalo David Halper T.J. Hamilton Alice Hartman Steve Hatlevoll Mike Hoff Dudley Irvin Cathy B. Jones Majik Jones Nick Kitinski Robert D. Koehler Robert Leonard Lionel Locke John Macintosh Mark Malkin Michael Marchionna David Markowski Tim Mendoza Gordon Mullin Michael Nelson Don Nicholson Debbie Pietraszko Doug Potter Michelle Rane Kerry Raport Clark Raven Nancy Rogers Roy Rogers Cindy Ronzoni Gary Saddler Stan Slabas Amit Thakkar Jeff Tomlinson Alpheus Winter Emily Winter Jack Wulfekuhle Level II Instructor Don Arsenault Candice Clark Ed Clark Steve Hatlevoll Nick Kitinski

Scott Piroth Clark Raven Mike Solem Level III Instructor Sandra McMakin Level I Official Julie Chanatry Mark Forte Heather Freeland Jim Griebsch David Haverick Laura Jacon Nick Kitinski Mike Kolb Raymone Kral James Landenberger Joel Leneker Lisa M. McLean Anne McKellar Scott Olson Teri Olson Fr. Tom Orians, SA Kris Proctor Nancy Rentfrow Susan Rilling Dena Rosenberry Charles Schatz April Gale Seixeiro Peter Sheridan Scott Stevinson Level II Official Brenda Citriniti Philip Citriniti Jeremy Dinsel Heather Freeland Sandy Berkowitz-Gaffner David Haverick Nick Kitinski Jan Little Teri Olson Fr. Tom Orians, SA Level I Coach Don Arsenault Level II Coach Douglas Andrew Don Arsenault David Jensen Sandra McMakin Clark Raven Level III Coach David Jensen Level IV Coach David Jensen Rusty Schieber

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.”

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Celebrating 50 y ears – 19 58 -20 08

Prepare your club with Olympic events by Sandra McMakin, Members Services Committee The last two Winter Olympics gave the sport of curling a huge boost in exposure. A great broadcast schedule by NBC in 2006 provided more than 80 hours of curling on TV. NBC is planning at least that many hours for the Vancouver Olympics this February so we can again look forward to great TV coverage and exposure for our organizations and our sport. Immediately following the 2006 Torino Olympics, USA Curling and its member associations gathered information from U.S. curling clubs on their Olympic activities. Surveys were collected and compiled and the information was distributed back to clubs so they could learn from the experiences of organizations from around the country. From that information, and my experience as a club president during the 2006 Olympics, it appears there were three basic types of events enabling curling clubs to successfully capitalize on the Olympics. Some clubs ran only one of the event types but a few clubs offered at least one session of each event type either during, or immediately after, the Olympics. If you are planning your ice schedule for this season, consider including at least one of each type of session - as each has its own particular purpose. It’s not too late to approach your arena manager to request additional ice times for the spring and summer of 2010 should you decide you would like to add a particular type of event to your schedule. The key is to understand what types of events you are offering in order to manage each of them to achieve the best possible outcome. The following are descriptions of the three types of events. FUNDRAISING You might have heard the stories of clubs with over a 1,000 people lined up outside their doors waiting to try curling. These long lines were the result of sessions advertised as open house where people could just drop by to see your facility, get some information, and perhaps give curling a try. Obviously, for this type of event, it’s impossible to spend any significant amount of time with each person. Therefore, Olympic open house events are best executed as fundraisers. Once inside the building,

each person is given the opportunity to throw one or two stones - yes, that’s all. Instructors give quick demonstrations on the delivery to small groups of people who are then able to try it for themselves. Of course, safety of participants is always of utmost importance and much attention to safety is especially required with this many people stepping onto curling ice for the very first time. Many who come for this event just want to see actual curling ice and touch a curling stone. (Do they really even need a slider to do that?) There can’t be a lot of teaching about the game here – nor should that be the purpose of the session. Volunteers must be extremely creative, and organized, to keep the process moving and get as many people through as possible. When the participants have finished on the ice, they come back into the warm room area where they may then register and pay for other club offerings such as two-hour “Learn to Curl” sessions or five-week instructional leagues. So the open house is the gateway for people to enroll in other introductory sessions – and the club is ready with an “inventory” of slots that will ensure their scheduled ice times are booked and paid for by new “Olympic” curlers. This is primarily a fundraising event since 99 percent of the people coming through your doors will not become a member of your club after throwing only one or two stones. Recommended charge for each adult participant for this experience: $10. That’s right - $10 to have a chance to touch a curling stone and try their luck at sliding it down to the target at the other end of the ice. So, you can see how, if you were able to somehow move 300, 400, 500 or more people through this type of a session, your club could bring in enough money to pay off one or two sets of curling stones. In an arena club, you will have to ensure that your arena manager is aware of the potential for large crowds. For facilities with more than one ice surface, try to avoid planning this type of event when the arena already has a large event planned in another area. See if there’s an area or two that you can use as a large warm room for registration and information tables. Make sure you have also planned out and

Value of time with your club Observations from the 2006 Olympics • Out of 1,000 curlers throwing one stone you might get 70 (7%) back to try it again. Out of the original 1,000 <1% might join your club. EVENT TYPE: Fundraising • Out of 100 people spending 2 hours in a “Learn to Curl” session you might get 10 (10%) of the people back to try it again. Out of those you might get 4 people to join (4% of original). EVENT TYPE: Fundraising/Recruitment • Out of 40 people spending 3 to 5 weeks with your club in a novice or instructional league, you might get 20 (50 %) of them back to join. EVENT TYPE: Recruitment • The lesson is: the more opportunities people have to spend time with you, the more likely you are to get them as members. marked the path for waiting lines and have volunteers ready to keep lines organized and moving smoothly. Parking and security may also be important considerations. FUNDRAISING /RECRUITMENT The next step would be to have people register and participate in a typical twoor three-hour “Learn to Curl” session. This type of event follows an introductory lesson plan, including a bit of game play. This gives people a chance to try the sport while learning a basic amount about it. Although the recruitment rate is a bit better for this type of event over the Open House, past experience has shown that the number of people who will join your club as members after attending just one “Learn to Curl” session is still less than one out of every 30. The recruitment rate increases if you are able to get them back to try it again – say in a game with other beginners. Instructors should have some options available for people after they have tried curling. Perhaps they come back and spare in a regular league game. Follow-up is crucial! If you are able to get them to register for some other type of session, league or event immediately after they complete their “Learn to Curl,” the likelihood of them joining your club as members increases greatly. In fact, the chances that someone will join your club after spending at least one additional game or session with you could be as much as 40 percent. At the very least, someone from your club should contact them by e-mail or phone to find out if they had a good time and if they would like to come back and try it again. The instructor from their session, or perhaps someone from the Membership Committee, could be in charge of following up with “Learn to Curl” participants.

Of course, in order to follow up with participants, contact information such as email addresses and telephone numbers would have to be collected. Clubs should become very good at collecting contact information and following up with people. Don’t let all your hard work running introductory events go to waste by letting people walk out your door - never to hear from you again. And once more, because the majority of people participating in one “Learn to Curl” session will not join your club based on just this experience alone, there is a fundraising aspect to this activity. Clubs typically charge $20 to $40 for a two- or three-hour session like this. Some clubs will also give this back as a credit toward dues to those participants who end up joining as members. These events all require hours and hours of volunteer time – don’t give your volunteers’ time and expertise away for nothing. RECRUITMENT Novice or instructional leagues have proven to be the best way to turn Olympic interest into new club memberships. These are short, three- to fiveweek leagues that include programs of additional training to help people get a better start learning and playing the game. Match play in these leagues is “coached” with instructors staffing both ends of each sheet. At the throwing end, new players receive information such as where to stand, what the shots are and how to be ready when it is their turn to throw, etc. At the house end, coaches can provide information on shot signals, basic strategy, ice reading and line calling. This is also a great opportunity to include (and model) the sportsmanship and etiquette of the sport. Each session of these novice leagues can include additional information, both on and off the ice, while

reviewing and reinforcing skills learned in the previous sessions. This is a great way for new curlers to receive more than a basic overview of the game. One reason why people tell us they don’t want to become club members and join regular leagues is because they don’t think they are “good” enough. Novice instructional leagues provide a way for newcomers to become more comfortable with the sport, and the club, while better preparing them for league play. The recruitment rate from instructional leagues increases dramatically as you may find that as many as 50 percent of these participants will actually join your club as rookie members. Many people have to work their way up to membership and the extra time you spend with these new curlers, and the additional training they receive in these coached leagues, will result in more people confident enough to transition to regular league play. As with the Learn to Curl sessions, fees for instructional leagues might be $20 or $30 per week with some or all of the session fees credited back on membership dues for those who join as rookie members. A registration fee of $100 for a five-week schedule is not uncommon – or unreasonable. INSTRUCTION In most areas of the United States, few people know what curling is, let alone what a curling club is. Instruction is key to building and developing curling clubs. Instructors are usually the first people that new people meet. They are the “ambassadors” of your club - and most likely your main recruiters. Who are your instructors? Hopefully, your club has some certified USA Curling instructors. Every club should try to have at least one Level I instructor - and hopefully several of them. Experienced curlers are also valuable resources to help teach both new curlers and newer volunteer instructors. Level II instructors are trained primarily in current methods to help people improve in the technical skills of curling delivery and sweeping. Clubs can develop their training programs and internal training resources by encouraging people to become certified instructors and coaches. This is an exciting season for all of us – good luck with all your Olympic activities!

