Curling News UNITED STATES
May 2011
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Volume 66 Number 5
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2012 Scotland Tour team named by David Garber, Historian, 2001 Scotland Tour Team
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Clinic with Team Howard Schenectady Curling Club September 23–25, 2011
Register today! www.BroomsUp.com
INSIDE: TERRIFIC TEENS: Five teams compete at U18 event. Page 3. CIRCUIT BREAKER: USWCA Circuit a big success. Page 5. COLLEGE CRAZE: Club College Curling growing. Page 6. SAN DIEGO GETS A “BAR”: New storage device. Page 7. WASHINGTON WAY: Another mixed title for Seattle. Page 9. HP UPDATE: Learn more about the HP plan locally. Page 13. BALANCING ACT: Improve your technique with Jon’s tips. Page 14.
ince 1952, the USCA and the RCCC (Scotland’s Royal Caledonian Curling Club) have invited one another to send teams of 20 men to tour the other nation, alternating direction every five years. The Tour is a threeweek curling competition, during which over 145 games are contested in over 20 curling centers. Rather than games won or lost, the score is based on total points, which makes every end count. Tour winners earn the right to keep the Herries-Maxwell Trophy
until the next Tour. The Tour is also a celebration of the traditions of curling, with the Spirit of Curling very much in practice on and off the ice. Singing, storytelling, ceremonies, banqueting and in general, great Scottish hospitality will complement the two-games-per-day of curling. The visiting team competes against host-country teams assembled from each geographic area. The Herries-Maxwell Trophy is one of a number of “Trafalgar Vases,” silver bowls made circa 1803, originally used to award Brits for service to their Empire, such as being part of the victory over Napoleon at Waterloo
in 1815. Eventually, Commander Desmond Herries-Maxwell, Royal Navy, became president of the RCCC, led the effort to establish the Tour, and donated the eponymous trophy, which had come into possession of his family. The first six Tours were won by the Scots (1952-1977), but the upstart Yanks won the next five (1982-2001), so the H-M trophy lived in the USA for nearly 20 years. The Scots toured the United States in 2007 and brought
Please see SCOT TOUR on Page 2.
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DEPARTMENTS Bonspiel Results – P16-19 College Curling – P6 Comics – P7 Curler’s Calendar –P16 Member Services – P3 Rocket Exhaust – P6 Tales from Sheet 9–P15 Tucked in the Back Page–P19 USWCA – P4-5 USA’s team of (l-r) Geoff Goodland, Tim Solin, Pete Westberg, Ken Olson and Phil DeVore earned the silver medal at the 2011 World Senior Championships, which took place April 1623 at the St. Paul Curling Club in conjunction with the 2011 World Mixed Doubles Championship. USA’s Margie Smith senior team finished fourth while the doubles duo of Brady Clark and Cristin Clark made the USA’s first-ever playoff appearance at the World Mixed Doubles event, finishing seventh. See full story on Page 12. Photo by Leslie Ingram-Brown
Rosters indicate 15 percent growth With 141 of 166 clubs reporting membership rosters so far, USA Curling reports close to a 15 percent increase in total membership. The excitement of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games coupled with TV exposure on NBC has created a significant jump in membership across the U.S., according to figures tabulated by Sandy Robinson, USA Curling’s controller and numbers maven. Total membership as of May 9, 2011, stood at 16,400, compared to 14,275 last year. Fifteen new clubs became members in the past year – a 9 percent increase – with the Grand National region accounting for eight new clubs. Of the 141 clubs reporting, 73 percent showed an increase in membership. Since 2001-02, USA Curling’s membership has grown 49 percent.
Athletes, Team of the Year awards announced for 2010-11 season 2011 national champion skips Patti Lank (Lewiston, N.Y.) and Pete Fenson (Bemidji, Minn.) have been named USA Curling’s 2011 Athletes of the Year. In addition, the 2011 world senior silver medalists, the Geoff Goodland team, has earned top team honors for 2011 as determined by the Athlete/Curler
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Recognition Committee. This is the third time Fenson has been named top athlete and second time for Lank. For the Goodland team – Geoff Goodland, Tim Solin, Pete Westberg, Ken Olson and Phil DeVore – it is the first selection for all team members. See full story on Page 5.
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Curling News UNITED STATES
VOLUME 66, No. 5
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MAY 2011
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
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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: Sept. 23, 2011 The United States Curling News (ISSN 1064-3001; USPS 392-020) is published five times per year in October, November, February, March and May by the United States Curling Association. The USCA and Curling News office is located at 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482. Telephone 715-344-1199. Subscription price for non-USCA members: $16 per year (North America), $26 per year (overseas), payable in US currency. Single copy price: $2.50. Advertising rates on request. Established 1945. Periodicals postage paid at Waupaca, Wisconsin, and additional offices as requested. Postmaster sends address changes to US Curling News, 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482.
United States Curling Association Officers President Chris Sjue Vice Presidents Kent Beadle Dave Carlson Jerome Larson James Pleasants Treasurer Jack Bernauer Secretary Bob Pelletier Directors Paul Badgero [2012] Kent Beadle [2012] Jack Bernauer* [2011] Craig Brown (AAC) [2011] Dave Carlson [2013] Maureen Clark (AAC) [2011] Lynita Delaney [2012] Janet Farr (USWCA) [2012] Dean Gemmell (AAC) [2011] Nancy Haggenmiller [2013] Peggy Hatch** [2011] Jonathan Havercroft [2013] Cyndee Johnson [2011] Nicole Joraanstad (AAC) [2011] Gwen Krailo [2013]
Jerome Larson [2012] Jan Legacie [2011] Gordon Maclean [2013] Richard Maskel (AAC) [2011] Bob Pelletier [2012] James Pleasants [2013] Leland Rich [2011] Sean Silver [2012] Chris Sjue [2013] Mark Swandby [2011] Ann Swisshelm (AAC) [2011] Beau Welling* [2011] Sam Williams [2011] * Board-elected ** Voice, no vote
USA Curling National Office 5525 Clem’s Way Stevens Point, WI 54482 Office: 715-344-1199 • Fax: 715-344-2279 E-mail: info@usacurl.org • Web site: www.usacurl.org CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Rick Patzke, rick.patzke@usacurl.org DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES: Bev Schroeder, beverly.schroeder@usacurl.org DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Terry Kolesar, terry.kolesar@usacurl.org CONTROLLER: Sandy Robinson, sandy.robinson@usacurl.org EVENT SERVICES COORDINATOR: Dawn Leurquin, dawn.leurquin@usacurl.org ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Christy Hering, christy.hering@usacurl.org Off-site staff: Coaching Development Director Scott Higgins 913-449-2933 • scott.higgins@usacurl.org Director of High Performance Derek Brown derek.brown@usacurl.org US: +1 715-254-5024 • UK: +44 7793 099668 National Wheelchair Development Coach Steve Brown, steve@stevescurling.com National Wheelchair Curling Outreach Development Director Marc DePerno, mdeperno@sitrin.com Head Ice Technician Dave Staveteig 701-772-0705 • daveandbrenda@gfwireless.con
AMERICAN CURLING FOUNDATION & MUSEUM The Museum is located at the Chicago Curling Club, 555 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062 CURATOR: James M. Miller Jr. 2011 Glendale Ave. Northbrook, IL 60062 847-272-7224
UNITED STATES WOMEN’S CURLING ASSOCIATION OFFICERS PRESIDENT Nancy Seitz FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Maureen Guay SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Bridget Matzke SECRETARY Mary Ann Hulme TREASURER Carolyn MacLeod USCA LIAISON Janet Farr PROMOTIONS & Nancy Wilhelm PUBLIC RELATIONS
Perhaps more famous for their argyle fashion flare than their Olympic silver medal win at the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, the Norwegian men’s curling team visited the San Francisco Bay Area April 28-May 1 for the annual Norway Day Festival. While in the area, the team visited the Oakland Ice Center for a community event and exhibition game. They also made a special visit to Oakland Technical High School. A learn-to-curl and exhibition game on SFBACC’s home ice at Oakland Ice Center took place on April 29. The night started off with three games in which rotating teams as large as a dozen local club members got to curl with or against the Olympians. Team USA was captained by 2010 Paralympian Patrick McDonald and Team Norway was filled out by local curler Loreen Makishima. Submitted photo
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the trophy back home. Andy Anderson, captain of the victorious 2001 Scotland Tour Team, notes that the 2001 Tour was moved from the traditional January-February time slot to the previous OctoberNovember, because in 2002 the USA was hosting both the Olympic Winter Games in February and the World Curling Championships in April. In 2012, the Tour returns to its traditional schedule, with the curlers departing Jan. 26 and returning Feb. 20. The team consists of 20 men selected from a pool of applicants based on several criteria, including service to curling at local, regional and national levels, ambassadorial skills, curling skill and good health. Team members pay all their own expenses. The selection committee, in addition to Anderson, included 2001 Team members David Russell (vice captain), Sam Williams, Mike Griem and George Austin (the latter two also served as couriers for the Scots when they toured the USA in 2007). “We had a difficult time selecting the 20 men from a record number of applicants,” Anderson said, “as there were so many with great credentials that made them candidates for the team. We know there are those who are disappointed in not being selected but they were among a group of many good men.” Mark Swandby of Madison, Wis., has been selected as captain of the 2012 Tour team. Swandby has served as USCA president, Olympic Team leader, and has won two medals at World Senior Championships. “It’s quite an honor to be selected and named captain. The officers are
already meeting and planning. We will be setting up five teams, and finalizing the many logistical matters associated with the Tour. Most of all, we look forward to competing and socializing with the Scots.” Anderson is optimistic, “We are confident the 2012 team will be excellent ambassadors and will return the Herries-Maxwell trophy to the USA.” Other team officers (with club affiliation) are Bob Chandler, Broomstones, Mass., vice captain; Dave Carlson, Poynette, Wis., secretary; and Russ Brown, Exmoor, Ill., treasurer. Filling out the team roster
are, in alphabetical order, are Russ Armstrong, Exmoor, Ill.; Paul Badgero, Detroit, Mich.; Dan Brunt, Portage, Wis.; Doug Dedolph, Mayfield, Ohio; Bob Dixon, Kettle Moraine, Wis.; Dennis Jorgensen, Curl Mesabi, Minn.; Herb Kupchik, Broomstones, Mass.; Russ Lemcke, Cape Cod, Mass.; Rich Lepping, Madison, Wis.; Dick McCartney, Triangle, N.C.; Jon Mielke, Bismarck, N.D.; Dave Peck, Denver, Colo.; James Pleasants, Seattle Granite, Wash.; Bill Rhyme, Green Bay, Wis.; Chris Sjue, Fargo, N.D.; and Carl Thomas, Utica, N.Y.
