March U.S. Curling News by USA Curling

March 2010

Volume 65, Number 4

Introducing...

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1958-2008

Complete 2010 Olympic Winter Games coverage, Pages 6-7

Celebrating 50 Years of Good Curling

Pottinger eyes gold; Olympics Pgs. 6-7

INSIDE: BIG THANKS: Volunteers key during Olympics. Page 3. TOURNEY TIME: National College Tournament on tap. Page 3 SCHENECTADY STRIDE: USWCA National Bonspiel results. Page 4. CANADA BOUND: Teams selected for U-18 competition. Page 5. CLUB SUPREME: Illinois, Minnesota win club nationals. Page 7. SWEPT UP: Chicago set to host 2010 Mixed. Page 8.

CRAZY FOR CURLING Sport of curling earns gold medal

Eager newcomers line up all around Seattle’s Granite Curling Club to try curling. The club, like many others across the U.S., had a record number of people show up to open houses while the 2010 Olympic Winter Games were going on. The Granite club had a total of 1,200 people attend open houses held on two weekends with a maximum of 450 people on one Saturday. See inside for OLYMPIC COVERAGE. Photo by Mitchell Hymowitz, Granite Curling Club

DEPARTMENTS Bonspiel Results – P10-11 College Curling – P3 Comics–P8 Curler’s Calendar–P11 Letters–P5 Member Services–P3 Rocket Exhaust–P9 Tales from Sheet 9–P2 USWCA – P4-5

San Fran curler wins dream trip to Vancouver by Terry Kolesar, Editor

an Francisco Bay Area Curling Club member Loreen Makishima-Wolf (Hayward, Calif.) is the official winner of USA Curling’s Honorary Team Skip donation contest. A total of 640 total entries, from 512 donors, were received over the five days of the contest. Makishima-Wolf and her husband Bryan Wolf packed up and headed to Vancouver Feb. 20-24 to watch the sport that Makishima-Wolf fell in love with just four years ago. When the phone rang on a few weeks back telling her she’d won was like a dream. “I got a call on my cell but did not recognize the number. I then did a phone number search

T H E

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S P O R T

Loreen Makishima-Wolf and husband Bryan Wolf took in the Olympic action in Vancouver after winning the USCA’s contest.

online and the result was that the number originated from Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Who do I know from there? It is Monday... USCA is located in that city....raffle...hmmm,” she said. Trying to stay calm she checked her voicemail and heard Rick Patzke, chief operating officer of USA

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Curling, telling her she was the winner of the trip. “I heard the terrific, awesome, unbelievable news that I had won the curling raffle. My entry was picked out of the 500 received...wow,” she said. After checking to see if this really wasn’t a dream, she checked her email and Continued on Page 2

F I T N E S S

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Paralympic Games begin March 13 In less than two weeks the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games get underway in Vancouver, British Columbia. Fresh off of hosting the recent Winter Olympics, the Vancouver Olympic Center will be the home of wheelchair curling competition. Ten teams will compete for gold for just the second time as a Paralympic medal sport. Team USA members include Augusto Perez (East Syracuse, N.Y.), James Pierce (North Syracuse, N.Y.), James Joseph (New Hartford, N.Y.), Jackie Kapinowski (Point Pleasant, N.J.), Patrick McDonald (Orangevale, Calif.), Head Coach Steve Brown (Madison, Wis.), Assistant Coach Rusty Schieber (Portage, Wis.) and Team Leader Marc DePerno (Utica, N.Y.). Here is a look at the competition schedule: 2010 Paralympic Winter Games Draw schedule, March 12-21, Vancouver, B.C. All times local Pacific Time (PT) Saturday, March 13 11 a.m. Opening Ceremony 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 3:30 p.m., bronze-medal game, goldmedal gamebronze.

F I N E S S E

MARCH 2010

Everyone worked hard toward shared goals

VOLUME 65, No. 4

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

MARCH 2010

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: April 23, 2010 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 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] Janet Farr (USWCA) [2012] Kathleen Harlow [2010] Chrissy Haase (AAC) [2010] Peggy Hatch** [2011] Cyndee Johnson [2011] Nicole Joraanstad (AAC) [2010] Kellie Krake [2012] Jerome Larson [2012]

Jan Legacie [2010] Richard Maskel (AAC) [2010] Gordon Maclean [2013] Tom O’Connor (AAC) [2010] Bob Pelletier [2012] James Pleasants [2010] Leland Rich [2011] Sean Silver [2012] Chris Sjue [2010] Tim Solie [2010] Mark Swandby [2011] Beau Welling* [2010] Georgia West [2010] Sam Williams [2011] * Board-elected ** Voice, no vote

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

ure, U.S. curlers would have rather seen better Olympic curling results, none more so than the athletes themselves, their coaches and others directly involved in helping the teams. But I believe that the U.S. curling athletes and support staff worked very, very hard and tried their best to succeed. Let’s look at the bright side: Our curling athletes represented themselves, the USCA and the USA honorably during a stressful period. Curling internationally was once again a big winner at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The TV popularity, attractive curling athletes, the noisy, jammed arena, even the Norwegian men’s Argyle slacks, boosted public awareness of curling, and in a positive way, around the world. Our athletes, coaches, volunteers and staff are able, dedicated people who I am confident will, given time for reflection and planning, succeed in increasing USA’s chances to meet international competition goals. This is a big job because the standard of skill in curling is not only rising steadily, but more nations are becoming seriously competitive. When the USA won its first world championship in 1965, there were only six nations vying for the men’s title: USA, Canada, Scotland, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland. Today, 45

Continued From Page 1 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 CURATOR: James M. Miller Jr. 2011 Glendale Ave. Northbrook, IL 60062 847-272-7224

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

found more details about the contest. “It was hard to believe that I had won. I then called my husband, Bryan, since it was his email about the raffle that reminded me to enter the contest. He got the info from a Tweet. We are so ecstatic about going to Vancouver for the Olympic experience and to watch some great curling from the world's best teams.” Makishima-Wolf's journey to Vancouver began four years ago after waking at 5 a.m. and turning on the USA network and discovering curling during the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy. She had heard of the sport but never knew too much about it. Enthralled after watching the action unfold on TV, she enrolled in a summer instructional league with a co-worker in Fremont, Calif., and became a member of the

Tales From Sheet Nine

David Garber, djgarber@charter.net

nations compete in men’s, women’s, university, juniors, mixed doubles and wheelchair. Once again, clubs around the USA are reaping the benefits of curling’s presence in the Olympic Games with big crowds at open houses, with some attendees becoming new club members. My own club just increased its signed-up membership by 15% of total membership. At least one club charged a fee to get that first curling lesson, which helped control the numbers and actually paid all expenses for the open house. It will be interesting to follow the inevitable debate about Olympic team selection procedures going forward. Here are some questions likely to be debated: Will the USCA continue with self-formed teams San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club. Her journey hit a roadblock in the summer of 2007 when she had breast cancer surgery. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, she kept curling during the radiation treatments. “My husband, family, curling, and bowling helped me keep my spirits up,” she said. The journey now continues in just 11 days for Makishima-Wolf as she’ll get to see her new favorite sport in person on the world’s greatest stage. “Still seems unbelievable! As the saying goes, ‘someone pinch me to see if I am dreaming,’” she said. Kay Sugahara, a longtime promoter and supporter of the sport worldwide, was the catalyst that made this fundraiser successful, guaranteeing at least $20,000 would be raised. He has committed to donating the difference between what was collected and the

playing down to one winner? Will the Olympic team be selected by a head coach ala Herb Brooks and the 1980 USA hockey team? How will the role of U.S. curling coaches evolve? Will a USCA-selected and funded team be created, but be required to play down against the selfformed teams? (I like this option, a hybrid that allows for trying radically new approaches while retaining the concept of winning on the ice.) If a self-formed team wins the Olympic Trials, how much new outside control should be enforced? Can curlers avoid trying to fix what ain’t broke, but polish what needs polishing? Lastly, a suggestion for consideration: The USCA should stop peer-seeding national round robin play in competition leading to worlds. Seeding makes it easier for the top-seeded teams in the first half of a round robin, but in my opinion, seeding ill-serves the winning team because they get no such advantage at international level and may thus somewhat less prepared to be in top form mentally for the entire round robin. Also, it goes against long-time USCA policy, supported by the athletes, to make the nationals/Trials competition as much like the worlds/Olympics as possible (e.g., round robin plus WCF playoff format, “244” ice, arena venues). $20,000 goal. USA Curling partnered with Mercury Communications to get the contest online with the help of server support from longtime USA Curling sponsor bitRail, which is based out of Chicago.