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Wisconsin curler survives ammonia explosion his is not a happy tale, but its’ telling may help improve curling club safety practices. For those clubs with ammonia-based compressors, it is a cautionary tale. Long-time Medford (Wis.) Curling Club stalwart Mitch Mertens has the full range of curling club volunteer experience, for over 30 years. For example, he’s twice chaired successful USCA Mixed National Championships. He also handles more mundane duties at the four-sheet facility, including ice making and machinery maintenance. Little did he expect that these duties would severely injure him, cause the evacuation of downtown Medford, and provide him with his first medical evacuation helicopter ride—as the patient. Last May 7, at 8:15 p.m. (Mitch is an inveterate time-checker), Mitch was preparing for a visit by a refrigeration manufacturing company to fix a minor problem. The plastic pipe leading into the chiller had a slow leak due to shrinkage (maybe a pail-full per season). The solution was to replace the plastic with stainless steel. Mitch recalls, “Beaner Lemke and I had volunteered to remove the end cap of the chiller, which the manufacturer would pick up and re-fit with the stainless pipe.” Mitch was a bit early. Rather than waiting for Beaner, he commenced to remove the 16-inch diameter end cap, which weighed 125 pounds. First, being safety conscious, he shut, then triple-checked all the valves leading to the chiller. These valves should shut off any lingering ammonia pressure, so the remaining ammonia should be safely settled in the bottom of the storage tank, since at the end of each season, the club pumps out some ammonia

Tales From Sheet Nine

David Garber djgarber@charter.net

into a storage vessel. This ammonia, all 450 pounds of it, is in a pure and very dangerous form. A very slight leak can be easily noticed, and makes the eyes burn a bit and will quickly “clear your head.” But a very slight leak, as many clubs experience, is not deadly. Unfortunately, many club members involved in ice-making have often experienced slight leaks and have lost their fear of ammonia, which, in the pure form, not diluted like the household cleaning product, is very deadly. In an action that saved his life, Mitch, for a change, took club-mate Bob Gebert’s repeated advice and donned a charcoal-filtered respirator. “I can’t thank Bob enough for his repeated advice, which for some reason I followed on this day!” Properly prepared, Mitch thought, he commenced loosening the bolts that secured the chiller end cap. When he got to the fifth or sixth of the dozen bolts, without warning, a tremendous amount of ammonia blew out. Stunned, Mitch crawled out of the compressor room into the club rooms. He took off his respirator, coughed once, then noticed his shirt was frozen.

Kalamazoo to host officiating clinics In preparation for hosting the 2010 U.S. National Championships, the Kalamazoo Curling Club will host Level I and Level II officiating courses on Oct. 24-25. The Level I course is set for Oct. 24 followed by the Level II on Oct. 25. Registration will take place each day at 8:30 a.m. Classes will be from 9 a.m.-

4 p.m. at The Annex at Wings Stadium, 3600 Vanrick Drive, Kalamazoo, MI. Cost is $50 per class. Morning coffee and lunch will be provided. Participants are asked to pre-register for these classes by contacting Garnet Eckstrand (Kalamazoo Curling Club) at garnet@eckstrand.com or by calling 269-598-3644.

He doffed the shirt and lowered his pants to find the skin around his belt line was white and hard— frozen. He didn’t know until later that much of his back had been frozen, too. He knew now he needed help. He walked to the street, stood there and yelled for help, hoping for passing cars. Later, Mitch realized, “I must have been quite a sight, with my shirt off and my pants around my ankles!” Naturally, the street was unusually deserted. The first person he saw stumbled into the advancing ammonia cloud and backed off. Mitch walked half a block towards the downtown two short blocks away—he happened on a second person, who called 911 on his cell phone. At that time, a policeman on duty also approached. Shortly, the fire department and ambulance arrived, with Beaner right behind. The whole episode had lasted a scant quarter hour—by 8:30 Mitch was in the local hospital’s emergency room, where he received excellent first treatment. The staff immediately realized that Mitch needed special care, and summoned a “medivac” copter—luckily, one was in the air about 40 miles away returning to Marshfield from another run--to ferry him to a burn unit in Madison. While Mitch was receiving care, the downtown was evacuated for several hours as a precaution, but the ammonia cloud dissipated with no further ill-effects. Mitch was anesthetized, and woke up in Madison the next morning to find his wife, kids and parents at his bedside. By the time of this writing in mid-September, after grafts of skin from his thigh and other treatment, Mitch is recovering com-

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Medford’s Mitch Mertens is recovering from an ammonia explosion at the curling club. Submitted photo

pletely—except he agrees that his swimsuit modeling days are over—back at work, a bit sore in spots but just fine in his face, throat and lungs, thanks to Bob Gebert’s pestering him to wear a respirator while working on the compressor. “Without the respirator,” Mitch knows, “I’d either be dead or have debilitating lung injury and facial disfigurement.” Lessons learned Mitch agreed to have his story shared because communicating his cautionary tale can impart three safety lessons for club volunteers: 1. Just because minor ammonia leaks occur at your club with no noticeable damage, retain your respect for the damage

ammonia can do if released in quantity. 2. Have professionals do any major work on your refrigeration system. Don’t try to save a few bucks in this critical area. Also, have the pros periodically check out all the valves on your system. Mitch believes one of them seemed closed but was not, since he had triplechecked them all before he started work on the chiller. 3. Have several respirators at the club and be sure they are up to date (the mask that saved Mitch’s life was actually past its expiration date by several years). Thanks, Mitch, for sharing this unhappy experience. Thankfully, the ending was happy.

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

Great Lakes championship added to college schedule by Rich Larko, College Curling Coordinator n the upcoming season, the college curling program will feature an additional championship event as a warm-up to the National College Championship – the Great Lakes Collegiate Championship, Jan. 29-31, in Bowling Green, Ohio. Meanwhile, the National College Curling Championship is set for March 12-14 in Chicago.

Both events will offer competitive curling for all teams plus plenty of fun for all participants. Eligibility is the same for both events as stated on the College Curling website, www.collegecurling.org. Teams may consist of curlers from multiple schools. Both events are open format and teams may sign up for one or both events. Contact the event registrar and get applications and checks in early. The registrar for the Bowling Green event is PJ

Wolf, 103 South Main St., Apt. 29, Bowling Green, OH 43402, 419-283-0088, pjwolf@bgsu.edu. The deadline to sign up is Jan. 8. Applications and a check for $100 must be in the registrar’s hands to assure participation. A waiting list begins after 24 teams are registered. Hotel information will be supplied by Wolf and published in the December issue of the Curling News as well as on the College Curling website. Win, place and show award pins in all divisions.

Midland to host instructor, skills clinics The Midland (Ohio) Curling Club will host a Level I instructor clinic on Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost for the class is $30 and includes lunch, materials and the USCA’s fee. This class is structured to help clubs develop a core group of trained individuals to help with open houses, Learn to Curl clinics and basic skills development of members within the club. It provides participants with current best practices for teaching curling skills. The class will be a mix of classroom time and on ice demos with lunch included. Participants must pass a written test, volunteer for 10 hours and obtain First Aid Training to become certified. The club also will host a skills clinic on Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at the club. Cost for this is $30 as well and includes

lunch, materials and video analysis of individual delivery with a maximum of 16 participants. Certified USCA instructors will work with small groups of curlers to develop basic and advanced curling skills such as balance, delivery, release, sweeping, and timing rocks. This clinic is designed for the curler with at least a year of experience and will include on ice drills and demonstrations along with classroom discussion and analysis of common issues. Participants will leave with the knowledge and skills necessary in order to improve their game and increase enjoyment and competitiveness. For more information or to register, contact Mike Graves (Midland Curling Club), mhgraves@ejourney.com or call 989-3295697 after 4 p.m.

The Funny Side

National college championship set in Chicago by Rich Larko, College Curling Coordinator The National College Curling Championship will take place March 12-14 at the North Shore and Chicago clubs. Four or five divisions will be featured depending on the number of entries. All teams compete at their own level of experience. Win, place and show award pins in all divisions. The format will be one game on Friday night, two games on Saturday with finals on Sunday morning. The deadline to sign up is March 1. Checks for $120 and completed applications must be in the hands of the registrar no later than 5 p.m. CT on March 1. The event registrar is Dr. Robert Richardson, richards.rob2@uwlax.edu, 608-788-0595 The headquarters hotel will be the Courtyards of Marriott, 1801 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, IL 60025. For reservations, call 847-803-2500. The room rate will be $79 plus tax.

2006 Olympic bronze medalist added to 2010 support staff 2006 Olympic bronze medalist Scott Baird (Bemidji, Minn.) has been added to the high performance staff assisting the 2010 Olympic men’s and women’s curling teams headed by John Shuster and Debbie McCormick. Baird, 58, was a teammate of Shuster’s in 2005

and 2006 when they were members of the Pete Fenson rink. Baird, a four-time U.S. national champion, will assist the 2010 Olympic teams with strategy and tactics in preparation for and during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

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Trip down under helps grow curling globally by Richard Maskel, USCA Director erod Roland (skip), John Lilla (third), Adam Nathan (second), and myself traveled “down under” in late August to participate in the inaugural 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games, an Olympic-style sports festival that offered medal events in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Hockey, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Snowboarding, and Curling. The team was organized on a last-minute basis in response to an expressed desire on the part of the New Zealand Curling Association to include an American presence in their competition. Connecting through Auckland, the team arrived on Aug. 19 in Queenstown, a resort city on the South Island that served as headquarters for the Winter Games. After a brief day trip to the coastal city of Dunedin to get some practice ice, we transferred to the tiny community of Naseby in the central Otago region. Naseby, a town of about 100 residents, is home to the only full-time single-use, dedicated curling facility in the entire southern hemisphere and served as the venue site for the event. The curling competition featured two divisions of play, with five women’s teams (China,

Wisconsin’s Richard Maskel on the ice in New Zealand. Submitted photo

Adam Nathan (left) and John Lilla in action at the New Zealand Winter Games in August. Submitted photo

Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and Australia) in a double round and eight Men’s teams (those same five nations plus Canada, USA, and the Czech Republic) in a single round robin. The top four finishers in each division would advance to a single elimination medal round. We practiced at the club on Saturday, Aug. 22, and then began the week long competition on the next day. Our first opponent was the formidable Chinese men’s Olympic team. Despite playing very well in our first-ever outing together as a team, we were unable to overcome an almost flawless performance by the Chinese, losing 8-4. We bounced back the next day with crucial victories over both the hometown Kiwis (9-5) and a Canadian superleague team out of Calgary (6-2). Then came frustrating back-to-back losses to Australia (5-3) and Japan (6-3). The loss to the Aussies, a veteran team of expatriate Canadians, occurred on a sheet that inexplicably had very slow and flat ice conditions throughout the game. There

had been some compressor problems earlier in the day that may have triggered the problem, but for some unknown reason the other three sheets appeared to be unaffected. The loss to Japan was equally vexing in that we had controlled play early on, only to have the game turn on an errant peel shot in the sixth end that inadvertently splattered a guard stone into the house to set up a pivotal score of three by our opponent. We now had our backs to the figurative wall at 2-3, chasing three teams (Korea, Japan, and Australia) with winning records and tied with the now seemingly “inscrutable” Chinese. Prohibitive pre-event favorites, China had looked absolutely invincible against us in the first round. However, their play quickly devolved to an all-toohuman level with subsequent losses to Japan, Korea, and the previously winless Canadians. Our team responded well to the competitive challenge, first knocking off the Czech Republic (8-6) and then derailing the front-run-

ning Koreans (9-5). Both victories came in dramatic come-from-behind fashion. We then watched as China played their last few ends against Australia. An Aussie win would have eliminated the Chinese outright and put us directly into the medal round. However, Australian skip Ian Palangio could not convert on some key opportunities and the Chinese eventually prevailed, thus leaving us tied with China at 4-3. Unfortunately, the subsequent tie-break game was to be a virtual replay of our first round loss. The Chinese had suddenly regained their previous form, executing with ruthless efficiency and uncanny precision on their way to a 9-6 win. Now out of the competition, we looked on as China advanced to the gold medal game, only to see them unexpectedly outgunned by a decidedly focused Australian foursome which showed up for the final match with their “A game” on full display. The women’s gold medal game also featured somewhat of an upset as the Japanese team managed to topple the reigning World Champions from China. Overall, it had been a great week in New Zealand. Despite the obvious disappointment of not medaling, we had played every opponent tough and did our best to earn respect for USA Curling in the southern hemisphere. In return, the Kiwis expressed great appreciation for our efforts and proved to be superb hosts throughout our entire stay down under. Given its size, Naseby may seem to be an odd choice as the home for New Zealand’s primary indoor facility. However, it happens to be the historic center for the outdoor “crampit” game which was established by Scottish

immigrants back in the 1870s. Cut off thereafter from the rest of the curling world for more than a century, New Zealanders failed to evolve to the indoor version of the game like their fellow brethren had elsewhere around the globe. As a result, the Kiwis were caught in a kind of bizarre “time warp” until the World Curling Federation sent emissaries down under in the early 1990s with the intent of introducing the modern indoor “hack” game. In the intervening years, New Zealand has progressed to a sufficient level that their men’s team was able to qualify for the Torino Winter Games in 2006. Despite these inroads, indoor curling still remains a bit of an oddity to the majority of the local populace. I interviewed quite a few of the natives during the course of the week and discovered that most still seemed to profess a surprisingly keen preference for the “crampit” game. With its quaint customs and almost Masonic rituals, the “Curler’s Court” of the outdoor game is a definite throwback to a bygone era. However, in the minds of many of the residents of central Otago, it is an enduring part of the tradition of the old game that they still very much cling to. By contrast, the modern finesse and precision of the indoor version of the sport must seem quite peculiar to them. Yet, in spite of these significant differences, even the most of entrenched of these outdoor adherents did their utmost to welcome us warmly into their small community and proved once again that the sport of curling creates a common bond among competitors that can transcend even the greatest gaps of both time and distance.

Applications being accepted for Karuizawa by Maureen Brunt, Athletes’ Advisory Committee

his year, the U.S. Curling Association has received an invitation for a men’s team to compete in the 2010 Karuizawa International Curling Championship in Karuizawa, Japan. The selection for this event will be done through an application process. The applications must be submitted by Thursday, Oct. 29. Once all applications are submitted, the Elite Programs committee will review the applicants and notify the

chosen team by Nov. 10. Event Information: This is a competitive event with elite competition and should be treated as such. The Karuizawa International Curling Competition will be held Jan. 27-31. Teams will arrive the 26th and depart Feb. 1. NOTE: This is very close to the dates of the USCA Men’s and Women’s Challenge Round and should be taken into consideration by any teams applying. The host committee will provide a transportation stipend for flights, ground transportation in Japan, lodging and breakfast. There is an opening and closing banquet as well but all

other meals are on your own. The stipend for travel is provided for five people. The USCA will provide competition shirts and jackets (Nike apparel), but the team will be responsible for all embellishing costs, shipping, etc. Application: Please submit a resume of curling history for each player and complete contact information. Please designate one player as the contact for the team. Past competitive success in national, world and other notable competitions will be relevant and taken into consideration by the USCA Elite Programs committee. You must apply as a team of four or

five, a coach may be the fifth person. By submitting your application to the USCA for consideration to represent the USA, you are indicating your commitment to attend the event if your team is selected. Applications should be submitted to Jean Linder at jean.lindner@usacurl.org, or mailed to the USCA office 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482. If you have any questions. please contact USCA Vice President Walt Erbach at wherbach@charterinernet.com or Maureen Brunt at maureen.brunt@gmail.com.

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Wanna curl against the 2010 Olympians? by Mike Peplinski, 1998 Olympian n Nov. 14, the Eau Claire (Wis.) Curling Club is offering a unique opportunity to the 2010 U.S. Olympic curling team and their families while sharing the ice in a friendly competition against them. The United States Olympic Committee pays all expenses for Team USA athletes, but as I found out first-hand in 1998, travel costs for Team USA ath-

letes’ family members can be quite the out-of-personal-pocket expense for each athlete. One of the most memorable outcomes of my personal Olympic experience was the outpouring of support and generous donations that came from our family and friends of the Eau Claire and curling communities. In the spirit of support and excitement for their 2010 Winter Olympics endeavor, we are hosting the Eau Claire Curling Club vs. Team USA fundraising event. All sponsorship and

2010 Olympic Winter Games Draw schedule, Feb. 12-28, Vancouver, B.C. Women All times local Pacific Time (PT) 2/16: USA v. Japan, 2 p.m. 2/17: USA v. Germany, 9 a.m. 2/18: USA v. Denmark, 2 p.m. 2/19: USA v. Russia, 9 a.m. 2/20: USA v. Great Britain, 2 p.m. 2/21: USA v. Canada, 9 a.m., USA v. Sweden, 7 p.m. 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 match, 3 p.m.

2010 Vancouver Paralympic Winter Games competition schedule: Saturday, March 13, 11 a.m. Opening Ceremony Round Robin, all times Pacific Time (PT) Saturday, March 13, 12:30 p.m., USA v. Korea; 6 p.m., USA v. Canada Sunday, March 14, 12:30 p.m., USA v. Germany Monday, March 15, 12:30 p.m., USA v. Italy; 6 p.m., USA v. Great Britain Tuesday, March 16, 6 p.m., USA v. Sweden Wednesday, March 17, 12:30 p.m., USA v. Norway; 6 p.m., USA v. Japan Thursday, March 18, 12:30 p.m., USA v. Switzerland Friday, March 19, tiebreaker games (if necessary) Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m., semifinals followed by medal matches at 3:30 p.m.

participant proceeds will be given to the family members of the men’s and women’s 2010 Olympic curling team to be used to off-set their travel expenses to Vancouver, Canada. For just $10/end, you could play against members of the 2010 Winter Olympic curling team. How many other people will have the opportunity to share a competitive space with Olympic caliber athletes and then, just a few months later, follow these athletes as they go for the gold in Vancouver? For those of us

who love curling and understand the camaraderie that accompanies this “gentleperson’s” sport – does it get any better than this? Our day at the club will include two shifts of games, one at 11 a.m. and one at 6 p.m. In addition to the curling, the club will have snacks available throughout the day. There will also be a raffle that includes merchandise signed by the Olympic team. At 4:30 p.m. we will also have a catered meal. The cost of the meal will be $20. Included with the meal

2010 Olympic Winter Games Draw schedule, Feb. 12-28, Vancouver, B.C. Men All times local Pacific Time (PT) 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.; goldmedal match, 3 p.m.

is a chance to listen to the Olympians speak about their past experiences and an Eau Claire vs USA Tshirt. Following the meal will be the raffle drawing. Again, all proceeds from these events will go toward the helping the Olympic team’s families as they travel to Vancouver. I hope you will join me and other members of the Eau Claire Curling Club as we “take on Team USA” on Nov. 14th. If interested, visit the USA Curling website to download an entry form.

2010 Olympic, Paralympic athletes to be on ‘Today Show’ Nov. 4 Members from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic curling teams will be featured on NBC’s the Today Show on Nov. 4 as part of a celebration to mark 100 days from the opening ceremony of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. In addition to athlete interviews and a curling demonstration at Rockefeller Ice Rink, the teams will be receive commemorative Team USA gear. Participating athletes include John Shuster, Jason Smith, Jeff Isaacson, John Benton, Debbie McCormick, Allison Pottinger, Nicole Joraanstad, Natalie Nicholson, Augusto Perez, James Joseph and Jacqueln Kapinowski. Stay tuned!

Team leader applications being accepted for 2010 events Team leader applications for the 2010 World Juniors, 2010 World Women’s and 2010 Men’s Worlds are now being accepted. Application requirements can be downloaded from the USA Curling website, www.usacurl.org/usacurl. The application deadline is Oct. 26.