The U.S. Curling Association is proud to recognize the following sponsors who support our sport and organization:
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Your contact: Bev Schroeder, beverly.schroeder@usacurl.org; 1-888-287-5377, Ext. 203
Bantam curling: Good for curling, good for kids by Dave Jensen, Chairman, USA Curling Youth Committee
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early every organized youth sport played in the United States today is structured by either age
or grade. You would generally not see a high school soccer team compete with a sixth-grade team. The reasons are obvious, since under normal circumstances it wouldn’t be much fun for the sixth graders. In order to build any successful youth sport program, fun has to be the first and foremost objective. If the participants are having fun and enjoying some level of success (which isn’t necessarily defined as winning), they may continue to participate and grow in the sport. Yet, in Junior Curling, 12-year-olds are expected to compete with 20-
year-olds. If USA Curling is to grow the sport at the junior level, we might need to rethink how our juniors compete. Some states do hold high school championships, but the younger ages, 13 and under, are largely left to curl up in terms of age. This age group is key to growth in our junior program and, ultimately, competitive curling at the highest levels. Eight years ago, North Dakota implemented a Bantam Program. The North Dakota Bantam Program consists of two age levels, 13 and under (U-14) and 17 and under (U18). Both age groups are as of Dec. 31 of the current curling season. The 13-and-under group plays six-end games in an open format, while the older group has a separate boys and girls format that plays eight ends. The goals of the
Bantam Program are to: (1) Encourage younger kids to try competitive curling where they would be hesitant to play at the junior level. (2) Give these kids a chance to win at a younger age and, hopefully, to carry an optimistic curling spirit into the junior level. (3) Ensure a pipeline of experienced young curlers feeding the junior age group. Since its implementation eight years ago, North Dakota has held bantam bonspiels throughout the curling season, culminated by a State Bantam Championship. It also continues to host a State High School Championship. This increased opportunity to compete has yielded a vibrant youth program that serves the 13-17 year age group very well and also feeds the junior program.
All the reasons we want our kids in sports – teamwork, leadership, respect, fitness, friendships, delayed gratification – are bundled up in the great sport of curling, which is incomparable in its ability to teach life skills and core values and provide a healthy means of involvement for youth. A bantam program in your state or region could be that springboard from which a young curler is able to bridge the gap between Little Rocks and juniors, and help sustain their ability to successfully compete in curling throughout their lives. It’s good for our kids, and good for curling. If your club, state or region is interested in implementing a Bantam program, and would like more information or assistance, feel free to e-mail me at djensen @roughriderhardwoods.com.
Certifications
Five U.S. teams recently participated in the U18 Championship in Ontario. Submitted photo
U.S. teams compete at U18 Championship The Optimist International Under-18 Championship took place in Weston, Ontario, March 30-April 3 at the St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Etobicoke and Weston Golf & Country Club. Five U.S. teams, selected through an application process, competed. Here are the results: Girls teams Team Connecticut (Elizabeth Brundage, Jenna Burchesky, Julie Greenebaum, Lily Wadsworth), 0-5
Team Pennsylvania (Sarah Anderson, Taylor Anderson, Abby Suslavich, Christine McMakin), 2-3 Team Washington (Corianna Tomlinson, Carolyn Garzina-Ulus, Emily Bissonnette, Stephanie Potter), 1-4 Boys teams Team Washington (Jake Vukich, Evan McAuley, Nick Connolly, Luc Violette), 2-3 Team Massachusetts (Justin Hoge, Andrew Glaser, David Wadsworth, Connor Hoge, Sean Burchesky), 2-3
Level I Instructor Jesus M. Barajas Kim Belf Gerritt Blauvitt Rhonda Brandt Michael J. Desmarais Susan Dunlap Michael P. Dunnam Kate Garfinkel Linda Goetsch G. Thomas Hayman Gordon Hetzel Adam Jacobson Ronald W. Jodat Lisa Johnson Sharon Jorski Robert Krause Janet Kriebel Jeff Marchand C.T. Marhula Stephen Martin Jon Melander Joanne Moll Steve Parke Matthew Proehl Robert Rein Susan Ryan Peter Secor Steven G. Shallock Ed Sheffield Kenny Thomson Larry Unterberger Alexander Visnich Nicholas Visnich Howie Zwiefel Level II Instructor William P. Anderson Michael P. Dunnam Jon Fiskness Robert J. Leonard Jason Sethi Ed Sheffield Kenny Thomson
Jenifer Vieth Level I Official Kevin Behrens Lauren Bond Darin Brooks Richard Campbell Steven Colabufo Simon Cook Randy Czarnetzki Susan V. Dunlap Chris Gaumer Janice Hawrelak David Hirx Ann Hulme Roy Hulme John Iuranich Dave Jezowski Brenda Mason Tracie Moore Glen Novak Yvonne Novak Steven J. Shaffer Stephanya Shear Pete Waters Robert Williams Rick Worden Patricia D. Wright Level II Official Richard Campbell Randy Czarnetzki Susan Dunlap Laura King Glenn D. Melchert Level III Official Mike Kirkeby Joe V. Roberts Mary Pat Shandor Level I Coach Ed Sheffield Kenny Thomson Level III Coach Sandra McMakin
Full member roster list now available on USA Curling website In response to requests from our members for information related to their USA Curling status and issues such as playdown eligibility and Curling News subscriptions, we have developed a full membership report that is now posted on our website. The report is based on the current season’s club rosters received to date and will be updated periodically. Visit www.usacurl.org/usacurl to view the file. The information contained in the report is limited to members’ first and last names as well as their corresponding membership
status. For ease in navigation, the report is sorted first by region, then by club. If you have any questions about your listing, the best place to start is with your club. USA Curling’s list is compiled from the information we receive from clubs. If, afterwards, you have additional questions, please contact Christy Hering, administrative assistant, christy.hering@usacurl.org or Dawn Leurquin, Event Services coordinator, dawn.leurquin@usacurl.org at the USA Curling Office, or by calling 888287-5377. Thank you!
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Curling News UNITED STATES
MAY 2011
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
USWCA strives to serve the spirit of curling s president of USWCA this year, I have tried to share a sense of who we are and what we stand for. The programs of the United States Women’s Curling Association are the public expression of our mission and spreading word of our services is an important link to members and the curling community at large. But, as a national organization, the story is bigger than just the events that we bring to curling. Sharing thoughts about our accomplishments and challenges, as well as our traditions and initiatives for the future gives a more complete picture of what drives us to serve curling in the way we
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USWCA expands All-American season by Gloria Martino, All-American Chair The All-American has been sponsored by the USWCA since 1966. This event is an inner-club bonspiel held during the curling season by member clubs throughout the United States. The USWCA provides All-American pins to each member club for their event. The All-American is designed to encourage the involvement of women – especially new and lessexperienced women curlers – so they may have a bonspiel experience within their own clubs as well as to foster a greater awareness of women’s curling and the role of the USWCA. All-American events have been held throughout all the regions of the USWCA - and with the addition of so many new arena clubs, the season for these bonspiels has been expanded to include the summer months. Arena clubs have more ice opportunity during a traditional club’s off-season, so look for the results of the 20102011 All-American this fall in the Curling News. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about holding an All-American event at your club, contact Gloria Martino at AllAmerican@USWCA.org.
do. But a single voice is insufficient to do justice to the understanding of this group. Fill a room with USWCA women and you will hear the voices of remarkable diversity of background, experience, talents and opinion. The one shared priority is an unequivocal dedication to doing what’s best for curling. No one person holds the key to keeping our group strong and our membership engaged. That success lies in the ongoing work of individual members who believe curling needs grassroots support to grow the sport and a national organization that links clubs together and strengthens competition and friend-
By Nancy Seitz, USWCA President president@uswca.org ships across the country and beyond. As individuals and as a group, we strive to serve the spirit of curling whether
for youth curlers, new curlers, or club curlers of all skill levels. We welcome men as members and participants in our work, but, true to where we began, USWCA remains rooted to a mission that celebrates women’s curling. For generations of women curlers, USWCA has demonstrated that teams of women on the ice can provide unique competition, leadership and teamwork opportunities. All that in addition to some really fine curling. Skills honed on the ice serve our organization well as we look to the future. The nurture of new leadership, mentoring of young talent and cultivation of an active membership is key to our future success. Past
presidents who remain engaged, committee chairs who encourage the contributions of a next generation, and representatives who are active advocates for their own clubs and for USWCA are just some of the keys to an atmosphere that welcomes new ideas and embraces thoughtful change. Representing the organization for the past year has been a privilege and a pleasure. I look forward to greeting old friends and new faces as we again take up the business of the group as we reconvene in Minneapolis in September. I welcome Maureen Guay as she raises her voice as the next spokesperson and president for the USWCA.