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MARCH 2010

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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

Volunteers keep national office going during Olympics by Bev Schroeder, Director of Member Services

he Olympic Spirit was quite evident will all of the volunteers that helped out at the curling office during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. On Feb. 16, Mayor Andrew Halvorson from Stevens Point (home of the USA Curling office)

declared it “Curling Day in Stevens Point” so we held a Mayor’s Proclamation Open House Day to coinide with the first rock being thrown in Vancouver as Team USA took the ice. The event was a huge success with people visiting from the morning until the early evening hours and getting a chance to watch

Playdown slated to choose team for 2011 Deaflympics A qualifying tournament to determine Team USA for the 2011 Deaflympics will take place April 16-18, 2010, in St. Paul, Minn. The team trials will be in round robin format. The top two teams in each division (men’s and women’s) will advance to their respective finals. If there are only two teams entered, then the U.S. Team will be determined by

the team that wins three out of five matches. Teams must enter the national deaf playdowns by filling out the team entry form and sending it to USA Deaf Sports Federation, PO Box 910338. Lexington, KY 40591-0338 by March 19, 2010. For more information and team entry forms, visit www.usdeafcurling.org.

Eight-Enders Norfolk The Coke Wilson team laid an eight-ender on Jan. 24, 2010, during league play at the Norfolk Curling Club in Norfolk, Conn. Members of the team included Coke Wilson, Deborah Lane-Olson, Terry Olson and Karen Linden. Eau Claire An eight-ender was scored on Nov. 12, 2008, during Wednesday night league at the Eau Claire

Curling Club. Team members included Stuart Lorentz, Cal Lokken, BJ Rauckman and Seth Lokken. Midland The eight-ender was scored by the Peter Dam rink in Monday Night Open League on Jan. 4, 2010, at the Midland Curling Club, Midland, Mich. Members of the team were Doug Leng, Peter Dam, Chris Sanchez and Fred Strautman.

Have you moved? Please send address updates to Jean Lindner at the USA Curling office so your Curling News gets to your mailbox on time. jean.lindner@usacurl.org • 888-CURLERS, Ext. 207

the games on the big screen TV, eat some great food and enjoying the company. After that busy day, the work really started. With 100s of email requests daily on how to start a curling club to how can I be on the 2014 Olympic team, the volunteers stepped up assisting the staff with answering email messages and putting together many of our “How to Start a Curling Club” packets. The emails are still coming in and packets are still being mailed. I hope everyone’s club has been just as busy with individuals coming to trying curling. Curlers to non-curlers offered their time to help out. One of our volunteers gave a new meaning to having the “hammer.” He spent the majority of his volun-

The USA Curling office held an open house and kick off party for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Feb. 16. Thank you to all the volunteers who’ve helped out during this very busy time at the national office. Photos by Ty Helbach Photography

teer time building us shelving and much needed storage units in our warehouse. If he wasn’t building, he and his wife were organizing and stocking the shelves to make our warehouse look more organized then we ever have had it. Others traveled miles and several hours to come and help out to say they were involved with the Olympic

movement and the growth of curling. Being a volunteer is something we all do during our lifetime. It was quite obvious that we have many “great” volunteers in our sport. It was greatly appreciated that so many took time from their busy schedules to help us here at the office. We can’t thank you enough!

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

College curling on the rise by Rich Larko, College Curling Coordinator s the current season comes to an end and the Olympics and World Championships are behind us, we happily announce increasing interest and participation in college curling events. The program offers competition for experienced young curlers and helps introduce many non-curlers to the sport under ideal circumstances. Mid-Season event at Bowling Green Curling Club in Bowling Green, Ohio On Jan.29-31, 16 teams from nine schools in seven states competed in their ninth annual college tournament: Hamilton college Lake Superior Colege Northwestern University Ohio State University University of Pennsylvania University of Toledo University of Tennessee Lourdes College Bowling Green State University University of Michigan (fill in)

Teams ranged from four to 31 years of experience. The successful event was coordinated by alumni and curlers from the home club. Look for the results in the next issue of Curling News. Wisconsin Invitational at Kettle Moraine Several weeks ago eight teams from nearby schools competed in a very competitive invitational bonspiel at the Kettle Morraine curling club in southern Wisconsin with one of the teams from the very competitive Northwestern University Curling Club emerging as winner of the event. 19th annual National College Tournament in Chicago The season-ending National College Tournament hosted by Chicago and North Shore curling clubs in the suburbs of Chicago will take place March 12-14. As this is being written we are still sorting out the teams and schools that will be participating. As usual, a full complement of 32 teams from all over the country will compete. Since the tournament is in suburban Chicago, a lot of relatives will be in attendance

(along with some serious dining and shopping). We will write more about the event in the next issue. Note: Even in these difficult financial times, college curling continues to thrive and grow. As usual, we thank the many curling clubs and individuals who continue to support the program and work with young curlers all over America, and we also thank our main benefactor, the Chicago Community Trust for financial support.

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MARCH 2010

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Schenectady plays host to National Bonspiel by Charlie McCullough, Schenectady Curling Club

The Schenectady Curling Club (SCC) of New York hosted the 62nd annual US Women’s Curling Association National Bonspiel Feb.10-14. Charlene Fitzgerald chaired this event which attracted curlers from 24 US clubs who competed on 32 teams. There were rinks from the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, Washington, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. This is the fourth time Schenectady has held this national bonspiel. The previous years were 1959, 1966, and 1990. Schenectady curlers celebrated their centennial club year in 2007. The theme of the bonspiel was “The Magic of Curling”. Rinks included the Broomstones defending champions and Lori Mountford of the Madison

2 rink who curled in the 1998 Olympics where she was lead for Lisa Schoeneberg. Several rinks had travel plans disrupted and revised, just before the spiel, by two snow storms in the states south of Schenectady. The Potomac team was forced to forfeit their first round game as a result of the heavy snow. Results: Mayfield 1 (Ohio) skipped by Deb Horn with Leslie Cooke, Laurel Maurer, and Courtney Schmidt captured the Wauwatosa A event (12 to 7) defeating the Coyotes of Arizona skipped by Susan Lang with Shari Zimmerman, Theresa Shaw, and Carol Ann Naso (Yuko Kashiwado of SCC subbed for Naso in the final game). Susan Lang, on her final spectacular shot of the fourth end removed two Mayfield 1 rocks from the four foot area to score four, taking the lead. She was then, unfortunately, forced to leave the game to catch a rescheduled flight home. Mayfield 2 (Ohio)

skipped by Dee Montgomery with Tracie Moore, Jil Sah, and Liz Novak won the Indian Hill B event (10-5) defeating Granite(Washington) skipped by Tammy Lehto with Jill Lamberts, Lyz Cover, and Jackie Ainsworth. Cape Cod 2 (Massachusetts) skipped by Martina Heisler with Elizabeth Abeltin, Liza Fox, and Barbara Thomson took the Exmoor C event (9-7) over Nutmeg 2 (Connecticut) skipped by Diane Muldowney, with Elly Bockley, Karen Shane, and Pam Smith. Madison 1 (Wisconsin) skipped by Star Pfiffner with Cindy Godar, Bridget Matzke, and Beth Lepping prevailed (10-6) in the Skokie D event over Milwaukee (Wisconsin) skipped by Linda Goetsch with, Barb Hamm, Karen Ronk and Mary Beth Goelzel. Star Pfiffner was the vice-skip of the first event winning team in 1990, also held at the Schenectady Curling Club.