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Curling to be featured in ‘Simpsons’ episode by Terry Kolesar, Editor urlers from three California curling clubs assisted Fox writers who are working on the production of an episode of “The Simpsons” featuring curling set to air Jan. 31 just before the start of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in February, according to Rob LaZebnik, who spearheaded the curling research and wrote the script. The Simpsons' writers and

producers curling session took place earlier this year at the SoCal Curling Club in southern California along with helpers from the Wine Country Curling Club (Vacaville, Calif.) and Hollywood Curling Club. In the episode, characters Homer and Marge Simpson form a mixed doubles curling team with Principal Skinner and his mother, who are long-time curlers. As the episode progresses, it turns out that Marge is a natural...while Homer is a disaster on the ice. Marge is faced with a difficult decision: possibly

win a medal by asking Homer to leave the team, or ruining their chances by keeping him, but salvaging his ego. While mixed doubles isn’t currently an Olympic discipline, it is being considered by the International Olympic Committee as a medal sport for upcoming Olympic Winter Games. The first world mixed doubles competition took place in 2008. “The Simpsons” is the longest running television comedy to date and will mark 20 years on air in 2010.

Madison gears up to host 2010 Club Nationals by Jeremy Roe, Co-Chairman 2010 U.S. Club Nationals

t has been five years since the Madison Curling Club, in McFarland, Wis., hosted its last USCA championship event, the 2005 U.S. Olympic Team Trials leading to the Torino Olympics. Coincidentally, that was also the inaugural year for the USA Curling Club National Championships. The Club Nationals was born out of a desire for member regions to maintain

their proud tradition of regional championships, as well as a throwback to the days when competitive teams represented a single club. The Club Nationals started slowly that first year, with 63 teams entering the playdowns representing eight regions. Last season, the 5th annual

event, drew 83 teams representing eight regions. In five years the Club playdowns have become the USCA's most popular event. Recognizing the growing popularity of this event and wanting to see it continue to thrive, the Madison Curling Club is proud to host the 2010 USA Curling Club National Championships Feb. 20-27. Spearheaded by co-chairs Mark Hartman and Jeremy Roe and supported by an enthusiastic organizing committee and an army of volunteers, we intend to

extend our club’s famous hospitality to all competitors and fans. With the event taking place during the second week of the Vancouver Olympics, we see this as an invaluable opportunity to promote our club and sport in the community. As many clubs can attest to from the Olympic coverage in Torino, the casual fan will want to see the sport in person. That's why we are planning a local media blitz consisting of print, radio, and television leading up to and during the Olympics. An opportunity like this only comes around

once every four years! So, the challenge to you is to put together your best club rink, or even just your buddies from your men's or women's league and enter your regional club playdown. Let's make this the best year ever for participation and capture that Olympic spirit. If you are not fortunate enough to win, why not plan to join us anyway? It is sure to be a festive atmosphere that week in Madison, especially with our very own team Debbie McCormick and Nicole Joraanstad competing in Vancouver.

USA Curling awarded grant from The Chicago Community Trust by Terry Kolesar, Editor

he Chicago Community Trust has once again awarded a grant to USA Curling to further assist in the growth of the Olympic sport. The Trust has awarded grants to the association every year since 2006. Past grants have been used to help foster growth by studying demographics and producing media and marketing materials. This year's funds will be used to support several projects, including: * Production and distribution of one or more ready-to-air TV commercials to be offered to all USCA-member clubs for broadcasting in their home area. * Production and distribution of a supply of curling informational and howto brochures to all USCAmember clubs. * Regional Member Services conferences to bring educational and instructional resources

directly to existing members and newcomers around the country. * Staging of learn-to-curl camps around the country, both for able-bodied and disabled individuals. * Coordination of a "Rocks and Rings" program (curling in the schools program) with the hosts of the 2010 USA Curling Nationals, in Kalamazoo, Mich. * Ongoing leadership training of USCA senior and management staff to further our skills and business management abilities. * Facilitation of a second shipment of deferred-purchase stones from the World Curling Federation. * Continued focus on utilizing electronic media and social networking outlets. “USA Curling is very appreciative of the support The Chicago Community Trust continues to provide through the Darwin Curtis Fund to help us meet one of our top priorities, which is to grow the sport,” said Rick Patzke, USA Curling chief operating officer. “This grant will help us

stimulate growth in areas where curling has taken root just recently, from California to Kalamazoo, as well as in new areas surely to be inspired to toss stones after the Vancouver Olympics.” Since the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the sport of curling has grown substantially across the United States thanks to the success of Team USA and the TV coverage of the sport on NBC Sports. USA Curling's membership has grown nearly 22 percent since the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, with a 12 percent increase alone in the season immediately following the 2006 Olympics in Torino. USA Curling and its member clubs and regions have helped to form close to 30 new clubs around the country since 2002, including in Arizona, California, Texas, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont, among others states. Funds for The Chicago Community Trust grant originate from the Darwin Curtis fund. Curtis was a prominent Chicago area

curler in the mid-20th century. The proceeds from his bequest must be used for projects intended to increase public participation in curling in the United States. About the Trust For 94 years, The Chicago Community Trust, our region's community foundation, has connected the generosity of donors with the needs of the com-

munity by making grants to organizations working to improve metropolitan Chicago. In 2008 the Trust made over $100 million in grants. From strengthening community schools to assisting local art programs, from building health centers to helping lives affected by violence, the Trust works to enhance our region. Learn more at www.cct.org.

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Celebrating 5 0 years – 19 58 -20 08

Check out new USWCA website epresentatives from every region of the United States came together during the annual fall meeting to develop, nurture, and promote the sport of curling among today’s women and all youth. They brought their talent together to strengthen and expand a wealth of activities, and left the meeting energized at the prospects and plans for the upcoming season. One of the highlights of the meeting was a preview of the soon to be relaunched Website www.uswca.org. The new look was designed and developed by Nancy Wilhelm and Casey Kramer

and is a stunning accomplishment with expanded capabilities and resources. These two women have brought the look and feel of women’s curling to a new plane. Curlers enter this season with the knowledge of a pending spotlight on the sport that unites us. We know, from the experience of the past Olympics, of the renewed interest the media will bring to curling. We have been forewarned and now must work to be ready for the impact of the Winter Olympics and the wave of potential new curlers that will descend upon our clubs. Attendees were given ideas to prepare for and capitalize upon that new

by Jennifer Stannard, USWCA President interest. Detailed plans were presented for the November 2009 Canadian Senior Friendship Tour. Sixteen women curlers from Manitoba and their two tour directors will tour the USA

for two weeks. The first stop is the opening banquet at the Milwaukee Curling Club. Then the tour will visit Janesville, Madison, and Kettle Moraine before heading to Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. The Women’s Curling Development Fund evaluated a project that would reach those women athletes looking for something more: a national tour. Such an exciting tour would be a boon to the curling community as a whole, and our organization is working to bring this to fruition. We are evaluating new services and new efforts that the USWCA can assist in developing and promoting. The USWCA is continu-

ing work to strengthen both the Five & Under Women’s Challenge and Open Event into all regions of the U.S. The regional junior bonspiels are healthy, and some reimbursement funds are available to assist with travel. Schenectady, N.Y. is hosting the 62nd annual, very unique, national women’s 32-team, 10-end bonspiel. The 28th year of the Senior Women’s Bonspiel will be in Grand Forks, N.D., in December. The USWCA connects women together to focus on growth and enhancement of curling. If your club is not a member, consider joining. We are the “Heart of Curling.” See you on the ice!

Get ready for five-and-under events this season by Liz Abeltin, Five & Under Chairwoman ive-and-under bonspiels are memorymakers. New, nervous skips, each with a team of friends battling on the ice to take the event. Experiencing the wholeness of the game and digging into your opponent’s head. Thrilled at thinking outside your own shots. Years later - still curlers, still friends. Still occasionally battling it out on the ice for a trophy – or bragging

rights. Still laughing at the shared memories, sometimes at a bonspiel, sometimes with new curlers. No matter what position played, no other experience gets a player hooked into the richness of the sport like the five-and-under curling events. Today, the United States Women’s Curling Association is proud to sponsor two events for novice curlers. The successful Women’s Challenge has been joined by an Open Bonspiel – in its third season. Both of these great curling opportunities give the

novice curler competition within a peer group. Host clubs check out the coming talent, enjoy the enthusiasm, share strategy discussions, and welcome the fun. If you are a newer curler in the East or Wisconsin, get a team together, join the fun, and make some lasting memories: East Open – Plainfield Curling Club; Dec. 10-13. Information posted at www.njcurling.org; chairs: Robin Kerr and Eric Blassneck. East Women’s Challenge: Utica Curling Club, March 18-21.

Schenectady set to host 62nd National Bonsiel by Charlene Fitzgerald, National Bonspiel Chairwoman “The Magic of Curling:” An appropriate theme for the original national event founding the USWCA and celebrating the annual tradition Feb.10-14. Historic Schenectady Curling Club – founded 102 years ago – is a great stage for the magic to unfold. The 32 teams will be selected as assistants from member curling club audiences across America. The 10-end games add to the suspense and mystique. Abracadabra – the kit bag contains a participation pin and the unexpected! The region will satisfy any wizard of shopping. Cultural, sports, and art museums appear upon command. Theaters and performing art centers bloom like colorful flowers popping from a wand. The International Albany Airport is an unexpected 10 minutes from the curling club – and is serviced by many of the major carri-

ers. The new Hilton Garden Inn will cast its spell as the headquarters for the USWCA winter meeting, annual banquet and bonspiel. Invitations are not slight-of-hand – the USWCA representative in your club will receive the details in mid-October. See your representative for bonspiel details, team applications, and instructions. There is a deadline for payment of entry fees. Now you see it – soon you won’t…there is magic in the air.