Five-year and under events provide equal skill competition by Karen Ronk, USWCA 5-Year & Under Chair ive-year and under events have become so popular that the USWCA now sponsors an Open Five-Year and Under Bonspiel along with the Five-Year and Under Women’s Challenge. This is a terrific opportunity for newer curlers to experience a bonspiel along with other curlers with similar skill levels. A beautiful traveling plaque is provided by the USWCA for the winning rink in each bonspiel, and special pins are presented to winners and runners-up in all four events. Arena clubs are hosting their five-year and under bonspiels during the summer. All curlers with five or fewer years of experience are eligible to participate. Membership in the USWCA is not necessary, but in order to host one of the events the host club must be a member. The Women’s Challenge is made up of women’s teams but the new open event may include teams made up of any gender combination. Composite teams are acceptable. On Feb. 18-20, 2011, the Wauwatosa Curling Club proudly hosted the USWCA sponsored Wisconsin area’s 17th annual Five-Year and Under Bonspiel with a record 24 teams competing.
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The winners of the first event were Milwaukee’s Alex Dye, Kevin Moran, Curt Crimmons and Tom Christinson. The runnersup, from Madison, were Charlie Thompson, Mark Mehler, Rebecca Reinhart and Erik Nielsen. Green Bay’s Tristen Zimmerman, Ron Greening, Dustin Schwobe and Ted Treska captured the second event. The runnersup, from Milwaukee, were Gabe Ziskin, Justin Schmidt, Brian Narlock and Ali McDonald. The winners of the third event were from Blackhawk and Rochester and included Ryan Accetta, Cal Merath, Todd Bequette and Mike Sweats. The runners-up were Madison’s Tony Roth, David Cobb, Cynthia Rhyner and Hannah Gaines. The winners of the fourth event were Wauwatosa’s Tim Mehring, Mark Clegg, Mike Bathke and Steve Milek. Chicago’s team of Michele Rittgers, Cheryl Dudeck Denise Erazmus, and Jessica Thomson took runner-up honors. A successful event was held for the Central Region at the Columbus Curling Club. The games were truly competitive with the first-, second- and fourth-events decided by an extra end. Here are the results: First-event winners: Team E. Chambers, Columbus; runner-up: Groenigher rink, Columbus
Winners of the Central Region’s USWCA-sponsored Five-Year and Under Bonspiel were (above, l-r) Erica Chambers, Jennifer Mason, Abby Podradt and Jennifer Firm. Winners of the Wisconsin Region’s USWCA-sponsored Five-Year and Under Bonspiel were (below, l-r) Alex Dye, Kevin Moran, Curt Crimmons and Tom Christinson.
Second event winners; Hartraft rink, Columbus; runner-up: Hanke rink, Detroit Third event: Moellman team, Columbus; runner-up: Carcione rink, Mayfield Fourth event: Casser rink, Potomac; runner-up: Team Khusid, Cleveland Skate Club For more information and guidelines about these
unique events, visit www.uswca.org or contact Karen Ronk, chairman of the Five-Year and Under Committee, at fastro@centurytel.net. Any club interested in hosting one of these events next season, or in the future, should let their USWCA representative know or contact Karen directly.
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Women’s Circuit a hit in first year by Jennifer Stannard, member, USWCA Circuit Committee
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ifty USWCA women from across the country participated in the Inaugural season of the Women's Circuit, garnering points in participating women's bonspiels for cash awards. The National Winner was Shelly Pillon of the Exmoor Curling Club in Illinois. Shelly earned a total of 1,250 points in her top three events and will receive a check for $850. She edged out Tracy Lawless, also from Exmoor and Emilia Juocys of the Chicago Curling Club in the combined Central/West region.
Nearly $5,000 paid to the top three Circuit participants in each region Michele Heinze of Kettle Moraine captured first prize in Wisconsin with 935 points and earned $750. In second and third position were Heather Van Sistine and Carol Stevenson, also from Kettle Moraine. The East Region had a tie for first between teammates Kaitlyn Beebee of Schenectady and Kayla Martin of Utica (900 pts) and will split the combined first and second
place prize total of $1,450. Jennifer Stannard of the Nutmeg Curling Club rounded out the top three in the East region. The prize money will presented shortly. Look for those details in next season's first Curling News edition - or check the USWCA website at www.USWCA.org. Participating bonspiels reported increased numbers of rinks for their events and the number of women
curlers traveling to bonspiels was up this year, making the Circuit a success for all involved. Sponsor Broom’s Up Curling provided a trophy to the national winner in addition to their financial contribution. USWCA member clubs are reminded to contact the USWCA and get their participation information in early for next season's publicity as we anticipate an increase in the number of curlers and eligible bonspiels! Visit www.USWCA.org for additional information and complete details of the year's competition.
Lank, Fenson named top athletes for 2011; Goodland rink earns top team honors by Terry Kolesar, Editor
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011 national champions Patti Lank (Lewiston, N.Y.) and Pete Fenson (Bemidji, Minn.) have been named USA Curling’s 2011 Athletes of the Year. In addition, the 2011 world senior silver medal-winning Geoff Goodland rink has been named 2011 Team of the Year. This is the second time Lank has been named Female Athlete of the Year. She previously won in 1999 and has been a member of the Team of the Year twice (2004 and 1999). Lank captured her fifth U.S. national title and first since 2004 when she won the 2011 National Championships in February in Fargo, N.D. Lank and her team of Caitlin Maroldo (Rochester, N.Y.), Jessica Schultz (Richfield, Minn.), Mackenzie Lank (Lewiston, N.Y.) and alternate Debbie McCormick (Rio, Wis.) finished seventh at the 2011 Capital One World Championships in March in Denmark. Lank received the news that she was Female Athlete of the Year on Mother’s Day. The mother of two and stay-at-home mom said it was like receiving an extra present. “I was very excited,” Lank said of hearing the news. “It’s an honor to receive the award after so many years, but I could not have done it without my great teammates and of course, Coach Harry [Neil
Male Athlete of the Year 2011 Pete Fenson 2010 Joe Polo 2009 John Shuster 2008 Augusto Perez 2007 Todd Birr 2006 Shawn Rojeski 2005 Pete Fenson 2004 Joel Larway 2003 Pete Fenson 2002 Paul Pustovar 2001 Jason Larway 2000 Craig Brown 1999 Myles Brundidge 1998 Paul Pustovar 1997 Kevin Kakela 1996 Travis Way 1995 Tim Somerville 1994 Mike Peplinski 1993 Scott Baird 1992 Doug Jones 1991 Eric Fenson 1990 Doug Jones 1989 Kurt Marquardt 1988 Bob Nichols 1987 Bud Somerville
Female Athlete of the Year Patti Lank Alexandra Carlson Natalie Nicholson Allison Pottinger Nicole Joraanstad Debbie McCormick Cassie Johnson Erika Brown Debbie McCormick Kari Erickson Ann Swisshelm Amy Wright Patti Lank Stacey Liapis Joni Cotten Lisa Schoeneberg Lisa Schoeneberg Erika Brown Kari (Liapis) Erickson Lisa Schoeneberg Lori Mountford Bev Behnke Tracy Zeman Erika Brown Lisa Schoeneberg
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Harrison].” This was the third time Fenson has earned Male Athlete of the Year honors. He previously won in 2005 and 2003 and was a member of the 2006 team that earned top honors. “I was a little surprised, but quite honored, to be awarded the 2010-2011 athlete of the year,” Fenson said. “I am extremely fortunate to play on a team with great players, teammates, and friends. Curling is and always will be a team game. An award such as this is made possible by a strong group of people who work together to achieve common goals.” Fenson, who skipped the first and only U.S. team to an Olympic medal in 2006, finished 10th at the 2011 Ford World Men’s Championship in April in Regina, Saskatchewan, with
teammates Shawn Rojeski (Chisholm, Minn.), Joe Polo (Duluth, Minn.), Ryan Brunt (Bemidji, Minn.) and Scott Baird (Bemidji, Minn.). Fenson captured his seventh U.S. national title back in February after making it through the week undefeated in the field of 10. This was his fifth title as skip, putting him at the top of the record books with the most U.S. men’s national titles in that position. Fenson is now the only male athlete to win the Athlete of the Year award three times. The women’s record-holder is Lisa Schoeneberg, who has been Female Athlete of the Year four times. The Team of the Year honors goes to a senior men’s team for the second year in a row. Goodland (Eau Claire, Wis.) and
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Team of the Year Award The Geoff Goodland rink of Eau Claire, Wis. (Geoff Goodland, Tim Solin, Pete Westberg, Ken Olson, Phil DeVore) The Paul Pustovar rink of Hibbing, Minn. (Paul Pustovar, Brian Simonson, Tom Harms, Don Mohawk, Dale Gibbs) The Brady Clark rink of Seattle, Wash. (Brady Clark, Cristin Clark, Philip Tilker, Bev Walter) The Chris Plys rink of Duluth, Minn. (Chris Plys, Aanders Brorson, Matt Perushek, Matt Hamilton, Daniel Plys) The Todd Birr rink of Mankato, Minn. (Todd Birr, Bill Todhunter, Greg Johnson, Kevin Birr) The Pete Fenson rink of Bemidji, Minn. (Pete Fenson, Shawn Rojeski, Joe Polo, John Shuster, Scott Baird) The Cassie Johnson rink of Bemidji, Minn. (Cassie Johnson, Jamie Johnson, Jessica Schultz, Maureen Brunt) The Patti Lank rink of Wisconsin (Patti Lank, Erika Brown, Nicole Joraanstad, Natalie Nicholson) The Debbie McCormick rink of Illinois (Debbie McCormick, Allison Pottinger, Ann Swisshelm, Tracy Sachtjen) The Cassie Johnson rink of Bemidji, Minn. (Cassie Johnson, Jamie Johnson, Katie Beck, Maureen Brunt) The Andy Roza rink of Ak-Sar-Ben (Omaha), Neb., (Andy Roza, Steve Jaixen, Chris Becher, Scott Jordan) The Laura Delaney rink of Wisconsin (Laura Delaney, Nicole Joraanstad, Kirsten Finch, Rebecca Dobie) The Patti Lank rink of Wisconsin (Patti Lank, Erika Brown, Allison Darragh, Tracy Sachtjen) The Andy Roza rink of Ak-Sar-Ben (Omaha), Neb., (Andy Roza, Steve Jaixen, Kevin Jordan, Chris Becher, Scott Jordan) The Risa O’Connell rink of Bemidji, Minn. (Risa O’Connell, Amy Becher, Natalie Simenson, Missi O’Connell)
teammates Tim Solin (Mahtomedi, Minn.), Pete Westberg (Naperville, Ill.), Ken Olson (Plymouth, Minn.) and Phil DeVore (Superior, Wis.) have earned the honors after receiving the silver medal at the 2011 World Senior Championships in April in St. Paul. This is the first time any of the team members have earned the Team of the Year Award. “The team of the year award is the whipped cream and a cherry on top of a
near perfect season,” said Goodland, who won his second U.S. senior nationals title this year. “Late last season, our team committed to making significant improvements to our game. We hired a coach, trained harder, and scheduled tougher ’spiels thinking it would pay off at the end of this season. It did pay off. I’m so proud of the guys and their efforts to go that extra mile. We are very honored to be selected for this award.”