Women’s curling circuit introduced by USWCA by Charlie McCullough, Schenectady Curling Club

he USWCA announces a new and innovative women’s competitive program: USWCA Women’s Curling Circuit. USWCA members who enroll and pay an annual fee will earn points by competing in designated events in each of the five geographical areas of the USWCA (East, Central, WI, West I, and West II). The events will be club bonspiels identified as circuit events; clubs will pay a fee for each designated event. Women curlers earn circuit points by participating in designated events based on results. Cash prizes are awarded at season’s end. The USWCA will publicize circuit bonspiels and encourage participation, a benefit to the clubs hosting events. Circuit events and curler’s standings will be shown on

the USWCA website (www.uswca.org). “Based on a men’s tour piloted in the GNCC, the USWCA Women’s Circuit was designed to address women curlers looking for more competitive curling and ways to rate, focus, and improve their game. I am thrilled at the contributions and support from the broader community in the design of this program – club level, national and world champion men and women curlers,” said Jennifer Stannard, USWCA president. Circuit clubs must be a member of the USWCA, pay an annual fee into the prize pool, and submit results for each event. The club circuit fee is paid for each event hosted in that club and designated as a circuit event. Club applica-

tions should be made by Aug. 1 through the USWCA website. Individual curlers pay an annual circuit participation fee to the USWCA prize pool, (separate from club dues and bonspiel fees) which qualifies them to enter designated events and earn points. A women’s team may qualify for points when two or more team members have paid the circuit entry fee. Team composition can vary from event to event. Curlers may earn points in any circuit event nationwide. The USWCA is garnering sponsors for this event. Interested? Applications and further details will be available soon on the USWCA website, www.uswca.org.

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.”

A event winner, Wauwatosa Trophy: (l-r) Deb Horn, Leslie Cooke, Laurel Maurer, Courtney Schmidt of Mayfield I (Ohio) with USWCA President Jennifer Stannard presenting the trophy.

B event winner, Indian Hill Trophy: (l-r) Dee Montgomery, Tracie Moore, Jil Sah, Liz Novak of Mayfield 2 (Ohio).

C event winners, Exmoor Highlander Coffee Urn Trophy: (l-r) Martina Heisler, Elizabeth Abeltin, Liza Fox, Barbara Thomson of Cape Cod 2 (Mass.).

D event winners, Skokie Thistles Paul Revere Bowl Trophy: (l-r) Star Pfiffner, Cindy Godar, Beth Lepping, USWCA President Jennifer Stannard and Bridget Matzke (not pictured).

Chicago, Grand Forks proud hosts of past events Addition to USWCA article “USWCA takes great strides in past decade” from February 2010 U.S. Curling News: The USWCA regrets that the Chicago Curling Club and the Grand Forks Curling Club in N.D. were mistakenly not included among the listing of the

hostess clubs for the USWCA Senior Bonspiel. The Chicago Heathers were all delighted and proud to host this prestigious event in November 2008. The Grand Forks curling club hosted the December 2009 Senior Women’s Bonspiel - Kids at Heart on Ice.”

MARCH 2010

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

USWCA takes great strides in past decade

y year as president draws to a close with a bright horizon for U.S. Curling, and I look forward to the coming years of curling expansion in interest, numbers and activities. Curling clubs across the country are deluged at open houses and learn to curl events as a result of interest generated by the Olympics. New arena clubs are springing up in unlikely areas. While Team USA results were not as hoped each athlete represented us well amidst camera spotlights and media focus as they

struggled to address on-ice performance, and Americans and the media flock to learn more about our sport. Competitive curling is a world apart from club leagues, and I am thrilled to announce a related USWCA event that will launch next season. The USWCA Women’s Curling Circuit addresses a need identified by our members for a level of competitive curling that is not elite but, affords the opportunity and motivation (cash is always good!) for women to curl more often and improve their game. Information on

Jennifer Stannard, USWCA President

‘The Circuit’ is included in our adjacent article. The annual meeting was a great success followed by

the 62nd National Bonspiel at the Schenectady Curling Club. Finalist in the First Event was the Coyote Curling Club of Scottsdale, Ariz. New to the USWCA, this was their first time at the USWCA National Bonspiel. It was great to see an arena club in the finals! I attended the Club Championships in Madison, Wis. – excellent curling and spirit reigned supreme with a blend of experienced curlers and, many new to the sport in the past few years. This is the culmination of grassroots curling! We noted that more men

are joining the USWCA as associate members, which I believe is a testament to our grassroots curling efforts for junior curling (over $16,000 in junior supplies sent to member clubs) and new curlers. We welcome their support! Keep an eye on the USWCA as we move forward. Curling is on the bubble as we experience our own March Madness; the USWCA will continue to strive to support the traditions and growth of the sport we all love, and I hope that you and your club will join and support us. Good curling!

Teams selected for U-18 Optimist International The United States will be represented by five teams at the 2010 U18 Optimist International Championship March 31-April 4. Regina, Saskatchewan, will host this year’s events. The USCA accepted applications for consideration up until Jan. 8. Some teams had to play in a playdown to determine the final selected teams. The Optimist event bridges U.S. teams with others from Canada, Japan and Europe and is a good

stepping stone for future international elite-level competitions. Participating U.S. teams include: Women: Team Anderson: Sarah Anderson (Broomall, Penn.), Taylor Anderson (Broomall, Penn.), Meagan Hudson (Radnor, Penn.), Chelsea Martin (Broomall, Penn.), Coach Wayne Anderson (Broomall, Penn.) Team Lindgren: Abi Lindgren, Emily Lindgren, Katie Sigurdson,

Abigail Whalen, Coach Dan Lindgren (all of Grand Forks, N.D.) Men: Team Vukich: Jake Vukich (Seattle), Evan McAuley (Sammamish, Wash.), Blake Sweet (Everett, Wash.), Nick Connolly (Seattle), Coach Jim Stephens (Seattle) Team Spatola: Nick Spatola (McFarland, Wis.), Tom Gabower (Janesville, Wis.), Devon Maier

Southern Blend

Just got my first copy of the “Curling News.” Reading the letters to the editor against Hurry Hard Condoms has USA Curling people appearing like old boring sexless victorian-era frumpy frowners with no sense of humor, reinforcing the stereotype of curlers that holds the sport back from being attractive to the young. Drinking is OK, but sex is not? You are old. Jim Maneri Columbus Curling Club Columbus, OH

USCA Director Beau Welling of South Carolina has been instrumental in starting curling clubs in the south since becoming involved in the sport in 2006. He had a chance to help us out in various capacities while in Vancouver for the Olympic Games, including helping newcomers learn the game. This time that newcomer was Olympic track and field legend Carl Lewis (above). Learn more about Welling’s travels via his blog, www.thesoutherncurler.blogspot.com.