Information located at www.uticacurlingclub.org/childs-challenge.htm. Chair: Sue Williams. Wisconsin Open: Poynette Curling Club, March 19-20. Information found at roeportage@aol.com Chair: Dixie Roe. Other regions are looking for clubs to host these special curling opportunities, this season and beyond. If your club is interested in hosting, or if you’d like more information, contact: Elizabeth Abeltin, whimbrel@aol.com. Check website www.uswca.org for posting of scheduled events.

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

Moving? Send address updates to USA Curling 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482. Find us on the web at www.usacurl.org Call us toll-free: 1-888-CURLERS

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USWCA All-American: All fun, no travel by Gloria Martino, All-American Chairwoman

he USWCA AllAmerican event is unique. Instead of the norm – peer elected athletes from all over America travel to a tournament – in this event the USWCA member clubs across America organize local events for their own clubs (U.S. citi-

zenship not required to participate). For each club event, every member on the firstevent winning team is awarded a beautiful pin provided by the USWCA. The All-American is designed to maximize participation of curlers, create a rich, shared curling experience, and foster a greater awareness of the role of the USWCA. The goal of balanced teams keeps the

event focused on fun and geared to the newer and less experienced women curlers. Each local curling club organizes their event to match their calendar and resources. Want your club to join this nationwide event? The event is open to all clubs and curlers who are members of the USWCA. Is your club not a member? There is time to join the USWCA and the fun for

this season. Contact the USWCA Chair of Membership – Carol Wood, carwood47@yahoo.com. If your club is a USWCA member, the All-American should be on your club calendar. If it isn’t, now is the time to schedule. If you want advice in organizing an event, have any questions, or are interested in learning more about an AllAmerican event at your

Training clinic draws 80 New England curlers by Megan Suslavich, For the USWCA

ifty-year-old Nutmeg Curling Club in Bridgeport, Conn., hosted 80 curling students from across New England on a typical fall weekend to learn the proven “BalancePlus Delivery Technique” invented by international trainer, Lino Di Iorio. Di Iorio has worked with world curling champion teams and has taught curlers and coaches in Canada, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Russia, Scotland, Sweden, and the United States since 1999. Nutmeg Curling Club invited Di Iorio to be a guest speaker upon the recommendation of Patti Lank, world silver medalist. Addressing a room of Olympic junior hopefuls and GNCC club representatives in the spring of 2009, Lank strongly urged those who want to be competitive to gain an understanding of Di Iorio’s BalancePlus Delivery Technique. Over the course of four days, participants gathered in small groups for a combination of lecture and on-ice practice. Participants came away with an appreciation of how curling continually improves as equipment advances and science provides new insights. The BalancePlus Delivery Technique accompanies Di Iorio’s advancements in equipment and shoe design produced by the company he founded, BalancePlus of Ontario, Canada. For many years, Di Iorio has been a technical curling coach for the Scottish Institute of Sport, Curling Section, and has been a technical curling coach for the Italian Curling Federation and has accompanied the Italian national

Lino Di Iorio teaches eager students (above and below) the BalancePlus Delivery Technique at the Nutmeg (Conn.) Curling Club . Submitted photo

teams on several world and European championships as their technical coach. Teams, such as Marilyn Bodough (Canada), Ulrik Schmidt (Denmark), Tomas Dufour (France), Pal Trulsen

(Norway), Dordy Norbi (Norway), Elisabet Gustafson (Sweden), and Patti Lank (USA) are just a few of many curlers for which Di Iorio has performed delivery analyses.

club, contact your USWCA representative, check out the USWCA website www.uswca.org (under heading for bonspiels), or contact All-American Committee Chair Gloria Martino at allamerican@uswca.org. Look for the winners of this 2009-10 season’s events to be published in the U.S. Curling News. A newspaper article suitable for framing!

Bismarck set to host junior camp this month The Capital Curling Club in Bismarck, N.D., is set to host a junior bonspiel and competitive curling camp Oct. 23-25, which coincides with Teachers’ Convention in some states. The event will draw teams from across the region and Canada. The event features a pool-type, round robin format with two divisions – competitive and developmental – to ensure challenging games. Concurrent with the bonspiel will be the “No Boundaries” Curling Camp. The No Boundaries concept combines top curling coaches and instructors working together to provide a series of “training tracks” or “clinics.” Clinics will be held between bonspiel draws. This will allow the athlete to try the newly-learned concepts as soon as the class is over. Cost for the event is $60 per person, which covers the bonspiel, the clinics, and lunch and dinner both Friday and Saturday. Activities begin Friday morning. Athletes are asked to sign up as teams. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Comfort Inn, 1030 East Interstate Ave. in Bismarck N.D. with a $72.40 rate per night. Call 1-701-223-1911 and ask for the room block under Capital Curling Club. For more information, contact Dave Jensen at 701258-0647, 701-258-5201 or djensen@roughriderhardwoods.com.

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2009 top athletes, team announced by Terry Kolesar, Editor 010 U.S. Olympic team members John Shuster (Duluth, Minn.) and Natalie Nicholson (Bemidji, Minn.) have been named the 2009 USA Curling Athletes of the Year. In the team category, the Brady Clark mixed rink from Seattle earned the top honors. Both Shuster and Nicholson have been nominated to Team USA for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games after winning the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Curling in February. This is the first time for both athletes to be honored as individuals. Shuster earned Team of the Year honors in 2006 while Nicholson twice has been a member of teams named Team of the Year (2004 and 1997). Shuster, 26, led his team to a fifth-place finish at the 2009 Ford World Men’s Championship in his first appearance as a skip. “This award could have been given to anyone on the team,” Shuster said. “They all had an incredible year.

Nicholson

Shuster

It’s always nice to be recognized, but it is really a team award. It’s a tremendous honor to be on the list with all those other great curlers.” Shuster was a member of the first team to win an Olympic medal when Pete Fenson’s rink won the bronze in 2006 in Torino. Shuster is a four-time U.S. men’s national champion, a gold medalist at the 2007 Winter World University Games and the U.S. junior champion in 2004. Nicholson, 33, was the top ranked curler at the lead position at the 2009 Women’s World

Championship in South Korea, where the Americans finished ninth. She is a seven-time U.S. women’s national champion and two-time U.S. junior women’s champion. “It really was a surprise,” Nicholson said of the award. “You never think about winning this award, but it is really nice to be honored for all the hard work you put in.” While Nicholson had a busy year preparing for competitions she also was switching jobs, finishing graduate school and caring for her newborn daughter, Stella, with the support of her husband, John, in her corner. “He’s always so supportive and of all my goals whether it’s been with school or curling. I’m very thankful for his support,” she said.

TOP 10 KUBLER-ROSS MODEL STAGES OF CURLING GRIEF 10] Denial: “There’s no way I could have missed that takeout.” 9] More Denial: “As God is my witness, there’s absolutely no freakin’ way I could have missed that takeout!” 8] Anger: “Damned crummy ice!” 7] Much More Anger: “Stupid, lousy, worthless mismatched rocks!” 6] Bargaining: “It must have picked. Don’t you think?” 5] Sincere & Concerted Bargaining: “No, seriously. It really must have picked. Surely, all of you saw it grab right out of my hand. You cannot possibly have missed that.” 4] Depression: “I have failed as a curler.” 3] Extreme Depression: “I have disgraced and dishonored myself in front of my fellow athletes, the United States Curling Association, and the entire curling world. I am the lowest form of life.” 2] Acceptance: “From now on, I should only play lead.” 1] Ultimate Acceptance: “Better yet, I shall be relegated to permanent fifth player status and be fated to dutifully carry the broombag, sit behind the glass, purchase appropriate post-game beverages for all competitors and coaches alike, wash and polish the team van, and generally grovel at the feet of my far superior teammates whose esteemed presence I am not worthy to be in.” – Richard Maskel

Team Clark (l-r) Brady Clark, Cristin Clark, Philip Tilker and Bev Walter.

Nicholson and teammates Debbie McCormick, Allison Pottinger, Nicole Joraanstad and alternate Tracy Sachtjen won their fourth straight national title in February, a U.S. curling record. “It’s a team sport so to get honored individually is a little different,” she said. “I really feel like our team does have something special and that we push each other to make one another better. I know I’ve become a better curler from playing with them.” Clark (Lynnwood, Wash.) and teammates Cristin Clark (Lynnwood, Wash.), Philip Tilker (Seattle) and Bev Walter (Seattle) won the 2009 U.S. mixed national title. The Clarks have won a total of six titles – five with Walter

at the lead position. This was the first title for Tilker. Since the award was created in 1997, this is the first time a mixed team has been honored. “I was pretty surprised to hear that we won. It’s quite an honor to be awarded team of the year,” Brady Clark said. “I’d never thought too much about it. Every year I look to see who the team of the year is. There are a lot of great teams on that list.” The Clarks also won the U.S. mixed doubles title this season and represented the U.S. at the World Mixed Doubles in Italy. “Cristin and I have often said how neat it is to have a run like we’ve had. To be the first mixed team honored is definitely special,” Clark said.

2009-10 USA CURLING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SITES EVENT Mixed Doubles National Championship Junior M/W National Championships Women’s Senior National Championships Men’s Senior National Championships Men’s Qualifier East Midwest North Midwest South West Women’s Qualifier East Midwest West Men’s Challenge Round Women’s Challenge Round M/W National Championships M/W Club National Championships Mixed National Championships

SITE Seattle Bemidji, Minn. Cape Cod, Mass. Portage, Wis.