6
Curling News UNITED STATES
MAY 2011
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
College Curling College Club Curling looks forward to second season
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ollege Club Curling started this season with five schools participating in one or both of the events we held in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. This was a “proof of concept” season and we are now looking to expand the format into other parts of the country. This program is not intended to replace the current College National Championship, rather to build a regular season to the championship. College Club Curling has two primary goals: promot-
by Gordon Maclean, Chairman, College Curling Committee ing the development of curling clubs in a college/university environment, and encouraging these clubs to meet and
compete against each other on a regular basis. Long term, we would like to see curling transition to a varsity-level sport at schools where it is appropriate to do so. The only requirement that College Club Curling has of its participants is that they belong to a curling club that is formally recognized by their college or university. In general, that means that they have a faculty advisor and have applied to and been accepted by the governing body at their school that covers oncampus student clubs.
Under the club curling format, each school is permitted to bring as many participants as they wish, and freely substitute players between games. The team on the ice represents the school and is referred to by the school name and not the skip’s name. Looking forward, we have had contact with schools in North Dakota, Minnesota, lower Michigan, Ohio, and Oklahoma who are interested in becoming part of College Club Curling. We hope to set up conferences of schools that are geo-
graphically close to each other and help set up a schedule of bonspiels for these schools to compete in. We are looking for more schools in other regions of the country. If you are aware of college/university students who are interested in forming an on-campus curling club, or have an existing club, and might be interested in participating in College Club Curling next season, feel free to contact me at president@coppercountrycurlingclub.com or via our Facebook Page “US University Club and Varsity Curling.”
Eight-Enders Capital An eight-ender was laid by a Bismarck, N.D., youth team on March 20, 2010, during the annual Capital Curling Club ’Spiel. Curling on the team were Nicole Korsmo (age 12), Emma Neigum (age 17), Lexi Folmer (age 13) and Alaina Martin (age 12). Bemidji On March 20, 2011, during the Lyle Derosier Memoral Beverages Bonspiel at the Bemidji Curling Club, Bemidji, Minn., an eight-ender was laid by Chris Braaten, Steve Thorson, Scott Peterson and Tony Marty. Albany The Mashmann rink scored an eight-ender during Sunday league play, on March 27, 2011, at the Albany Curling Club, Albany, N.Y. Curling on the team were Garth Mashmann, Matt Martin, Pam Smith and Emma Forster. Superior On March 4, 2011, an eight-ender was scored by the Jim Bradshaw rink during the Northwest Bonspiel at the Superior Curling Club in Superior, Wis. The eight-ender was scored in the second end. Curling with Bradshaw was John Bradshaw, Scott Muller and Tim Bradshaw. St. Paul On Nov. 10, 2010, in the Wednesday 4:50 p.m. league at the St. Paul Curling Club, St. Paul, Minn., an eight-ender was laid by the Gary Papenfuss rink on Sheet 8 in the first end. Members of the team were Gary Papenfuss, Jim Kmiecik, Bill Wainberg and
Bill Zabowski. Superior On March 10, 2011, Team Christensen laid an eight-ender in the Thursday Mixed League at the Superior Curling Club, Superior, Wis. Team members were Ron Christensen, Sandra Henkel, Andy Stensland and Marcia Jablonski. Chisholm During the Ladies Fun Spiel on Jan. 22, 2011, at the Chisholm Curling Club, Chisholm, Minn., the Marge Martin team scored an eight-ender. Curling on
the team with Martin were Sue Vidmar, Michele Drlaca and Vickie Trenberth. Duluth The Jess Brozic rink laid an eight-ender on March 29, 2011, during the quarterfinal game of the Bagley at the Duluth Curling Club, Duluth, Minn. The Bagley is when all 86 men’s teams in Duluth play down for the men’s club champion. The event takes place for the whole month of March. Team members were Jess Brozic, Tom Brozic, Filipe DelSalvo and Reid Johnson.
Top 10 Highlights From the Shooting Script of the New Hollywood Blockbuster Motion Picture MacCurlber: 10] [FADE IN on the ends of two electric wires as a spark jumps between them causing a sensor handle to trigger. CUT among various shots of skips yelling, brushes vigorously sweeping, and stones flying out of the house after an upweight takeout.] 9] V.O. Singers (set to the MacCurlber theme music): MacCurlber! Making game saving circus shots out of hopeless fiascos! MacCurlber! Throwing in and out turns in tricky situations! MacCurlber! The guy's a skipping genius! MACCURLBER-RRR!!!!! 8] [CUT to an aerial view of a large arena. SUPERIMPOSE caption, "World Curling Championship Venue." CUT to a sign marked "Control Room: Sheet B" as sirens wail.] 7] VICKI: MacCurlber, this 10th end is about to blow up in our faces and to make matters worse, from the looks of that official time clock, our team has only 20 seconds left to finish this game. 6] MACCURLBER: Not to worry, Vicki. Quick, hand me that packet of World Curling Federation-sponsored chewing gum. 5] VICKI: You got it, MacCurlber! TEN seconds! But hey, didn’t the WCF withdraw its sponsorship of that gum after critics pointed out that it promoted unhealthy eating habits in children? 4] MACCURLBER: Never mind about that. I’m going to use the gum to rewire this sensor handle so that our opponent appears to be over the hog line, thus winning the game for us. 3] VICKI: FIVE seconds, MacCurlber. But won’t that be a violation of “The Spirit of Curling?” 2] MACCURLBER: Okay, Vicki, just calm down. Let me tell you a little something about “The Spirit of Curling.” It’s just a load of worthless hooey about skill, traditions, kindly feelings, and honorable conduct fabricated by a bunch of kilt-wearing old coots with way too much time on their hands. Nowhere in any of the three paragraphs of text does “The Spirit of Curling” happen to mention anything about anybody rewiring a sensor han... 1] KA-BOOM!!!!! [CUT to the arena exploding, spewing smoke and chunks of blue hone granite stones everywhere.] V.O. Singers: MACCURLBERRRR!!!!! [FADE to black.] – Richard Maskel
Curling News
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
MAY 2011
UNITED STATES
7
Green Bay to host wheelchair curling camp by Marc DePerno, National Wheelchair Curling Outreach Development Director
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ave you ever wondered what the sport of wheelchair curling is all about? Do you have aspirations to represent the United States at the World Championships? Are you a future Paralympian? Well then, we need you! On June 2-5, the United States Curling Association is hosting a free National Wheelchair Curling Camp at the Green Bay Curling Club. We are inviting all prospective wheelchair athletes as well as individuals with interest in developing programs and serving as local coaches for this exciting and growing Paralympic sport. Existing wheelchair curlers are invited to attend as well to further hone your skills. The U.S. National Coach and Assistant Coach will provide instruction throughout the weekend. Our goal is to provide the building blocks necessary to develop programs across the nation in an effort to enrich our consumer’s lives as well as increase our
pool of athletes, thereby improving our likelihood of winning gold at future World Championships and Paralympic Winter Games. The camp schedule is as follows: • Thursday, June 2: 12-6 p.m. • Friday, June 3: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Saturday, June 4: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. • Sunday, June 5: 9 a.m.-noon Athletes can choose to attend for one day or multiple days as topics will be reinforced each day. A number of rooms have been blocked off at the Days Inn Green Bay Lambeau Field for this event. Please use the contact information below to make your reservation: • 1978 Holmgren Way, U.S. Hwy 41 & Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304 • Phone: 920-498-8088, • Fax: 920-498-8492 • daysinnlambeaufield@zmchotels.com The registration deadline is May 23rd. For more information, contact Marc DePerno at mdeperno@sitrin.com or 315737-2459 to register or for any questions.