(Green Bay, Wis.), Mike Juszczyk (McFarland, Wis.), Coach Joel Dietz (Madison, Wis.) Team Dropkin: Korey Dropkin (Southborough, Mass.), Ryan McMakin (Potomac, Md.), Thomas Howell (Brick, N.J.), David Wadsworth (Wayland, Mass.) Follow the action and learn more about the U-18 Optimist International and our competing athletes via the event website at www.u18curling.ca/index.htm.

MARCH 2010

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

2010 Olympic Winter Games • Feb. 12-28 • Vancouver, British Coumbia, Canada

USA men, women finish 10th in Vancouver jumped out to an early lead but like a week ago against Japan when the event began, the U.S. couldn’t pleasant endcarry the lead through to ing couldn’t be the end as Mirjam Ott’s found in what playoff-bound team from amounted to a Switzerland handed the very taxing week of curling U.S. ladies a 10-3 defeat. for the American ladies at The loss brought the U.S. the 2010 Olympic Winter record to a close at 2-7 for Games. McCormick, Pottinger “We played well, just not (Eden Prairie, Minn.), good enough,” said threeNicole Joraanstad time Olympian Debbie (Madison, Wis.), Natalie McCormick (Rio, Wis.). Nicholson (Bemidji, Minn.) “We would have the lead, and Tracy Sachtjen (Lodi, then let the team back in. Wis.). The U.S. men also I’m proud of these finished 2-7, last place for girls...we’ve been good both teams in their respecteammates to each other. tive divisions. That’s what the Olympics “I’m disappointed and are all about. We tried to be frustrated,” Pottinger said. on the right side of the “We didn’t do anything ranking. We came to perpoorly in terms of preparaform well, and it didn’t tion; we just got behind the happen.” eight ball early.” Playing in their final The game started out game of the competition rather strong for the U.S. tonight, the U.S. ladies ladies by opening up with a steal of one against the twotime Olympic silver medalist. The Swiss ladies stumbled in the second end as well as the U.S. had two rocks straddled Team USA’s Nicole Joraanstad (above) finished third best at the second position among 10 athletes. across the four-foot. Jeff Isaacson, John Shuster and John Benton in Ott’s action (bottom). Photos by Michael Burns Jr.

Women’s round robin standings: Canada 8-1 Sweden 7-2 China 6-3 Switzerland 6-3 Denmark 4-5 Germany 3-6 Great Britain 3-6 Japan 3-6 Russian Federation 3-6 USA 2-7

by Terry Kolesar, Editor

USA matches: Japan 9, USA 7 Germany 6, USA 5 Denmark 7, USA 6 USA 6, Russian Federation 4 USA 6, Great Britain 5 (extra end) Canada 9, USA 2 Sweden 9, USA 3 China 6, USA 5 Switzerland 10, USA 3

Team USA’s (l-r) Nicole Joraanstad, Debbie McCormick and Natalie Nicholson in action at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Photo by Michael Burns Jr.

stone over-curled and she came up short of the fourfoot, giving up a steal of two. The veteran skip from Switzerland got her team back on track with a double takeout for two in the third end and things began to unravel for the Americans. After the Swiss stole a single in the fourth, the U.S. was in trouble again when Pottinger, who was throwing last rocks for the fourth straight game, got into the hack to throw the last rock of the fifth end. Looking at three Swiss rocks, Pottinger’s stone barely made it into the rings, resulting in a steal of three for the Swiss ladies. The woes continued into the sixth end as the Swiss grabbed another point when Ott made a draw to the

four-foot. Pottinger attempted a takeout through a port but missed, giving up a steal of one. Backed into a corner, the Americans gave up another steal in the seventh as Pottinger stared down four Swiss rocks, giving the Swiss three points to prompt the handshake. Sweden’s Anette Norberg rink would go on to defeat China in the semifinals, 94, with Canada getting past Switzerland, 6-5. Sweden won back-to-back Olympic gold medals when Norberg’s team defeated Cheryl Bernard’s Canadian ladies in an extra end thriller, 7-6. China won the bronze with a 12-6 win over Switzerland. It was the first appearance and medal for China at the Olympic Games in curling.

American men post 2-7 record by Terry Kolesar, Editor

ohn Shuster’s finish to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games ended Feb. 22 much like it began six days earlier - littered with frustration for the 2006 Olympic bronze medalist in search of more hardware. With no playoff implications in sight, Shuster and the American men and the Chinese team skipped by Rui Liu kept lots of rocks in play in the high-scoring match that ended emphatically for the Chinese in the 11-5 win. “We certainly wanted to win, because there were a lot of people pulling for us and also for pride for ourselves,” Jeff Isaacson said. “It’s extremely disappointing. We worked hard.” Playing with the lineup they’ll use at the 2010 USA Curling

National Championships, which get underway March 5 in Kalamazoo, Mich., the team of Shuster (Duluth, Minn.), Isaacson (Gilbert, Minn.), Chris Plys (Duluth, Minn.) and John Benton (St. Michael, Minn.) fell behind fast and never recovered in the team’s most lopsided loss of the week as the team shot 69 percent overall. “It’s disappointing to come out and not achieve our goals,” said Coach Phill Drobnick (Duluth, Minn.). “It’s sport, so things don’t always go your way. It was still an honor to be here and represent our country. All of the support from back home has been tremendous. There was a large group of people back home who have been supporting us no matter what.” After spotting the Chinese with three points to begin the match, Continued on Page 7

Semifinals: China *Sweden

000 101 101 x 111 030 030 x

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*Canada Switzerland

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Bronze medal: *China 302 010 24x x Switzerland 010 302 00x x

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Gold medal: *Canada 010 101 201 00 6 Sweden 002 020 000 21 7 *last rock in first end Positional rankings among 10 competing teams: Skip, Debbie McCormick, 5th, 73% Vice skip, Allison Pottinger, 8th, 72% Second, Nicole Joraanstad, 3rd, 78% Lead, Natalie Nicholson, 2nd, 83% Alternate, Tracy Sachtjen, did not play Team, 3rd, 77%

Men’s round robin standings: Canada 9-0 Norway 7-2 Switzerland 6-3 Sweden 5-4 Great Britain 5-4 Germany 4-5 France 3-6 China 2-7 Denmark 2-7 USA 2-7 USA matches: Germany 7, USA 5 Norway 6, USA 5 (extra end) Switzerland 7, USA 6 (extra end) Denmark 7, USA 6 (extra end) USA 4, France 3 USA 8, Sweden 7 (extra end) Great Britain 4, USA 2 Canada 7, USA 2 China 11, USA 5 Tiebreaker: *Sweden Great Britain

202 100 010 01 7 020 011 100 10 6

Semifinals: Sweden *Canada

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Switzerland *Norway

000 102 010 1 011 020 102 0

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Bronze medal: Sweden 010 020 100 0 *Switzerland 100 101 000 2

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Gold medal: *Canada 010 110 201 x Norway 000 002 010 x *last rock in first end Positional rankings among 10 competing teams: Skip, John Shuster, 10th, 70% Vice skip, Jason Smith, 6th, 77% Second, Jeff Isaacson, 8th, 76% Lead, John Benton, 8th, 80% Alternate, Chris Plys, 75% (3 games, different positions) Team, 8th, 76%