DATE Dec. 3-6* Jan. 23-30 Jan. 28-31* Jan. 27-31*

SIGN-UP DATE Oct. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 17 Dec. 17

Potomac, Md. Fargo-Moorhead, N.D. Mankato, Minn. Fairbanks, Alaska

Jan. 5-10* Jan. 5-10* Jan. 5-10* Jan. 5-10*

Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 19

Nashua, N.H. Green Bay, Wis. Fairbanks, Alaska Grafton, N.D. Janesville, Wis. Kalamazoo, Mich. Madison, Wis. Chicago

Jan. 5-10* Jan. 5-10* Jan. 5-10* Feb. 4-7 * Feb. 4-7* March 6-13 Feb. 20-27 March 20-27

Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 19

Nov. 19 Jan. 7 Jan. 21

*The events marked with an asterisk are accordion in nature. The start and end dates are subject to change depending on the number of teams playing at the event.

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

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Knowing roles can lead to team success

he new season is nearly here and teams are identified, on the way to being complete or in the process of finalizing what their line-ups will be. This article concentrates on teams that are newly formed this season. Teams that have been together can still use these tips and it’s worth remembering that most teams underperform so it might useful for all teams to consider the Top 10 Tips for Teams in 2010. Tip #1 Decide whether the level of commitment to doing things that help team performance is there or not. Tip #2 Start with the end in mind and determine what your team is striving to

Key: O–Open; X–Mixed; XD–Mixed doubles; M–Men’s; W–Women’s; S–Senior; WC–Wheelchair C–Cashspiel; J–Junior; ST–Stick Date OCT. 16–18 Kettle Moraine, WI–The Stan Philadelphia, PA–Mid-Atlantic Potomac, MD–Inaugural Rice Lake, WI–Curl for a Cure St. Paul, MN–Cashspiel

Type M W O O M

OCT. 23–25 Anchorage, AK–Rookie Bismarck, ND–Thin Ice Cape Cod, MA–Bog Chicago, IL–Inaugural Rochester, NY–Big Pumpkin

O J O O O

OCT. 30-NOV. 1 Capital, ND–Early Bird Kettle Moraine, WI–Fall Fling Madison, WI–Halloween

O W O

NOV. 6–8 Blackhawk, WI–First Chance Bowling Green, OH Denver, CO–Denver Open Duluth, MN–Cashspiel Grand Forks, ND–Early Bird Racine, WI–Invitational Schenectady, NY–Carosella Wauwatosa, WI–Inaugural Stick NOV. 13–15 Broomstones, MA–Mixed Doubles Exmoor, IL Grafton, ND–Concurrent Mayfield, OH–Chris Moore Trophy Portage, WI–Curl for a Cure St. Paul, MN Wausau, WI–First Chance

W W O MW O M W St

XD X O M O XD O

NOV. 20-22 Broomstones, MA Itasca, MN–Widow’s ‘Spiel Mankato, MN–Harvest Philadelphia, PA Schenectady, NY–Achilles Waupaca, WI–Blaze Orange

J W O O M W

NOV. 27–29 St. Paul, MN–Fireball 500

By John Coumbe-Lilley USA Curling sports psychology consultant

accomplish and work backwards, setting your goals in reverse order until you get all the way to your weekly and daily routines. Tip #3 Determine how the team will measure its performance in practice and in matches. Tip #4 Decide and document how the team will recognize any changes it made

Appleton, WI–Holly Hog Bemidji, MN Columbus, OH Curl Mesabi, MN (Eveleth) Detroit, MI–Senior One Day (12/12) Exmoor, IL–Continental Lake Region, ND–Northern Lights Madison, WI Owatonna, MN–Dr. McGillicuddy Philadelphia, PA Schenectady, NY–10 & Under St. Paul, MN–Jack McCann 40+ Waupaca, WI

DEC. 18–20 Stevens Point, WI–Cashspiel O 2010 JAN. 1–3 Coyotes, AZ (Scottsdale)–All American W Grand Forks, ND–New Year’s O JAN. 8-10 Appleton, WI–Men’s Invitational Chicago, IL–Gloamin’ Detroit, MI–Men’s International Duluth, MN–Bruce Bennett 40+ Eau Claire, WI Lodi, WI Marshfield, WI Milwaukee, WI Philadelphia, PA–Cracked Bell St. Paul, MN–Cold Cash Wausau, WI–Tietge High School Willmar, MN–New Year

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

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

M O M J J J X M W

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

DEC. 4–6 Appleton, WI–Holly Hog Centerville, WI Chicago, IL–Old Boys Fargo-Moorhead, ND Grand Forks, ND Madison, WI–International Cashspiel Mayfield, OH–Women’s One Day Nutmeg, CT–Crystal Snowflake

X J SM O SW C W W

DEC. 11-13 Anchorage, AK–Christmas ‘Spiel

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

JAN. 27–28 Milwaukee, WI JAN. 29–31 Albany, NY–Governor’s Bowl Arlington, WI Broomstones, MA–Little Rockers Chesapeake, MD–GNCC Sr. Men’s Chicago, IL Mankato, MN

W M M J SM W M

to from what it used to do that now works better. Tip #5 Outline team, unit (front end, back end, skip & vice) and individual roles and responsibilities. Tip #6 Agree to what team behaviors will be used at different types of events on and off the ice. Tip #7 Put your team systems in place. Decide how you will approach warm-up, time pressure, time outs, post-game meetings, travel, logistics and feed forward strategies. Tip #8 Use a 5:1 ratio of positive and supportive comments and statements to every single negative comment and statement. The result will be a more motivating environment for players. Tip #9 Rotate roles in the

Medford, WI–Badger Women’s Schenectady, NY Two Harbors, MN Waupaca, WI

W O O M

FEB. 5–7 Cape Cod, MA J Centerville, WI W X Curl Mesabi, MN W Detroit, MI–Ladies One Day (2/7) Kettle Moraine, WI (Hartland) X X Madison, WI M Milwaukee, WI Minot, ND–George Killians X O Owatonna, MN–Miller Lite St. Paul, MN–Ranger O Wausau, WI–Badger State Games WMJX FEB. 12–14 Broomstones, MA–Francis Dykes M 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 Racine, WI X M Rice Lake, WI Schenectady, NY–USWCA National W St. Paul, MN–Kyle Satrom J M Wausau, WI FEB. 19–21 Arlington, WI Copper Country, MI–Copperspiel Detroit, MI Fargo-Moorhead, MN Green Bay, WI Portage, WI Utica, NY–Cobb Waltham, IL FEB. 23–24 Chicago, IL–Heathers

SM O X X M S X M

team periodically during low-key events to learn different things about everyone on the team and to see things slightly differently to emphasize learning. Tip #10 Don’t be slavish to the culture of curling. Respect it and compete at your team’s best. Any team using a selection of these tips will likely have more fun and a higher level of consistency than teams that do not. Few teams are able to communicate candidly and openly and even fewer can predictably play at their top level consistently against tough competition. Whilst teams have the chance before the season to work things out, why not decide how to work as a team and give it a shot.

MARCH 12–14 Arlington, WI Duluth, MN–Dunlop Grafton, ND Green Bay, WI–Shamrock 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 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 Itasca, MN–State High School Kettle Moraine, WI Nutmeg, CT–Golden Handle Utica, NY–Child’s Challenge

O SM M M J J M M W

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

M J X O X O O O X X

APRIL 9–11 Anchorage, AK Green Bay, WI Hibbing, MN–Last Chance

O X M

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

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

W O M J X W X X M

MARCH 5–7 Appleton, WI–Two-Man Stick (3/6) Columbus, OH Grafton, ND Kettle Moraine, WI Marshfield, WI Schenectady, NY Tri City, WI–Tri City Men’s Vikingland, MN–Runestone Waltham, IL

St W W J X J M O X

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

JULY 1–4 Pittsburgh, PA–TropiCurl

JULY 8–11 Cape Cod, MA

JULY 11–14 Cape Cod, MA

JULY 16–18 Cape Cod, MA Green Bay, WI

M O

AUG. 6–8 Green Bay, WI

2009-10 Championship Rules Booklet online Copies of the 2009-10 USA Curling Championship Rules Booklet can now be downloaded from the USA Curling website, www.usacurl.org/usacurl.

New championship procedures announced There will be two significant changes this year in the area of championships. One that affects all participants is the incentive for early registration. A team will receive a $20 discount on its registration fee by signing up at least a week in advance of the deadline. The staff hopes that this will reduce the rush on the deadline day, and allow them to process registrations more efficiently and quickly. For the Men's and Women's championships, there is a change in how qualifier and challenge slots will be awarded to each of the qualifier sites. Previously we allocated slots based on the number of teams that signed up for each site. That method did not necessarily get all of our strongest teams to the nationals, especially if too many of the top teams crowded into one site. This year, the slots will be allocated based on the strength of field at each site. Each team will be asked to rank the top 12 teams in the entire field. That peer seeding will then be used to detemine the strength of field at each site, and will be the basis for the assignment of qualifier and challenge slots. For details on both of these changes, see the published rules on the USCA web site.

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.

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Minnesota’s Drobnick, Muller named top coaches by Terry Kolesar, Editor innesota’s Phill Drobnick (Duluth) and Tim Muller (Hibbing) have been selected as 2009 Coach of the Year and Developmental Coach of the Year, respectively, by USA Curling’s Coaching Committee. Drobnick, selected earlier this year to coach the men’s 2010 Olympic curling team, is the first backto-back recipient of the Coach of the Year award, having won in 2008. Drobnick, 28, had a busy season coaching the Chris Plys junior team as well as Aileen Sormunen’s women’s team. With the Plys rink, he assisted the team in capturing the state and national title – the fourth in a row for Plys.