Green Bay hosts 15 teams to conclude junior season by Harry Maier, Green Bay Curling Club The junior curling season came to an end the weekend of March 18 with the annual Green Bay Curling Club Junior Bonspiel. This year, we hosted 15 teams from throughout the state in two brackets. We had a small developmental bracket this year, with three young teams playing four six-end games each over the weekend, and learning some of the finer points of ’spieling (mostly about the food!). The Rachel Kawleski team from Stevens Point played in their first ’spiel ever, and according to their coach, had never played more than three ends at one time. By Sunday morning they were old pros. The final was won by the April Weatherbee team from Portage over another Portage team skipped by Jayde Curley.
We had great competition in the competitive bracket, with many great games, and many surprises. Mikey Juszczyk, in his turn as skip, led his rink to the third-event crown over his brother Tommy and the rest of the Blake Morton team from Madison. The Ryan Johnston rink from Waupaca beat a team from Portage skipped by Katie Dubberstein for the second-event crown. In the first-event final, the team skipped by Wes Cuomo of Kettle Moraine beat Evan Jensen from Medford and his team. Cuomo and his team of Tyler Tylinski, Ethan Heinze and JP Munich won the first event in their first appearance in Green Bay, with a strong showing throughout the weekend. The ’spiel was a great success, with many club members and parents pitching in to make it a truly great event for kids.
The Funny Side
Curl San Diego members recently purchased a refirgerated storage unit for their 64 stones so they don’t have to arrive 12-24 hours before every event to cool the rocks with snow. Submitted photo
Happy hour at Curl San Diego by Marychello Brown, Curl San Diego What’s an arena curling club’s most coveted possession? Well, it’s the B.A.R. of course. Historically, a curling club’s B.A.R. is where you go to celebrate your hard-fought victory, brag about your Kevin Martin-like or your Debbie McCormick-like shot you made in the last end, or to drown your sorrows in a pitcher of beer because you just gave up an eight-ender. Only our B.A.R. is a bit different. You see, our B.A.R. is where we keep our rocks. No, not the ice cubes that go into cocktails, more the 42-pound granite curling rock variety. Oh, this is probably a good time to tell you that a B.A.R. is a Big Arse Refrigerator. Curl San Diego was established in 2006 and we curl on arena ice. Until now, we did not have a B.A.R. to keep our rocks cold. That meant that a volunteer or two would have to show up at the ice rink 12 to 24 hours before every league game, pick-up game or learn-to-curl event to put the rocks on snow. The rocks were carted from their storage locker at the far end of the rink to the Zamboni room. The Zamboni operator would dump a pile of snow on the floor and a volunteer(s) would have to shovel the snow into a long pile along a wall within the Zamboni room. The snow would then be covered with plastic sheeting and the stones would be placed on top. All 64 of them. Every time we curl. Oh, when we are
done curling, we have to put them all back in their storage locker. Can you say, dedication? I mean, you’ve really got to want to curl to go through this every week! That’s why we’re really excited about acquiring our new B.A.R. While we still have to take the rocks out to the playing surface and put them away after we’re done, we no longer have to show up the day before to shovel snow. No offense to our friends in the north or the east, but here in San Diego we don’t do that thing called “winter” and we just prefer not to shovel snow. Curl San Diego’s club president, Francesca Somma, was able to score a killer deal on a very slightly used walk-in cooler. After a lot of hard work, she located our B.A.R. in Los Angeles. Francesca and I braved the trip in a borrowed Prius (which ran out of gas on the freeway, by the way) to “see the goods” and make the final decision. They arranged to have it delivered to San Diego, and worked with Iceoplex General Management Pierre Dufour to allow the club to install the B.A.R. Personally, I still long for the day that Curl San Diego gets a B.A.R. that I can order a pitcher of microbrew or a Caesar for one of my Canadian friends in. In the meantime, we (and our backs) are really happy to have our B.A.R. and appreciate all of Francesca’s hard work. Now, if we can just figure out how to not show up early to set the hacks, hang the scoreboards and pebble the ice.
8
MAY 2011
Curling News UNITED STATES
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
Continued evolution of USCA a major discussion topic by Rick Patzke, Associate Editor
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his summer, many U.S. Curling Association (USCA) representatives will be showing up at various summerspiels to enjoy the games and camaraderie, but also to share information about significant changes being proposed for how the national organization is structured and operates. They’ll also be keenly interested in hearing what individual USCA members have to say about how they think the USCA should operate. This is, after all, your national organization. These “Town Hall” meetings will be publicized as far in advance as possible, and some may be scheduled separate from summerspiels to provide opportunities to share information and listen to feedback in areas where there may not be curling on the summer calendar. The USCA convened a governance task force in September 2010 to thoroughly look at the USCA’s current organizational structure, and to come back to the Board of Directors by the recent spring meeting with any recommended changes. The task force met several times, both in person and by conference call, including with consultants who helped review best practices for non-profit organizations. The group also reached out to other Olympic sport governing bodies, the Canadian Curling Association and World Curling Federation. The task force’s proposals sought to incorporate all that was learned while shaping an organizational model that would work best to help curling prosper in the U.S. In elevator-ride length mode, here are the essential reasons for the proposed changes, and desired outcomes: “The USCA needs to continue to evolve in order to best serve its members as well as enhance and manage relationships with various partners and funders. In 53 years, the organization has grown from running a single national championship to now overseeing a dozen or more a year, plus trying to fulfill the growth and development needs of 165 clubs and 16,000 members, and select and train Olympic teams. The USCA needs to strategically function more like a business than a volunteer-run association.” If you’re interested in learning more, please read on for a little more detail about what is being proposed and why. Please see the sidebar article on the abbreviated history of the USCA for additional background information that may be helpful as you consider these proposals. Now and the future The USCA currently has a volunteer-based Board of Directors with 28 members. Eighteen are elected directly by the USCA states/ regions (there are 11, plus an “At-Large” group); six are elected by the Athletes Advisory Council (AAC); two are board-elected; one is appointed by the U.S. Women’s Curling Association, and one is a World Curling Federation represen-
tative with voice but no vote. The USCA also has a staff of six fulltime employees in the national office. The Board is a “working board,” with the officers and many others doing a lot of hands-on operational work and daily planning and program development, in conjunction with the staff, which is led by a chief operating officer. There is a myriad of committees, something like 30. The actual voting members of the USCA are the states/regions. The new structure being proposed would feature a Board of Directors of up to 15 people, with a chairman as the only officer. The board would hire a chief executive officer who would be charged with taking policy and broad direction from the board, jointly developing a strategic plan, and overseeing the organization to meet the stated mission and objectives. The board would be much more big-picture focused, and also fundraising oriented. The proposed new board would have seven directors elected by the curling clubs who are members of the Member’s Assembly, three elected by the AAC, and five who would be board-elected. There would be five committees, including a nominating committee consisting of five members who would be ineligible to also serve on the board. Of the seven Assembly-elected directors, the proposal calls for at least one to be an individual member of an arena-based curling club; one an individual member of a large curling club (500+ members), and one an individual member of a small curling club (less than 500 members). Besides serving as the voting body for the seven memberelected directors, the Member’s Assembly would also be an annual gathering of information, education and idea sharing for all USCA member clubs. The five board-elected directors—also termed independent directors—would be chosen based on the skill sets and particular abilities desired to help fulfill the mission of the USCA. They would not necessarily be people who are not curlers. The definition of “independent” means, among other things, that these directors are not currently holding an office in a curling club or state/region, or are employed by or doing business with the USCA. While the states/regions would not hold the voting power anymore, they would still have a powerful purpose in organizing state/regional championship events and continuing to provide the many services several already do to their clubs, such as individual curler and club development. The above is just a brief overview of current proposals, and please understand that the summerlong communication period is meant to share more information, gather feedback, and fine-tune the proposals to help shape the best possible structure for the USCA going forward. Your regional USCA representatives were part of a Board of Directors discussion of the pro-
A brief history of the USCA: Here is a much abbreviated history of the USCA that may provide some useful background for the discussions about the evolution of the organization. Fifty-three years ago, the U.S. Curling Association’s roots were planted in the form of the U.S. Men’s Curling Association. It was preceded by the U.S. Women’s Curling Association, founded in 1946. When founded in 1958, the primary mission of the U.S. Men’s Curling Association was to organize and finance a men’s national championship. By 1985, the organization had evolved into the USCA was also supporting a junior men’s national championship and mixed championship, as well contributing to a national curling publication. The USCA’s evolution continued with the establishment of a national office and hiring of David Garber as the first executive director in 1985. The office became a national clearinghouse for membership development information, and also initiated a club liability insurance program. The USCA started a junior women’s national championship in 1987, and also assumed the operation of the women’s national championship at about that same time. This included taking on the costs of running these events as well as the housing and transportation expenses for the 17 state/regional championship teams competing at this time in the women’s and junior women’s nationals. posed changes at their annual spring meeting in late April, so please consider reaching out to them if you would like to learn more details. Reasons to evolve The current USCA: • Has a scope of responsibilities well beyond the original purpose of the organization, which was to organize and conduct championships between its members, the state and regional associations. • Is struggling to achieve a balanced representative model with the growth of curling in non-traditional geographic areas. • Lacks a focused and effective program for long-term fundraising. • Has a convoluted structure
The progression of the USCA took another leap forward in 1987, with affiliated sports organization membership in the U.S. Olympic Committee. This allowed U.S. curlers to compete in the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics, where curling was a demonstration sport in both locations. The USOC membership also gave the USCA access to over $60,000 in grants that funded Curl America development programs. According to USCA records, in 1985 the organization was spending around $20,000 annually on what was termed member services. This increased to $300,000 by 1995, a year when USCA dues were $8 per household head and $3 for additional household members, and membership stood at around 10,000. In 2010, the USCA spent $472,000 on “growth and support,” which incorporates all member services and promotion and development programs. In 1992, curling became a full-medal Olympic sport, and the USCA became the National Governing Body in 1994, meaning that the organization took on the responsibility of overseeing the Olympic program. In the fall of 1996, the USCA hired its first Member Services manager and communications manager. At the start of the 2001-02 season, there were 119 clubs listed as USCA members. Today, three Olympics later, there are 165. Since 2001-02, USA Curling’s membership has grown 49 percent. with blurred lines between the volunteer board duties and employed staff duties. • Is disconnected with clubs and individual curlers. • Is limited in its ability to attract directors with specific talents and experiences that can help develop a more effective and financially healthy organization. Any new organizational model will need to maintain the best of the volunteerism that helps curling thrive throughout the nation. It will also need to promote professionalism—both in operations and policy making—that a National Governing Body in the U.S. Olympic movement is expected to achieve.