6 3

MARCH 2010

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Illinois, Minnesota win 2010 Club Nationals by David Garber, Contributing Editor

n a game marked by missed opportunities by both teams, Minnesota’s Todd Birr rink edged Washington’s Philip Tilker 7-5 to win the 2010 Club National Championship men’s title Feb. 28 at the Madison Curling Club in McFarland, Wis. “Both teams struggled a little, but we were able to control the scoreboard,” Birr said. “They did miss several chances to pull the trigger on us and tighten up the game.” Birr and teammates Randy Cumming (Lake Crystal, Minn.), Kevin Vetter (St. Peter, Minn.) and Shawn Runing (North Mankato, Minn.) got out to a big lead early, scoring in the game’s first three ends to jump ahead 4-0. “The shot I want back the most is the triple attempt for three in the second, which got us in the hole in the first place!” Tilker said. Tilker (Seattle) and his Granite Curling Club teammates Darren Lehto (Snohomish), Liam Barksdale (Seattle), and William Rugen (Seattle) battled back but ran out of rocks in the 10th trying to steal the win. “Our first season as a team, we’ve come a long way from getting whipped often early this fall,” Tilker said. In the bronze medal game, Jeff Wright and his Illinois team seemed to have several rocks buried in the four foot and guarded in most ends and it paid off as they defeated Wisconsin’s Kroy Nernberger, 9-4, in the bronze-medal game. “We played aggressively all week long. We had lost

Continued from Page 6 Shuster made a double takeout that paved the path for a deuce. China came up short trying to draw in for two points in the third end, settling for one and a 4-2 lead. “After the first end, when we gave up three, we had to be more aggressive. It was one of those harmless looking ends,” Isaacson said. Lots of rocks were in play in the fourth end with a Chinese rock in scoring position all through the end. Shuster flashed his final stone to end the fourth end, giving the Chinese another point. After the U.S. picked up a single in the fifth, China

Tracy Lawless led her Exmoor Curling Club team to the 2010 Club Nationals title. Team members include (l-r) Laurie Hektor, Leslie Armstrong, Marcy Calaway and Lawless.

Men’s round robin standings: Minnesota (Birr) 8-1 Illinois (Wright) 8-1 Wisconsin (Nernberger) 7-2 Washington (Tilker) 5-4 North Dakota I (Thompson) 5-4 New York (Brown) 4-5 Michigan (Roberts) 4-5 North Dakota II (Pengilly) 3-6 Utah (Taggart) 1-8 Colorado (Reynolds) 0-9 Tiebreaker: Washington 210 23x xxx x *North Dakota I 001 00x xxx x

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Semifinals: *Illinois Washington

101 101 010 1 010 020 402 0

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*Minnesota Wisconsin

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Bronze medal: *Illinois 301 022 01x x Wisconsin 020 100 01x x

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Gold medal: Washington 000 201 002 0 *Minnesota 121 010 110 1 *last rock in first end

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to Kroy (Wisconsin skip) early in the week. We like to have lots of rocks in play,” Wright said. Wright (Libertyville, Ill.) and his Exmoor Curling Club members Russ Armstrong (Highwood), Steve Waters (Evanston), Russ Brown (Lake Forest) and Stephen wrecked on a guard and gave up a steal of one to the Americans as they closed the gap at 5-4. Isaacson drew into the four foot past the guard in the seventh end to put two U.S. rocks around the button but it set up the double takeout for Xiaoming Xu. He’d only remove one but was poised to score a big end as Li eventually drew in for three. The Americans had a chance for two in the eighth end but Shuster elected to throw a runback instead of drawing for two and once again settled for a single. After the Chinese scored three point once again, the Americans conceded the match to end their week at the 2010 Olympic Games.

Wright (Chicago) scored early and often in defeating Nernberger (Fitchburg, Wis.) and teammates Jake Will (Madison, Wis.), Patrick Roe (Madison, Wis.), and Tom Gabower (Janesville, Wis.). Illinois took a 4-2 lead after three ends and then stole two later ends to earn the win. Tracy Lawless and her Illinois rink stole four straight deuces and a single in the eighth end to break open a tight game and close the door on Beth Bohlman’s North Dakota team to win the women’s Club National Championship Feb. 28 at the Madison Curling Club. This is the first club national title for Lawless and teammates Marcy Calaway (Lake Forest, Ill.), Leslie Armstrong (Lake Bluff, Ill.) and Laurie Hektor (Lake Bluff, Ill.) in the sixth year of the event. “We came with our ‘A’ game today,” Callaway said. “We tried to give them tougher shots by playing aggressively. Overall this week, we came back very well from a tough two-loss

Todd Birr led his Mankato Curling Club team to the 2010 Club Nationals men’s title. Team members include (l-r) Shawn Runing, Kevin Vetter, Randy Cumming and Birr.

day Monday, worked on our releases in practice, then came back strong.” The Illinois women's team has close ties to another team that won a club national title previously. Armstrong’s spouse, Russ, played for Illinois’ men’s semifinalist team this year, and skipped the Illinois men to the inaugural Club National title in 2005. On that 2005 team, Calaway’s father, Mike Griem, played vice skip. “Illinois played a beautiful game and deserved to win,” Bohlman said. Teaming up with Bohlman were Grand Forks Curling Club teammates Susan Stern, Amy Bushaw, Nancy Rentfrow and Dawn Zimney (all of Grand Forks, N.D.). In the women’s bronze medal match, Wisconsin's Laura Roessler rink defeated Shelley Kinney and her Minnesota team, 6-5. Roessler drew the button to cap the extra-end thriller. In the extra end, Minnesota made several excellent draws around guards, but Wisconsin third Sara Hein

Women’s round robin standings: Illinois (Lawless) 6-3 North Dakota (Bohlman) 6-3 Minnesota II (Kinney) 6-3 Wisconsin (Roessler) 6-3 Pennsylvania (Slata) 5-4 Washingon (Vukich) 5-4 Minnesota I (Wapola) 5-4 New York (Gestring) 2-7 California (Messier) 2-7 Colorado (Mizuno) 2-7 Semifinals: Minnesota II 030 100 001 0 *North Dakota 102 001 110 3

5 9

*Illinois Wisconsin

10 5

110 242 000 x 001 000 121 x

Bronze medal: Wisconsin 010 010 201 01 6 *Minnesota II 101 001 010 10 5 Gold medal: North Dakota 011 000 00x x *Illinois 100 122 22x x *last rock in first end

2 10

countered with a terrific triple-peel to ensure Roessler would have access to the four foot with her last shot. Joining Roessler (Trempealeau, Wis.) and Hein (Galesville, Wis.) from the Centerville Curling Club are teammates Lynita Delaney (Trempealeau), Nora Kraemer (Winona, Minn.) and Elyse Sorenson (La Crosse).

9 songs, including: The Skip Is Always Right Burnt Rock Blues Psycho Curler !"#$ %& Jason Smith focuses while throwing last rock for the American men. (Photo by Michael Burns Jr.)

'(!$)# *+ ,-

MARCH 2010

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Have Olympic dreams? Get committed now

he purpose of this article is to share a perspective on the commitment that curlers give to their sport and to the goals that lead them. The curling commitment continuum is a tool that you can use to determine at what level of sport commitment you are at. The level of commitment implies what the goals of participation are. Many curlers might seem themselves acting across the whole continuum but that would have to be questioned when attention is put on mastering skills and matching opponents. ‘Playing to compete’ means preparing, training and performing to match the best opponents. The time and type commitment shown is the typical for sport and often determines the goals an individual has. Deciding what we are committed to in life as in curling is a tough task at the best of times. In my work in curling or in other sports like boxing I find that commitment is the

Recreational: Play for fun About 1 time per week Little time commitment Life goes on beyond sport Friendship orientated Low $ lost Low social cost Learn rules and play “Window shop performance”

By John Coumbe-Lilley, USA Curling sports psychology consultant

foundation of achievement. But commitment without purpose and direction often leads to short term success but not long term performance and consistency. Talent alone will often win occasionally but commitment, persistence and talent tends to perform better and more consistently. Identifying what people are committed to and motivated for is very important to determining whether you want to play, coach or work with them. When we ask “What is someone committed to?” we might also ask “What is

someone motivated for?” These questions mean that we will be examining the behavior and goals of an individual. When you decide on team mates do you make the decision based on their commitment and their goals or do you focus on how well you get along? Think about that question as you look at the commitment continuum below and then consider your own commitment and goals and how they fit with your team mates. The recreational athlete plays for enjoyment, fellowship and friendship. The results of games are not important to them and their focus is on playing without the need to improve. They want to have benefits of