Drobnick

Muller

The team would go on to win bronze at the 2009 World Junior Championships. The Plys rink, which included Plys (Duluth, Minn.), Aanders Brorson (Duluth), Matt Perushek (Eveleth, Minn.) and Matt Hamilton (McFarland, Wis.), also qualified for the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Curling, making Plys the youngest skip in the field at age 21. Drobnick pulled

double duty at the Olympic Trials, as Sormunen’s team also qualified. Earlier in the season he traveled with both teams on the World Curling Tour in preparation for playdowns. “I am honored to be named coach of the year again. There are a lot of deserving coaches out there who put a lot of coaching into their teams who also deserve this award,” said Drobnick, who last year led

Great Smoky Mountains Open

The Dave Ellis Rink from Milton, Ontario, won the fifth annual Rocky Top Open Bonspiel played in Knoxville, Tenn. Here are the results: 1EW—Milton, Ontario: Dave Ellis, Kimberly Shea, Margie Ragsdale, Caleb Dyer 1ERU—Milton, Ontario: Bob Hawley, Marilyn Pickett, Peter McLaughlin, Linda Baron

Winners of the Cape Cod Mixed Bonspiel were Cape Cod’s (l-r) Joe Cammarano, Cathy Offinger, Ken Thomson and Virginia Bristol.

Poynette Open

The 2009 Spring ‘Spiel was hosted by the Poynette (Wis.) Curling Club on May 15-17. Here are the results: 1EW—Madison: Matt Hamilton, Andrew Gilbertson, Marcus Fonger, Tom Juszczyk 1ERU—Madison/Green Bay: Mark Swandby, Richard Maskel, Rebecca/Tim Funk, Walt Erbach 2EW—Pardeeville/Chicago: Pete McCormick, John Reid, Mike Ward, Greg Sorenson 2ERU—Madison/Green Bay: Jeremy Roe, Brian Wolff, Dan Eernisse, Brenda Luebke 3EW—Madison/Poynette: Pat Roe, Mark Hartman, Tom Gabower, Mark Kretzmann 3ERU—Madison: Steve Day, Mike Krajewski, Eric Albers, Hannah Gaines

the Plys rink to the first world junior men’s title for the U.S. since 1984. “The award factors more into what we did last year. It was a long year and they put a lot of work into it. We played two out of every three weekends…I probably over-trained them a bit,” he said. “They played from January through the middle of March at a high level of competition, which is tough for any team to do. The way the guys handled it and the hard work they put into it was capped off with a bronze...it was quite an accomplishment for them.” Drobnick works as a probation officer with St. Louis County in Minnesota. He’s had a busy summer working with the men’s Olympic team, which includes Plys as the alternate, at seven high perform-

Pittsburgh Open

The 2009 TropiCurl took place July 2-5 at the Pittsburgh Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW—Richmond Hill: Dennis Moretto, Bruce Gillispie, Peter DiClemente, Beth Woolnough 1ERU—Potomac: Sean Murray, Melissa Fox, Nick Datlowe, Jeremy Vandenhouten 2EW—Hamilton/Victoria: John Scott, Judy Scott, Jim Neales, Christina Neales 2ERU—Marshfield: Dennis Jacobsen, Tanya Jacobsen, Conor Mulvey, Dustin Jacobsen 3EW—Madison: Jon Crumm, Mark Tyler, Bill Buckingham, Bill Buckingham, Sr. 3ERU—Potomac: David Baxter, Scott Fairley, Monique Neaves , Sherri Fillingham 4EW—Granite: Mark Curtis, Susan Curtis, Dave Longbrake, Martha Longbrake 4ERU—Pittsburgh: Andrew Rydholm, Fiona Shearer, Paul Hannan, Brian Berger 5EW—Tam Heather: Jay Epping, Karen Smith, Steve Smith. Scott Collins 5ERU—Pittsburgh: Rich Ashford, Keith Scott, Al Tarkka, Jacki Temple

Winners of the Cape Cod Men’s Bonspiel from Boston were (lr) Sam Williams, Pete Rosetti, Scott Olson and Andy McKellips.

Winners of the Cape Cod Women's Bonspiel from the Canadian Club of Boston were Kay Ham, Jennifer Tschumakow, Joslin Murphy and Ann Viele.

Winners of the Hollywood Curling Club’s Blockbuster Bonspiel were (l-r) Ben Womack, Mark Rubey and Charles Taggart.

ance training camps. The team is currently competing in Switzerland. “I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season with the men’s Olympic team. They’ve been working hard all summer to prepare for Vancouver,” Drobnick said. Muller coached the Minnesota team of Aaron Wald (Hibbing), Josh Bahr (Bemidji, Minn.), Jared Zezel (Hibbing) and John Muller (Hibbing) to a runner-up finish to the Plys rink at the 2009 U.S. Junior National Championships. This was the team’s third appearance at Junior Nationals with Muller as coach. The team has showed steady improvement in those three years, improving on fifth- and sixth-place finishes with the silver this season. The team also competed in the qualifying round of the 2010 Olympic Trials but did not advance to the next round. “First of all, they are a great bunch of kids to be around. They have worked hard. We have made some changes over the last three years, some easy and some difficult. I have received a lot of satisfaction watching them mature into the young men they are today, both on and off the ice,” Muller said. “I also could not ask for a better group of parents to have at my side. My wife, Chris, and the other parents put in a lot of work behind the scenes that help make this team successful. We have received a great deal of support from our local businesses and community, both curlers and non-curlers alike. Paul Vendetti and the Hibbing Curling Club membership have been there whenever we needed help.” This is the first time Muller has been honored as USA Curling’s Developmental Coach of the Year. “This is certainly a great honor. Just to be included in this list along with those who have already received it, is special,” he said. “When you look at the current group of elite athletes competing today, as some of them turn their talents and experience to coaching, it will be exciting to see the names on this list in the future.” Muller is employed with L&M Radiator, Inc., in Hibbing, Minn., as the company’s network administrator for all the plants in North America. He also is employed by Hibbing High School as the assistant coach for the boys junior varsity team. A native of Hibbing, he began curling in seventh grade.

FALL 2009

C e le b r a ti n g 50 y ea r s – 195 8- 2 00 8

Thank you to our loyal donors! Thank you to the following donors who helped the USCA’s pin program in the 2008-09 season: ALASKA Fairbanks: Rich, Leland T AT-LARGE Dallas-Fort Worth Farr, Janet B GRAND NATIONAL REGION Broomstones: Chandler, Robert B Claflin IV, William B Cousins, Grayland B Kelly, Marty B Secor, David B Nashua: Krailo, Gwen B Merrimack Valley Krailo, Gwen B Lake Placid Brown Garcia, Michelle B Garcia, Eugene B McKernan, Amber B Hanna, Robert B Philadelphia Kaiser, Andy B Merry, Allen B Van Schonni, Rob B Wolff, Gregg B G Wheeler, Mark Potomac Leonard, Robert $500 Pelletier, Robert BS GREAT LAKES REGION Mayfield Appel, Joel & Sally S Bammel, Brian & Pat B B Bellamy, Bob Bernosky, Cindy & James May BS Botros, Allie B Busch, Ron & Wendy B S Chaney, Jim & Jeannie BB Chisholm, Henry & Sally Collins, Scott & Kathy B Cooke, Bruce & Elin B Cooke, Tom & Leslie B Coolidge, Mark & Dianne B B Dedolph, Doug & Rita Doloff, Matt B Drake, Rick & Cheryl B Forsythe, Bill & Paula T Greene, Estay & Rebecca S

Guide: Bronze (B): $40 Silver (S): $80 Gold (G): $125 Team (T): $250

Groen, Albert Hanson, Gary Horn, Deb & Roger Meredith Humphrey, Bob Knabel, Wayne & Marla Kosmin, Mindy Kunkel, Bob & Brenda Lavertu, Pierre Lewandowski, Jan & Kristine Lindsay, Dan Loveland, Gordon & Lisa Lowry, Ashley Maisonville, Dan & Mary Jane Miller, Ned & Lynn Mitchell, Jerry Nantell, Tom & Marcia Hurt Novak, Joe & Liz Paris, Peter & Jane Peckinpaugh, Roger & Martha Poe, Jeff Riehl, Charles & Kersti Roberts, Gary & Kathy Roenigk, Kristen Rosenfeld, Buzz & Susie Sah, Byron & Jill Renee Sasak, Ed & Kelly Schilz, Robert Schmidt, Dan Schmidt, Dan & Courtney Shaw, Lynn Smith, Don Sobeck, Jeff & Erin Smith Tortorelli, Gerry & Susan Tschudy, Jim & Jane Van Vilet Vanic, Gary & Anne Vespoli, Wayne & Lynde Webb, Bill Wilen, Jenna Wroblewski, Dave & Jacki Young, Kent & Eloise Zimmerman, John & Pat ILLINOIS Chicago Anderson, Andy In memory of Jane Anderson Anderson, Scott Arnold, Paul & Marcia Arntz, Willa

B B BB B BB S S B S B B B B S B B BB B S S B B B B B S B B G S S B B S B B B B S B S T B B $25 G

Bennett, Susan Berlin, Larry Berman, Jody Bernauer, Jack Bloss, Bob Boyd, Doug Buchanan, Ron Burmeister, Monica Burnett, Mal Cahill, Dan & Ellen Carlson, Steve Cleave, Carol Cooley, Nancy Crawford, Craig Davis, Ed & Linda Duerwachter, Dave Duffy, Betty Dunbeck, Joe Fields, Mary Friese, Jim Geake, David Grube, Larry Hager, Cheryl Haverick, David Holmes, Richard Huber, Irv Johnson, Judith Johnson, Larry Jones, Alison Jones, Mike & Kim Kehoe, Bob Kish, Steve Kitchen, Skip Kuhn, Bob Love, Mike MacDonald, Jim Madden, John Mawicke, Hank McDonald, Susan Miller, Jim Moore, Tom Niehus, Grant Phillips, Dick Porter, Alicia Porter, Morgan Rand, Don Reese, Michelle Reid, John Rittgers, Colin Roob, Ed Slabas, Stan Sweeney, Paul Thompson, Phil Tray, Steurt Truskowski, John