Camp Calendar The following USA Curling camps are on tap this summer and fall: JUNE • Wheelchair Curling Camp, June 2-5, Green Bay Curling Club, Green Bay, Wis. • Level I and II instructor clinic, June 18, Oakland, Calif. • Adult skills camp, June 18, Oakland, Calif. JULY • Youth Olympic Games playdown preparation camp, July 19-20, Capital Curling Club, Bismarck, N.D. • Green Bay Junior Camp, Green Bay
Curling Club, Green Bay, Wis. AUGUST • GNCC Junior Camp, Aug. 11-14, Bucks County Curling Club, Warminster, Penn. • Rice Lake Junior Camp, Aug. 19-21, Rice Lake, Wis. OCTOBER • No Boundaries Junior Camp and Bonspiel, Oct. 21-24, Capital Curling Club, Bismarck, N.D. To learn more about any of the above camps, visit the USA Curling website at www.usacurl.org or call the office at 888287-5377.
Curling News
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
UNITED STATES
MAY 2011
9
Washington continues mixed dominance by Terry Kolesar, Editor
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he Granite Curling Club’s Brady Clark rink continues to build upon its mixed curling dynasty as the Washington team defeated Alaska, 6-5, on March 26 to win the 2011 USA Curling Mixed National Championship in Midland, Mich. This is the eighth U.S. mixed title from Brady Clark and wife Cristin Clark (Lynnwood, Wash.), third win for Phil Tilker (Seattle) and seventh title for Bev Walter (Seattle). Earlier this season, the Clarks won their second mixed doubles title and also represented the U.S. at the upcoming World Mixed Doubles Championship in April at the St. Paul Curling Club. “It was a great event with great competition,” Brady Clark said. “The final was a well-played game, and Alaska was a great opponent. We are thankful to have won this championship.” Alaska’s team of Steve Shuttleworth, Kaye Hufman, Greg Persinger and Cathy Shuttleworth (all of Fairbanks) fell behind 20 at the start of the match. Alaska tied the game with a steal in the fourth to which Washington countered with a deuce to take a 4-2 halftime lead. Washington held Alaska
Team leader, coach info for Youth Olympics available Information relating to the selection of coach and team leaders positions for the 2012 Youth Olympic Winter Games is available on the USA Curling website at www.usacurl.org for those interested in applying. The playdown to determine Team USA will take place in November. A camp to assist in preparing teams for the playdown is scheduled July 19-20 in Bismarck.
2011 USA Curling Mixed National champions (l-r) Brady Clark, Cristin Clark, Phil Tilker and Bev Walter of Seattle’s Granite Curling Club. Submitted photo
to a single in the sixth and then scored another deuce to keep control of the match. After being limited to yet another single in the ninth, Alaska needed to steal two in the 10th to try to force an extra end. The 2004 mixed champion
Shuttleworth stole one, but it wasn’t enough as Washington’s Clark rink claimed its eighth title in 10 years. Maryland’s Scott Edie rink held off a late rally by Ohio’s Robb Borland to win the bronze-medal
match, 10-7, in an extra end. Edie (Middletown, Md.) and his team of Jennifer Atkinson (Harwood, Md.), Sean Murray (Edgewood, Md.) and Rebecca Baxter Erickson (Wheaton, Md.) quickly built a 4-0 lead over Ohio. Borland (Kent, Ohio) and his team of Else Festerson (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio), Matt Dolloff (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) and Julia DiBaggio (Garfield Heights, Ohio) started to battle back in the third end as they scored a deuce and then stole three points over the next two ends to take a 5-4 advantage. Maryland countered with a deuce and a steal to pull ahead once again, 7-5, after eight ends. Ohio was held to a single in the ninth but stole the 10th to force an extra end. Maryland would clinch the bronze medal by hanging three points on the scoreboard in the 11th.
San Francisco 49ers embrace curling
2011 U.S. Mixed National Championship March 19-26, Midland, Mich. Washington 8-1 Alaska 7-2 Maryland 5-4 Minnesota 5-4 Ohio 5-4 Wisconsin 5-4 Illinois 4-5 Arizona 3-6 North Dakota 2-7 Colorado 1-8 Tiebreakers: Ohio 002 020 200 3 – 9 *Minnesota 110 101 022 0 – 8 *Maryland Wisconsin
200 001 010 2 – 6 000 210 001 0 – 4 Semifinals: *Washington 332 02x xxx x – 10 Ohio 000 00x xxx x – 0 *Alaska Maryland
221 102 3xx x – 11 000 020 0xx x – 2 Bronze medal: Ohio 002 120 001 10 – 7 *Maryland 310 000 210 03 – 10 Championship Final: *Washington 110 020 020 0 – 6 Alaska 001 101 001 1 – 5 Gold: Brady Clark, Cristin Clark, Philip Tilker, Bev Walter Silver: Steve Shuttleworth, Kaye Hufman, Greg Persinger, Cathy Shuttleworth Bronze: Scott Edie, Jennifer Atkinson, Sean Murray, Rebecca Baxter Erickson Fourth: Robb Borland, Else Festersen, Matthew Dolloff, Julia DiBaggio Most U.S. Mixed National Championship titles by a skip: 8 – Brady Clark (2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002) 2 – 8 other skips tied with 2 titles apiece Most U.S. Mixed National Championship titles by region (since 1975): 11 – Washington & Wisconsin 5 – Minnesota 4 – North Dakota 2 – Colorado 1 – Alaska, Great Lakes, Illinois, Grand National
Hall of Fame nominations sought
2010 Olympians Tracy Sachtjen and John Benton recently led a curling demonstration at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe as part of the San Francisco 49ers Winterfest, a major fundraiser for the 49ers Foundation. Sachtjen and Benton teamed up with 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and General Manager Trent Baalke to play in the first-ever 49ers Bonspiel (Sachtjen won). Rocks and equipment were provided by the Wine Country Curling Club. Club member Jerome Larson assisted with the two curling demonstrations and logistics. The Oympians were invited to the Winterfest by the event organizers and treated to a weekend of skiing and other activities at the Resort at Squaw Creek. Videos of the curling demonstration and other activities can be viewed online at www.49ers.com/community/winter-fest.html. Photos by Terrell Lloyd
Nominations are now being accepted for the USA Curling Hall of Fame. Curlers can be nominated in three categories: curler, builder or curler/builder based on the candidate’s contributions to the sport. Nomination paperwork can be found online at www.usacurl.org/goodcurling. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2011. Submit supporting information to the USA Curling office via e-mail to Dawn Leurquin at dawn.leurquin@usacurl.org, via fax at 715-344-2279 or by mail to 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482. Selection is determined by the Athlete/Curler Recognition Committee.