Development: Play to improve About 3 times per week Moderate time commitment Life accommodates sport Coach directed Moderate $ cost Moderate social cost Learn skills and play “Consider the price of success”

playing without the pressure to improve performance. The Development athlete plans their life to accommodate their sport; they take a little bit of coaching, and like to improve but not at the cost of the benefits of the recreational athlete. The Competitive athlete is fully engaged in curling and their commitment and goals are focused on excelling in the sport, personal improvement, and doing what it takes to reach the summit of their personal capabilities. Imagine being a curler that behaves competitively but you are surrounded by team mates that have talent but essentially are committed to the game at a recre-

Competitive: Play to compete 4-6 times per week Heavy time commitment Sport is life Team/coach facilitated Hist $ cost High social cost Master skills and match opposition “Pay the cost of performance”

ational level. Alternatively, think about the person that just wants to play games, does not have goals to improve and believes that on any given day any team can come out on top. In both cases commitment and personal goals conflict and inevitably this means that team mates have to talk to each other and understand the commitment and goals of their team mates. The next time you set personal or team goals use the curling commitment continuum to assess where your commitment is located. Once you identify your commitment and where it overlaps then you can get to work setting goals that everyone can put their energy into achieving.

2010 Mixed Championship sweeps into Chicago by Nancy Coolley, Chicago Curling Club

f you are hooked on curling, and disappointed the Olympics are over...you are in luck. National curling championships continue in Northbrook, Ill., after the Olympics have finished in Vancouver. Yes, the Chicago area is hosting the 2010 USA Curling Mixed National Curling Championship, March 2027 and it is open to curling enthusiasts to watch up close. The competition will include 10 teams, 40 competitors in total - one regional mixed team from each curling region in the United States. Curling has caught the eye of America during this Olympic season, and we are hoping the interest contin-

ues. Curlers know this is a game of strategy and finesse. “Many people want to compare it to shuffleboard, but it more closely resembles three sports,” said Joni Cotten, Mount Prospect, Ill., a member of the 2003 U.S. World Championship team and an alternate who competed in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. “It’s like golf in that the greens and the ice have varying speeds, billiards because of the angles of round objects hitting round objects, and chess because

you’re always trying to position your stones to make your opponents shots more difficult and keep them from scoring.” Looks of the game are deceiving. There is much skill and experience needed to be a winning team. That said, many people in the country enjoy this sport because it combines the engagement and exercise of a sport with a social element. Curling started in the Chicago area in the 1800s on Chicago’s north shore when it was reported that a curling club was playing its games on outdoor ice in Chicago’s Jackson Park. While it was suitable to curl outdoors in good weather and with good ice, it was not so desirable in subzero weather, especially with strong winds or falling snow, or even worse, warm weather.

The Chicago Curling Club was founded in 1948 in Northbrook, Ill., and the first Invitational Men’s Bonspiel for 32 teams was held Feb. 3-5, 1950. A woman’s curling organization was also established about the same time. The current building was constructed in 1969 with a room for the American Curling History Museum. Today there are leagues for young and old, men, women, mixed teams, senior men, students from high schools and a recently organized wheelchair league. Curling is clearly a sport everyone can enjoy. The Mixed National Championship is open to the public and everyone is

welcome to come and enjoy this fine sport. Games will be played from March 20 to 26, and finals played on March 27 at 1 pm. Check the website for daily game times. There will be a small admission fee. If you have questions or need additional information, visit our website at www.chicagocurlingclub.or g or contact our Event Chair, Joby Berman, at jobyberman@comcast.net. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago at the end of March. Everyone is welcome. The address is: Chicago Curling Club, 555 Dundee, Northbrook, IL 60062; 847-564-9877. Good curling!

The Funny Side

http://www.travelguard.com/unlucky?LEC-usacurl1

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

MARCH 2010

Rocks and chords

TOP 10 MORE “DEEP CURLING THOUGHTS” BY JACK HANDEY’S FORMER VICE SKIP 10] I bet a neat “Twilight Zone” episode would have been about some really tall aliens who land on earth and offer to teach us advanced curling techniques. They would give us this lengthy instruction book written in their language, but the only thing we could decode from it would be one of the chapter titles— “Takeout Deliveries.” Then, at the very end of the show, a terrified Lloyd Bochner would come running out onto the ice screaming, “It’s a cookbook!” 9] Curling is a lot like Monopoly, except there’s no Park Place, no Marvin Gardens, no B&O Railroad, and if you go past the tee line, you don’t collect $200. Come to think of it, curling isn’t like Monopoly at all. 8] Maybe curlers should wear “eye black” under their eyes just like all the other professional athletes. Then when someone blows a sweep call, they can just shrug and say, “Sorry, I lost it in the lights.” 7] Curlers would get a whole bunch more credit if they conversed more eloquently. You know, like those really cool Shakespearean dudes. For example, someone might say to you, “Prithee, think’st thou rock light? To which you might simply respond, “Forsooth, engage thy brushing instruments.” But an even better answer would be, “Alas, methink’st thou art a perjur’d, false, disloyal rogue to vouchsafe such clownish foolery. Get thee to a nunnery, ye poisonous bunch-back’d front end playing toad!” 6] You know those body outlines that the police paint on the pavement to mark the spot of a homicide? Just before a big game, I like to sneak out on the ice and spray paint one on the backboards behind the hack. Later, when the opposition skip asks me what’s going on, I simply say, “Oh, that’s what happened to my previous opponent.” 5] There should be more rules in curling. Like this one— “The skip has exclusive direction of the game for his team, unless, of course, Batman is on the team. In which case Batman shall have exclusive direction of the game.” 4] The “U.S. Curling News” would be a lot more popular if they put out a “Swimsuit Edition.” Of course, it would probably never happen because it is so unlikely that David Garber would actually agree to pose. 3] Ever notice how icemakers walk backwards when laying down the pebble? Did you ever wonder why? No, it doesn’t have anything to do with the pebble. That’s just a cover story. It’s really because they are totally paranoid and don’t want anyone to sneak up behind them with a weapon. And considering how bad their ice is, they have every reason to be paranoid. 2] I just found out that the official name of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino was actually the “XX Olympic Winter Games.” Which means that the record should be rewritten to reflect that on Friday, February XXIV, MMVI, XXV-year-old Brad Gushue (the MMI Junior World Champion throwing IVth rocks for Canada) laid VI points in the VIth end (he missed a free throw draw for VII) on the way to defeating II-time World Bronze Medallist (MCMXCVIII & MM) Markku Uusipaavalniemi of Finland (a.k.a. Markku “U-XV”) by a score of X-IV in VIII ends, thus winning the Gold Medal and finishing the week with an VIII win, III loss record. 1] Wouldn’t it be funny if they discovered that sweeping has absolutely no effect on a running stone? The news would be announced and then everybody would sit around the clubhouse and have a great big laugh. While this is going on, however, it might be a good idea to make sure that there are no sharp objects lying around that the front enders might be able to get their hands on.