B G B T B S S B B G B G B B S B B B G B BBBB B S S B B B B $100 S B B B B B B B $100 B B T $25 $50 B $100 B S B S S T G S S B

Urevig, Dick & Lucie Dumas B Wilde, Dick B Wulfekuhle, Jack $50 Yanis, Lloyd S Exmoor Alsteen, Bob & Janet S Anderson, Chip S Armstrong, Russ & Leslie G Beckwith, John & Joanne T Binder, Paul B Brichard, Ken & Rachael B Brown, Larry & Ann S Brown, Ken & Amy S Brown, Russ S Buntrock, Gordon B Calaway, Jim & Marcy G Crawford, Bob & Anneliese B Goldman, Stephen Griem, Mike & Peggy G Groover, Ken & Bobbie S Gross, Katy B Hartwell, David & Amy B Hatch, Steve & Leslie S Helt, Art & Dianne B Johansson, Nils T Kadleck, Joe S Kanairs, Peter & Katie G Kohn, Bob S Kovach, Joe & Peggy S Kugman, Eileen S Lindsey, Gary B McNeill, Vince & Dainee G S McClintic, Bill Moulton, Bob & Deb B Murray, Steve B Murray, William & Patty B Picchietti, Pixie B S Pyle, Angela Rahn, Scott & Laurie G Ryan, John & Rosemary B Schallmo, Chris & Tammie B Shaw, Beth S Silver, Sean & Ann Swisshelm G Smith, James B S Stevenson, Sandy Swisshelm, Bill & Nancy G Van Vuren, Roger & Sue B Walsh, Robert B Waters, Steve G West, Henry & Georgia $500 S Wright, Jeff Wright, Jeff S Zander, Harry S Waltham Clark, Harvey & Dee B

Registration open, host hotel finalized for 2010 U.S. Mixed Doubles Online registration for the 2010 U.S. Mixed Doubles is now live on the USCA website via the Compete-At links through www.usacurl.org. The sign-up deadline is Oct. 29. The host hotel for the event will be: Holiday Inn Express 14115 Aurora Ave. N Seattle, WA 98133

877-410-6667 Phone (206) 365-7777 Fax (206) 365-8888 Rooms are available Dec. 2-5 for $95 a day plus tax. Room choices are two queen standard or a king leisure suite. The reservation deadline is Nov. 18 for this rate. When calling, mention Granite Curling Club.

From curling to geocaching by Ryan Spielman No Ice? No Problem for the inaugural CacheSpiel! No. The title is not a typo. It really says “cache” vs. “cash.” This ‘spiel didn’t involve curling stones, brooms or even ice. Instead it involved families of treasure hunting curlers with GPS’s taking eight hours to make the 30 minute drive from Watertown to Fort Atkinson in central Wisconsin. Instead of a curling competition, this was a GeoCaching competition. For those of you not familiar with GeoCaching it is a sport where you search for hidden treasures, or caches, by using a GPS and the lati-

tude and longitude coordinates of the cache. You can get more information about the sport at www.GeoCaching.com. This particular competition started out in Watertown, Wis., where members of three curling clubs – Monroe, Janesville and Wauwatosa – all met in a local park at the coordinates for our first cache of the day. Once everyone arrived we all piled into our own team vehicles and headed off to find other caches. This took teams into at least eight different towns where they found a combined total of more than 50 different caches. At the end of the day all the teams met up for a group dinner in Fort

Atkinson where the scores were tallied. Once all was said and done the team of “The Bonspielmans” & “JettPickett” were awarded the beautifully crafted traveling trophy made by participant James Krutilla. This event made for a great time for all those involved and gave us the excuse we all needed to get together in the off season. It also provided some very quality family time as well. Of the 18 participants seven were between the ages of 4 and 15. This event will take place again next summer, and we hope to include even more of our curling family in the hunt. For more information, please contact me at Bonsplr@sbcglobal.net.

Klinefelter, Kyle B Olson, Kent B Olson, Maurice B Puckett, Rachel B Raley, Rachel B Scharlau, Bev & Don B Schomas, Mary Lou B Vaughn, Dean & Ann B Vaughn, Robb B Vaughn, Will B Wilson, Alan B Wilson, Jane & Dave B Whitake, Sidney B Walsh, Tim B Yednock, Lance B Yednock, Twila B MINNESOTA Curl Mesabi Bonner, Jennifer B Newman, Jim B Pearsall, John B Weappa, Cheryl B Duluth Statzell, Donna BB Heather-Mapleton Solie, Tim & Lee S St. Paul Abraham, Dennis S Anderson, Harold S Bernet, Vincent B Dexter, Jim B Essling, Ann B B Eustice, John Farbelow, Mike B Gibbs, Dale B Lutgens, Thomas G Markley, Hugh B B Miller, John Nunber, Aaron S O’Neil, Mike B B Ruohonen, Arthur Ruohonen, Rich B Serier, John B Severson, Cindy B B Smith, Marjorie B Solin, Tim Willmert, Mark B Olson, Ken B Beadle, Kent B MOUNTAIN-PACIFIC Coyotes Desbien, Dwain B Gallagher, Greg S Huntress, Carroll B McGrady, Hal B

The Chris Moore Legacy Fund was established earlier this spring after the former USCA president pass away. Donations received include: McInnes, Robert $100 Jarrett, MM & JV $100 $100 Dobbins, Mark & Pamela $25 Beckwith, John & Joanne Kuczmarski, Patricia $25 Tellich, John $25 Carlson, Bonnie $20 $50 Peet, John & Deborah Montgomery, Robert & Delores $100 Hurley, James & Deanne $20 Farner, Gordon & Jeanne $50 $100 Garber, David Hipp, George & Joanne $25 $25 Savett, Enid Novak, Joseph & Elizabeth $135 Gherlein, Claudia & John $100 $50 Brown, Larry & Ann Meyer, Ann $50 Melzer, Carl & Barbara $25 Fruge, Don & Mary Ann $25 Federal Reserve Bank Audit Dept. $60 $250 Silver, Sean & Ann Wixed, John & Carol $200 $50 Greiner, Mary Ann & Richard Hanscom, Richard & Francis $25 Listerman, Bruce $50 $30 Groth, John Hill, Murray & Gerry $35 Hackett, Phyllis $50 $50 Schmidt, Courtney & Daniel Knabel, Marla & Wayne $600 Ohio Division of Financial Instit. $100 Fulton, David $100 Stevenson, Edward & Carol $25 Zolidis, Michael & Nancy $50 Farr, Janet $100 Cooke, Thomas $25 White, Robert & Mary Evelyn $50 Conference of First Vice Pres. $1500 $107 Adams, Kelly Bellamy, Bob $100 Bernosky, Cindy $190 Botros, Karim & Allison $26 Busch, Wendy & Ronald $60 Chaney, James & Jean $15 $170 Collins, Scott

Naso, Carol B Nelson, Carl S Shaw, Theresa B Tait, Karen B Zimmerman, Shari B Wine Country Tabuchi, Patrick B Feist, Wendy B Wagner, Fran B Kuhl, Bob B Markowski, David B Hartman, Alice B NORTH DAKOTA Capital Cleary, Bill B Daley, Mike B Hendrickson, Robbin B Hiemenz, Greg B Owen, Wally B Picard, Chuck B Reiser, Cullen B Reiser, Jeff B Sambor, Ken B Schmidt, Dwayne B WASHINGTON Granite Sorenson, Charles & Linda B Radmer, Lisa & Jay B Seiser, Mark & Karen B Haff, Thomas & Melody B Smith, Charles B Wood, Jim B B Miller, Barb WISCONSIN Anonymous T Kettle Moraine Flemming, Robert B T Maier, Judy Sharkus, Craig B Stevenson, Edward & Carol S Madison Swandby, Mark & Toni $300 Poynette Boutwell, Phillip B B Boutwell, Shelly G Carlson, David Carlson, Jan G Havlik, Paul S Roe, Dick B Stevens Point B Garber, David

$25 Corso, Jennifer Doershuk, Carol & marian $100 Fox, Angela $160 Goldsmith, Chris & Barbara $19 Kosmin, Mindy $100 Lavertu, Pierre & Christiane $950 Lindsay, Daniel & Courtney $197 $30 Lowry, Ashley Maisonville, Daniel & Mary $295 Maurer, Laurel $105 Meredith, Roger $275 $34 Mitchell, Gerald Nantell, Thomas & Marcia Hurt $77 Paris, Peter $90 Poe, Robert & Mary $50 $62 Sah, Byron & Jill Schmidt, Courtney & Daniel $372 $70 Schreiber, Donna Tortorelli, Gerald & Susan $290 Tschudy,James&JeanVanVilet-Tschudy$150 $40 Vespoli, Wayne & Lynda Ferone, Allessandro & Jennifer $20 Lewis, Elizabeth $60 Loveland, Lisa & Gordon $20 $100 Bammel, Brian $25 Vanic, Gary Rosenfeld, Susie $20 $20 Hicks, Mark Chisholm, Henry $100 Zimmerman, John & Pat $20 $20 Cooke, Leslie Hogg, Richard & Francine $100 Robinson, David & Sandra $50 $25 Moore, Marty Bernauer, John & Patricia $250 Read family $100 Wojdon, Dianne $10 Mayfield Sand Ridge $100 McMahon, Margaret $25 Oliver, Leslie & Carl $100 Turner, Thomas & Lisa $100 Blackwell, W.E. $500 $50 Maier, Charles & Judith $100 Redmond, Homer Everett Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland $355 Smith, Donald & Beverly $200 Stannard, Jennifer $100 Findlay, Elizabeth $300 Dickinson, Denny & Cathy $50 $500 Elgin Place Mall, Bill Hall

FALL 2009

Celebrating 50 y ears – 19 58 -20 08