10
MAY 2011
Curling News UNITED STATES
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
U.S. ladies finish seventh at Worlds in Denmark by Terry Kolesar, Editor
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atti Lank and Team USA finished the week defeating the top-seeded and eventual champions from Sweden to finish in seventh place at the 2011 Capital One World Women’s Curling Championship at Granly Hockey Arena. With the win, Lank (Lewiston, N.Y.) and teammates Debbie McCormick (Rio, Wis.), Jessica Schultz (Richfield, Minn.), Caitlin Maroldo (Rochester, N.Y.) and Mackenzie Lank (Lewiston, N.Y.) finish with a 6-5 record after defeating Sweden, 8-3. “That’s the way we’re supposed to play,” Lank said after the win. To sum up the week, Lank said the team played “hot and cold.” The team used multiple lineups, including threetime Olympian McCormick, who came into the tournament as the alternate, in an effort to find the best combination on the ice to position themselves for a shot at a medal. “It was good when we all finally got on the same page,” said Lank, who has now played in five world championships. “I wish we had one more game. I wish I could take back that shot against Scotland.” Lank missed an open takeout in the USA’s third game of the tournament that may have haunted the team. “We’re disappointed that we didn’t medal, but we
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Five-time U.S. champion Patti Lank releases a stone as Jessica Schultz (left) and Mackenzie Lank, Patti’s 16-year-old daughter, prepare to sweep during action at the 2011 Capital One World Women’s Championship in Denmark. Photo by Leslie Ingram-Brown
feel like we represented the U.S. very well,” said McCormick, a three-time Olympian and 2003 world champion. Anette Norberg’s Swedish team clinched a playoff spot and a spot in the Page 1-2 game prior to the round robin finale against the Americans. Although the scoreboard indicates a large win, the way the match began, it looked to be a Swedish rout after a sloppy first end by the Americans. Lank made a double takeout with her last rock to cut Sweden down to three points. USA straightened up in the second end, but Sweden continued to dominate as Lank was forced to draw through a port to the button for one. “I was a little scared after the first end. I think it got us all mad and we knuckled down,” Lank said. “We know we can play against any of these teams out here and do well.” Multiple misses by the Americans in the fourth end nearly became a disaster until an end-saving comearound draw to the fourfoot by McCormick stayed as shot rock for the rest of the end to result in a steal of one. USA got a stone buried on the button in the fifth end that Norberg missed with her first toss. Lank drew around the stones at the top of the house to stick a second rock onto the U.S. stone. Norberg moved one out but gave up a steal of one and the game was tied 3-3. USA played a solid sixth end that was capped with Lank making a perfect angle-tap to promote the U.S. stone into shot position leaving 14 rocks in play. Norberg simply threw her last rock away to concede the steal as there was
no shot available for her to attempt. USA was lying four when Sweden’s vice skip Cissi Ostlund tried to draw into the fourfoot, but left her shot short of the target in the seventh end. Lank guarded the U.S. bounty with Norberg attempting a tap-back to cut it to three with USA vice skip Caitlin Maroldo (above) keeps an her first eye on a stone sliding down the ice. Alternate stone. Lank Debbie McCormick (left) delivers a stone during guarded round robin action. McCormick, a three-time again and Olympian, played in seven games in various posiNorberg’s tions as the American ladies rotated players. Photos by Leslie Ingram-Brown second tapback failed and the U.S. stole three 2010 Olympic Winter more points. Games. The U.S. has one In the eighth, Lank made women’s world champia takeout to leave four U.S. onship title to its credit with rocks in scoring position. McCormick earning the Norberg stuck her stone in gold in 2003. the top eight-foot, but Lank “My goal coming in here clogged the easy route to as an alternate was to be the the four-foot with a center ‘go-to’ girl for the team. guard. The end result was Whatever they needed from another steal for the U.S. so me, I was willing to be Sweden opted to end the there and to be upbeat,” match and start preparing McCormick said. “I was for the playoffs. happy to be able to conThat last playoff appeartribute in whatever way I ance for the U.S. women could, and getting on the was in 2007 in Japan, when ice was a bonus. We hung the Americans finished in there, and I am incredifourth. Norberg’s last world bly proud of these girls. I championship title was in know from experience that 2006 when she defeated it isn’t always easy to make McCormick in Grande line-up changes, and these Prairie, Alberta. However, girls handled it so well. Norberg won the gold They came in here with medal in Vancouver at the goal of winning a world
2011 World Women’s Championship March 19-27, Esbjerg, Denmark Round Robin Sweden 9-2 China 8-3 Denmark 7-4 Canada 7-4 Switzerland 7-4 Russia 6-5 USA 6-5 Germany 5-6 Scotland 4-7 Norway 3-8 Korea 2-9 Czech Republic 2-9 Playoffs: Tiebreaker: Switzerland 000 201 030 0 – 6 *Canada 021 020 200 1 – 8 Page 1-2 Game: *Sweden 100 100 310 1 – 7 China 001 012 002 0 – 6 Page 3-4 Game: *Denmark 102 002 002 00 – 7 Canada 020 110 020 13 – 10 Semifinal: *China 200 001 002 0 – 5 Canada 001 120 200 2 – 8 Bronze-Medal Game: Denmark 102 001 030 20 – 9 *China 020 310 102 01 – 10 Gold-Medal Game: *Sweden 101 010 101 2 – 7 Canada 000 301 010 0 – 5 Gold: Sweden Silver: Canada Bronze: China Fourth: Denmark Frances Brodie Sportsmanship Award Recipient: Henriette Lovar, Norway USA games: Switzerland 5, USA 3 USA 7, Denmark 6 Scotland 7, USA 6 Russia 11, USA 4 USA 9, Germany 4 USA 8, Korea 6 Canada 9, USA 6 USA 6, Norway 5 China 14, USA 5 USA 6, Czech Republic 4 USA 8, Sweden 3 USA team percentage & rank: Team, 73% (T-9) Skip, Patti Lank, 71% (10th) Vice skip, Caitlin Maroldo, 66% (12th) Second, Jessica Schultz, 72% (T-10) Lead, Mackenzie Lank, 82% (4th) Alternate, Debbie McCormick, 73% (7 games played) Most World Women’s Championship titles by nation: 15 – Canada 8 – Sweden 2 – Norway, Germany, Switzerland 1 – USA, Scotland, Denmark, China Most overall medals, World Women’s Championship (since 1979): 28 – Canada (15 gold, 6 silver, 7 bronze) 21 – Sweden (8 gold, 6 silver, 7 bronze) 13 – Norway (2 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze) 10 – Scotland (1 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze) 9 – Switzerland (2 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze) 8 – Germany (2 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze) & Denmark (1 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze) 6 – USA (1 gold, 5 silver) 3 – China (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze)
championship and doing whatever it took to do that.” Sweden went on to defeat Canada, 7-5, to earn the gold medal. China went to an extra end to defeat host Denmark, 10-9, to earn the bronze medal. The 2012 Ford World Women’s Curling Championship will take place March 17-25 in Lethbridge, Alberta.
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
Curling News UNITED STATES
MAY 2011
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U.S. men finish 10th at 2011 Worlds by Terry Kolesar, Editor
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hat a difference a year makes. A year ago in Cortina, Italy, Pete Fenson and Team USA’s record was 8-3 and they were prepping for a run in the playoffs. Fast forward a year and in an odd turn of events, the Americans finished the week in Regina, Saskatchewan, at the Brandt Center with the record in reverse as the round robin came to a close at the 2011 Ford World Men’s Championship. Fenson (Bemidji, Minn.) and teammates Shawn Rojeski (Chisholm, Minn.), Joe Polo (Duluth, Minn.) and Ryan Brunt (Bemidji, Minn.) were trying to play spoiler in the round robin finale as Thomas Dufour’s France rink sought a spot in the playoffs for France for the first time since 1973. It would the French men, with Tony Angiboust throwing last rocks, smiling as the final stone was thrown to convert a double takeout for the 97 victory. With the loss, the U.S. finishes with a 3-8 record, which equates to 10th place in the field of 12 teams. “I told the guys tonight to have a good time out there. We can’t win the bonspiel, but we can win the game. There’s a big crowd, we’re here, go out and have a little fun and see what we can do,” Fenson said. “It was fun for awhile. It was a hard game, which is what you expect, but we tried to enjoy ourselves the most we could, and we’ll go like crazy to try to get back here again.” With the win, France moved on to play Norway in a tiebreaker match, which they lost 5-4. For the Americans, the end of the round robin brought the completion of a frustrating week battling the ice. “Same deal, we missed a few draws early and we just didn’t pick up the ice fast enough again and missed a few shots because of it. That’s kind of the tale of the whole week,” Fenson said after the game. “The ice is good; we just didn’t get it every game. We didn’t have a perfect line on some hits and didn’t have the perfect speed on some draws. We made some, obviously, but weren’t as sharp
It was a week of frustrations for Team USA in Regina at the 2011 Men’s World Championship as shows on the faces of Ryan Brunt (l-r), Shawn Rojeski and Joe Polo. Fenson (below) calls the line for Brunt and Rojeski. Photos by Leslie Ingram-Brown
as we had to be, and that’s it. We were trying, working hard trying to get it, and just never really, really got it. Tonight was not all that different. The French played great, too. They made the shots they had to make, and that was it.” France stole the first two ends as they capitalized on misses by the Americans. After the U.S. earned a single in the third, the game nearly got put out of reach in the fourth end as France had an opportunity to score four or five points. The U.S. escaped as Angiboust’s first stone slid too deep and left a pocket for Fenson to place his final stone in. Angiboust’s in-off jammed, and the Americans stole a point to tie the game. France countered with a deuce, and then capitalized on a heavy draw by Fenson in the sixth to steal one and extend the lead, 5-2.