2010 Olympian and aspiring musician Chris Plys (Duluth, Minn.) was photographed by the Associated Press atop the Athlete’s Village in Vancouver getting some fresh air and practicing a few chords prior to the start of the curling competition. The curling team was fortunate to have the penthouse of this particular building in the village. Photo by Marcio Sanchez, Associated Press

– Richard Maskel Have you moved? Please send address updates to Jean Lindner at the USA Curling office so your Curling News gets to your mailbox on time. jean.lindner@usacurl.org • 888-CURLERS, Ext. 207

MARCH 2010

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Eau Claire Open

8ERU: Bob Takala, Cheryl Froland, Clay Kirkland, Karen Volkman

The Eau Claire Open Bonspiel took place Jan. 8-10. Here are the results: 1EW—St. Paul: Reuben Harris, Aaron Nonberg, Matt Peterson, Zac Owens 1ERU—Madison: David Russell, Bill Rhyme, Mark Swandby, John Bartlett 2EW—Green Bay: Chris McMahon, Bob Lex, Scott Vandeleest, Dan Krup 2ERU—St. Paul: Robin Wegener, Marc Beyer, Nate Pederson, Alex Brekken 3EW—St. Paul: Dan Metcalf, Scott Belvitch, Scott Clasen, Fancy Ray 3ERU—St. Paul: Geoffrey Pearman, Colin Simpson, Greg Niska, Andy Fazendin 4EW—Centerville: Mark Delany, Chris Kraemer, Lynita Delaney, Nora Kraemer 4ERU—St. Paul: Kraig Ketola, Pat Layde, John Brahm, Don Hutchinson

Wausau Men’s

Appleton Men’s The 2010 Appleton Men’s Invitational Bonspiel took place Jan. 810. Here are the results: 1EW–Kettle Moraine: Craig Sharkus, Smily Gebert, Jeff Becker, Jim Hule 1ERU–Exmoor: Matt Brown, Spencer Tuskowski, Dan Journeaux, Max Armstrong 2EW–Wausau: Chris Horack, Scott Stensberg, Shane Ley, Perry Grueber 2RU–Wausau: Jared Deasy, John Hebbe, Doug Stone, Jeff Johnson 3EW–Kettle Moraine: Todd Flemming, John Fischer, Casey Clark, Mark Nyka 3RU–Chicago: John Reid, Mike Ward, Matt Sporleder, Dave DeSantis 4EW– Green Bay: Ed DeRubis, John Schnurer, Dan MAckin, Brad Bucholtz 4RU–Kettle Moraine: Matt Lee, DJ Mather, Erik Koehn, Paul Zach

The Wausau Curling Club hosted the 60th Annual Men’s Invitational Bonspiel Feb. 12-14. Here are the results: 1EW–St. Paul: Merlin Orvik, Dale Webb, Pete Stolt, Keith Ostrosky 1ERU–Wausau: Bill Edward, Dale Hessert, Dale Gerlach, Dan LaCerte 2EW–St. Paul: Clay Orvik, Erik Ordway, Dale Severson, John Miller 2ERU–Madison: David Solheim, Ryan Fink, Dan Schally, Brett Wagner 3EW–Wausau: Ryan Milhalus, Scott Burton, Tim Cucchiarelli, Dan Olmstead 3ERU–St. Paul: Cortney Watson, Cameron McLelland, Dave Smeed, Scott Belvitch 4EW–St. Paul: Bob Reichenbach, Tim Gartner, Sam Ziegler, John Hoffoss 4ERU–Wausau: Richard Waack, Mike Linden, Willard Anderson, Jim Mesebury

St. Paul Junior The Kyle Satrom Memorial Bonspiel took place Feb. 13-14. Here are the results: Division A: 1EW–Grand Rapids: Mike Stevens, Getschmann, Aaron Annis

1ERU–Duluth: Trevor Host, Elizabeth Busche, Anders Silverness, Evan Host, Ethan Meyers 2EW–Mapleton: Nick Osmundson, Tanner Lemmon, Tony Passmore 2ERU–Mapleton: Cole Jaeger, Tyler Lemmon, Eric Jaeger, James Hicks 3EW–Mapleton: Russell Passmore, Jessica Landsteiner, Jordan Carillo 3ERU–Duluth: Cory Shristensen, Zoe Meisinger, Anna Baumann, Sonja Baumann Division B: 1EW–Eau Claire: Henry McMahon, Kyle Hangartner, Frank McMahon, Dalton Hoepner 1ERU–Mapleton: Josh Moore, Derek Moore, Gabe Duncanson, Sam Shubert 2EW–St. Paul: Aly Pascuzzi, Emma Ausen, Ali Creeger, Liese Peterson 2ERU–Mankato: Nate Lustig, Austin Koble, Ryan Thompson, Jeff Hiniker 3EW–Waupaca: Anthony Knoeck, Ian Johnson, Alyssa Knoeck, Ben Waitrovich 3ERU–Green Bay: Molly Koepke, Kylee Traub, Kendra McKeefry, Katie Kaseno 4EW–St. Paul: Brady Donovan, Bobby Jerue, Beau Jerue, David Hay 4ERU–Hibbing: Zach Lind, Patrick Stahl, Cody Hallan, Sam Pogorels 5EW–St. Paul: Betsy Peloquin, Sydney Hamm, Katie Peloquin, Chelsea Radzwon 5ERU–St. Paul: Sam Sheppard, Connor Donovan, Sydney Warch, Thoe Hamilton

Winners of the Kyle Satrom Memorial Bonspiel, Division A, were (l-r) Aaron Annis, Stephanie Getschmann, Mike Stevens (skip) and Shaye Perkovich.

Winners of the Kyle Satrom Memorial Bonspiel, Division B, were (l-r) Henry McMahon, Kyle Hangartner, Frank McMahon and Dalton Hoepner.

Schenectady Open The Schenectady Open Bonspiel took place Feb. 4-7. Here are the results: 1EW–Jack Stopera, Nancy Wurth, Dave Hooper, Dion Warr 1ERU–Bryan Fink, Ashley Lawreck, Eric Haase. Maureen Fodera. Dave Fink 2EW–Brian Damon, Dan Stuhlman, Brandon Alois, Chris Fatone 2ERU–Perry and Denise Anderson, Karen Anderson, Pierre Tetreault 3EW–Dan Machold, Lana Washington, Kristine Davis and Amy Machold 3ERU–Tom Lancaster, Fay Navratil, Dan Navratil, Paula Lancaster 4EW–Matt Green, Paul Fantie, Rich Munro, Carol Munro 4ERU–Bob Travis, Jack Fitzgerald, Jim Sinkins, Jim Colton

Winners of the 54th annual Cherry Tree Bonspiel include (l-r) Mike Greim, Art Helt, Chris Schallmo and Scott Rahn.

Winners of the Alpine Mixed Bonspiel are (l-r) Shelley Leibundgut, Beth Holmes, Mike Holmes, Mike Leibundgut. Also pictured: Bob Smith, Alpine Curling Club President.

Winners of the Kettle Moraine Classic Bonspiel were (l-r) Mike Moll, Joanne Moll, Lisa Graff and Dave Graff.

Winners of Chicago’s 31st Invitational Heather Bonspiel were Susan McDonald, Jen Hinderer, Joby Berman and Betty Duffy.

Winners of the Duluth International Bonspiel, women’s division were (l-r) Amy Wright, Courtney George, Jordan Moulton and Amanda McLean (not pictured).

Winners of the Duluth International Bonspiel, men’s division were (l-r) Matt Stevens, Cody Stevens, Bob Liapis and Jeff Breyen.

St. Paul Open The St. Paul Winter Carnival Mixed Bonspiel took place Jan. 22-24. Here are the results. 1EW: Aaron Nunberg, Jen Kamarainen, Zac Owens, Liz Owens. 1ERU: Sherri Schummer, Ryan Feider, Senja Lopac, Brian Hansen 2EW: Curt Severson, Caela Severson, Ron Paul, Brenda Paul 2ERU: Art Ruohonen, Kathy Busch, Joey Erjavec, Jennifer Witschen 3EW: Vince Bernet, Pam Mueller, John Eustice, Lisa Skluzacek 3ERU: Tim Simonson, Nancy Creeger, Craig Creeger, Nancy Simonson 4EW : Pat Hoppenstedt, Gina Forti, Wally Freier, Kathy Childs 4ERU: Matt Whitehill, Noelle Hurtig, Shane Erickson, Amy Watters 5EW : Cosimo Valente, Barnie, Pepe Gini, Julie Lively 5ERU: Darrick Kizlyk, Cynthia Smith, Drew Gibson, Dena Rosenberry 6EW: Rik Pohlman, Kim Wapola/Margeaux Ackerman, Dave Wilson, Carol Strojny 6ERU: Ryan Claussen, Lisa Hilton, Tom Berg, Tracy Vrklan 7EW: Dave Pietrangelo, Megan Pond, Steve Scheffler, Anne Kellerman 7ERU: Mark Fisher, Nancy Fisher, Tim Hildreth, Nancy Hildreth 8EW: Bob Reichenbach, Gail Anderson, Curt Zepeda, Annette Streiff

MARCH 2010

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

Kettle Mixed The Kettle Moraine Classic Bonspiel took place Feb. 6-7 in Hartland, Wis. Here are the results. 1EW–Milwaukee: Dave Graff, Lisa Graff, Mike Moll, Joanne Moll 1ER–WauKet: Ken Van Till, Pat Van Till, Bill Hoppenjan, Ginia Lewis 2EW–Madison: Tom Godar, Cindy Godar, Don Kind, Maureen Kind 2ER–Kettle Moraine: John Geason, Michele Heinze, Jim Nelson, Stella Geason 3EW–Wauwatosa/Kettle Moraine: Rob Haagensen, Mary Rasmussen, Herb Rasmussen, Karen Haagensen 3ER–Milwaukee: Al Runquist, Susan Hopkins-Heatwole, Scott Heatwole, Jennifer Runquist 4EW–Milwaukee: Randy Jacobsen, Peg Jacobsen, Tom Towers, Pat Towers 4ER–Kettle Moraine: Chuck Sharkus, Mary Lynn Sharkus, Pat O’Driscoll, Sheri O’Driscoll 5EW–Kettle Moraine: Bob Dixon, Bonnie Dixon, Terry Ball, Jo Ball 5ERU–Chicago: Ken Duffy, Liz Reid, John Reid, Betty Duffy

Plainfield Junior The Plainfield Junior Olympic Bonspiel was held Feb. 12-14. Here are the results: 1EW–Cameroon: Cameron Ross, Ryan McMakin, Libby Brundage, Hilary Nigrosh

Winners of the St. Paul Winter Carnival Mixed Bonspiel were (seated l-r) Aaron Nunberg, Jen Kamarainen, Zac Owens, Liz Owens. Runners-up were (back l-r) Brian Hansen, Senja Lopac, Ryan Feider, Sherri Schummer 1ERU–Canada: Alex Prelusky, Steven Szemple, Ryan Szemple, Andy Dunnam 2EW-Greece: Daniel Dudt, Scott Dunnam, Cody Clouser, Cameron Vike 2ERU–Germany: Matthew Dunnam, Jeff Maenner, Mike Pohlman, Steve Shickel 3EW–Uzbeckistan: Rebecca Andrew, Rebecca Bates, Rebecca Vanarsdall, Allison Howell 3ERU–USA: Stephen Ours, Doug Chalmers, Hunter Clawson, Billy Kenney 4EW–Sweden: Korey Dropkin, Thomas Howell, David Wadsworth, David Coviello 4ERU–Denmark: Katie Sullivan, Elizabeth DeJong, Cami Sullivan, Sarah

Winners of the Wausau 60th Annual Men’s Invitational were (l-r) Merlin Orvik, Dale Webb, Pete Stolt and Keith Ostrosky.

Hageman

Waseca Open The Second Annual Sleigh and Cutter Outdoor Bonspiel took place on Clear Lake in Waseca, Minn. Her are the results: 1EW–Marv Haas, Steve Elton, Merlin Eddy, Mark Hanson 1ERU–Karla Melchert, Kristi Arneson, Von Blum, Laura Hampton 2EW–Guy Griesmann, Dan Weber, Chad Grande, Russ Mueske 2ERU–Pete Annis, Nathan Annis, Wendy Annis, Jaime Annis

Winners of the Eau Claire Men’s Bonspiel were (l-r) Reuben Harris, Aaron Nonberg, Matt Peterson and Zac Owens.

World Juniors, National Championships underway As we go to press, the 2010 World Junior Championships and the 2010 USA Curling Men’s and Women’s National Championships get underway. Teams skipped by Alexandra Carlson (Wayzata, Minn.) and Sean Beighton (Seattle) are representing the U.S. at the World Juniors in Flims, Switzerland.

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 Type MARCH 12–14 Arlington, WI SM Duluth, MN–Dunlop X Grafton, ND M Green Bay, WI–Shamrock W Heather, MN X Itasca, MN–Gopher State W Lake Region, ND–High School J Lodi, WI–St. Patrick’s Day X Portage, WI–Alumni O Schenectady, NY–Gordon Emmett M Stevens Point, WI M Wauwatosa, WI M Willmar, MN–Olympic Novice O MARCH 19–21 Aksarben, NE–Irish Centerville, WI Curl Mesabi, MN Grand Forks, ND Green Bay, WI Heather, MN Itasca, MN–State High School Kettle Moraine, WI Nutmeg, CT–Golden Handle Pardeeville, WI Poynette, WI–Five year and under Utica, NY–Child’s Challenge MARCH 26–28 Blackhawk, WI Broomstones, MA Grafton, ND Hibbing, MN–Last Chance Itasca, MN Lake Region, ND

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

Meanwhile, Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, Mich., is host to the 2010 Nationals to select our teams for the 2010 World Championships. Follow the action of both events via the USA Curling website at www.usacurl.org. Webstreaming may be available from both events. Please check the web for updates.

Mankato, MN–Bunny Minot, ND–Grainbelt Shirtsleeve Pardeeville, WI Potomac, MD–Cherry Blossom Stevens Point, WI Two Harbors, MN APRIL 1–4 Fairbanks, AK–75th annual APRIL 9–11 Anchorage, AK Granite, WA Green Bay, WI Pardeeville, WI–Red Baron Rochester, NY–Death by Chocolate

O O O O X X

MW O O X M W

APRIL 16–18 Broadmoor, CO Houston, TX–Texas Open Kansas City, KS–BBQ

O O O

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

APRIL 30–May 2 Park City, UT–Rocky Mountain

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

JUNE 11–13 Granite, WA–Summerspiel

JULY 3–5 Pittsburgh, PA–TropiCurl

JULY 8–11 Cape Cod, MA

Winners of the Sleigh and Cutter Outdoor Bonspiel were (l-r) Marv Haas, Steve Elton, Merlin Eddy and Mark Hanson.

No curling ice? Make your own

JULY 11–14 Cape Cod, MA

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

M O

AUG. 6–8 Green Bay, WI–Summerspiel

OCT. 1–3 North Shore, IL

NOV. 12–14 North Shore, IL

2011 JAN. 14–16 Portage, WI–Junior

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.

We’ve seen some creative photos buiding on the excitement the Olympics have created. This man (above) built his own curling sheet in his backyard while students at a Minnesota elementary school (right) used old jugs as rocks for their makeshift curling rink.

MARCH 2010

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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

The HEART RI &XUOLQJ«

USWCA CURLING CIRCUIT

NEW NEXT SEASON Entry by AUGUST 1, 2010 Prizes to curlers by points earned DETAILS SOON www.uswca.org/curlingcircuit