Rojeski (left) and Polo sweep for Brunt during round robin play in Regina. Seven-time U.S. champ Fenson (right) delivers a stone. Photos by Leslie Ingram-Brown
2011 World Men’s Championship April 2-10, Regina, Saskatchewan Round Robin Canada 10-1 Scotland 9-2 Sweden 7-4 Norway 7-4 France 7-4 Germany 6-5 Switzerland 6-5 Czech Republic 5-6 China 4-7 USA 3-8 Korea 2-9 Denmark 0-11 Playoffs: Tiebreaker: Norway 000 020 011 01 – 5 *France 001 100 100 10 – 4 Page 1-2 Game: Scotland 000 020 000 x – 2 *Canada 020 001 011 x – 5 Page 3-4 Game: Sweden 100 001 00x x – 2 *Norway 031 210 00x x – 7 Semifinal: *Scotland 201 010 002 01 – 7 Norway 020 102 000 10 – 6 Bronze-Medal Game: *Norway 100 200 102 0 – 6 Sweden 021 001 020 1 – 7 Gold-Medal Game: Scotland 002 101 001 x – 5 *Canada 100 030 020 x – 6 Gold: Canada Silver: Scotland Bronze: Sweden Fourth: Norway Colin Campbell Sportsmanship Award Recipient: Thomas Ulsrud, Norway USA games: USA 7, Denmark 4 Switzerland 6, USA 4 Sweden 11, USA 2 Germany 5, USA 4 Canada 5, USA 3 USA 8, Czech Republic 4 Norway 7, USA 6 USA 8, Korea 4 China 5, USA 4 Scotland 7, USA 6 France 9, USA 7
USA nearly tied the game in the seventh but the measurement for three went in favor of France. A failed runback by Dufour removed the French shot rock and gave the Americans control in the eighth end. But, Fenson gave the French an easy escape route when his last rock slid to the back of the eight-foot. Angiboust converted an in-off shot from the weeds to score two and take a 7-4 lead. A couple of misses by the French led to a takeout for three for the Americans to tie the game in the ninth end. Trying to do what several teams did to them this week, the U.S. aimed to steal the 10th end and the win. Fenson positioned his first stone into shot rock by nudging the French rock into the eight-foot. With 35 seconds left on the game clock, Fenson slid out of the hack with his final stone of the tournament, drawing into the back of the four-foot. Angiboust made the double takeout to win the game. Canada’s Jeff Stoughton rink went on to defeat Scotland’s Tom Brewster team, 6-5, to win the gold medal. Sweden’s Niklas Edin defeated Norway’s Thomas Ulsrud, 7-6, to earn the bronze. Four games from the 2011 Men’s Worlds are available for viewing online by visiting the Universal Sports website and looking under the video links for curling. The 2012 World Men’s Curling Championship will take place March 31-April 8 in Basel, Switzerland.
USA team percentage & rank: Team, 81% (7th) Skip, Pete Fenson, 77% (8th) Vice skip, Shawn Rojeski, 78% (8th) Second, Joe Polo, 85% (2nd) Lead, Ryan Brunt, 84% (6th) Most World Men’s Championship titles by nation: 33 – Canada 5 – Sweden & Scotland 4 – USA 3 – Switzerland & Norway Most overall medals, World Men’s Championship (since 1959): 47 – Canada (33 gold, 8 silver, 6 bronze) 31 – Scotland (5 gold, 19 silver, 7 bronze) 21 – USA (4 gold, 5 silver, 12 bronze) 17 – Sweden (5 gold, 6 silver, 6 bronze) 16 – Switzerland (3 gold, 6 silver, 7 bronze) & Norway (3 gold, 4 silver, 9 bronze) 10 – Germany (5 silver, 5 bronze) 2 – Finland and Denmark (2 bronze each) 1 – France (1 bronze)
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MAY 2011
Curling News UNITED STATES
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
American men earn silver at 2011 World Seniors by Terry Kolesar, Editor
2011 World Senior Men’s Championship Round Robin Group A: USA 6-0 England 4-2 Scotland 4-2 Hungary 3-3 Japan 3-3 France 1-5 Netherlands 0-6
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n true dramatic fashion, the men’s goldmedal game went into an extra end as Team USA lost on the last rock to Canada, 5-4, April 23 at the 2011 World Senior Championships at the St. Paul Curling Club. Canada’s women also won the gold by defeating Sweden, 9-2. Geoff Goodland’s final stone of the extra end was heavy and hung out, slipping to the back of the house to give Canada’s Mark Johnson the win. Goodland (Eau Claire, Wis.) and teammates Tim Solin (Mahtomedi, Minn.), Pete Westberg (Naperville, Ill.), Ken Olson (Plymouth, Minn.) and Phil DeVore (Superior, Wis.) take home the silver. “I was surprised at how fast the first four ends went. Both teams played really well, and the fans had a lot of fun watching it. While we would have liked to won the gold, we played really well,” Olson said. “To play that well in a gold-medal game, you can’t ask for anything more other 2011 World Senior Women’s Championship Round Robin Canada 10-0 USA 8-2 Sweden 7-3 Switzerland 7-3 Scotland 6-4 Czech Republic 4-6 Japan 4-6 Ireland 3-7 Russia 2-8 New Zealand 2-8 England 2-8
Switzerland *Canada *USA Sweden
Semifinal: 001 012 10 – 5 010 300 02 – 6 010 300 01 – 5 002 021 20 – 7
Bronze-Medal Game: *USA 110 100 10 – 4 Switzerland 001 021 01 – 5 Gold-Medal Game: *Canada 304 002 xx – 9 Sweden 000 110 xx – 2 USA round robin results: Switzerland 7, USA 5 USA 10, England 2 USA 8, Ireland 2 Canada 5, USA 2 USA 8, Sweden 3 USA 8, Czech Republic 3 USA 8, Russia 1 USA 9, Scotland 3 USA 7, Netherlands 1 USA 16, Japan 4 Most World Women’s Championship titles by nation: 7 – Canada 2 – Sweden 1 – Scotland Most overall medals, World Senior Women’s Championship (since 2002): 9 – Canada (7 gold, 2 silver) 7 – Sweden (2 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze) 6 – Switzerland (4 silver, 2 bronze) 3 – Scotland (1 gold, 2 silver) & USA (3 bronze) 1 – Japan (1 silver) & England (1 bronze)
Group B: Canada 6-0 Denmark 5-1 Germany 4-2 Sweden 3-3 Finland 2-4 Czech Republic 0-6
USA’s team of Geoff Goodland (l-r), Tim Solin, Pete Westberg, Ken Olson and Phil DeVore captured silver at the 2011 World Senior Championships in St. Paul. The U.S. ladies finished fourth. Photo by Leslie Ingram-Brown
than getting the gold. I have no regrets from this weekend.” This was the seventh gold medal for the Canadian men. “That was a great game. It was so close all the way,” Johnson said. “With good shots being made by both teams all the way, it was one of those games that you didn’t know who was going to win it. The pressure was on quite a bit and stealing the point in the extra at the end there was very fortunate.” The American ladies, led by Margie Smith (Shoreview, Minn.), fell to Switzerland’s Chantal Forrer, 5-4, in the bronzemedal game to finish fourth. “This is disappointing. We had a good week and after finishing second in the round robin we figured we would be at least two or three,” Smith said. This was the first bronze medal for this particular Swiss skip but overall the Swiss have won six medals at Senior Worlds. “It’s paradise on Earth – it’s brilliant,” said Swiss Skip Chantal Forrer after the game. “Especially after this morning’s game where we lost by so little. The Americans played very well. It was a good game.” Smith and teammates Debbie Dexter (St. Paul, Minn.), Shelley Kosal (Edgerton, Wis.), Sally Barry (Eagan, Minn.) and Rachel Orvik (Shoreview, Minn.) finish the week with an 8-4 overall record. The U.S. ladies took an early advantage with a steal in the second end. They would add to the scoreboard when Smith drew for a single in the fourth end to extend the lead to 3-1. Switzerland earned a deuce in the fifth and stole a single in the sixth. The U.S. ladies were forced to a sin-
gle in the seventh end to tie the game. Trying to steal the final end, Smith tried to tuck her last stone behind a corner guard to force the Swiss to make their final shot but she came up short of the house. “It was really close, just a shot here or there. We had a couple of missed opportunities and that’s all it takes,” Smith said. “They played really well. There’s always next year.” The U.S. men earned a deuce to start the game as Johnson tried to freeze his final stone to the U.S. rock in the four-foot, but was a little too heavy and there was plenty of separation between the stones to give Goodland a takeout for two. After blanking the second end, Canada finally got the deuce set up in the third to tie the game. A triple takeout by Johnson, the 50-year-old police officer from Edmonton, Alberta, in the fifth end forced the U.S. to make a hit for a single. The teams exchanged singles as both teams continued to shoot well. In the eighth end, Canada covered the button with a stone frozen behind
it early in the end. Solin was able to shift the rocks with a runback that opened things up around the fourfoot. Goodland had an opportunity to take possession of the button with his first throw but he wrecked on the guard. With two stones already in scoring position around the button, Johnson used his first stone to put a guard at the top of the 12-foot to congest the route even further for the U.S. Goodland used that rock in the top of the house to run it back and spilled out one of the shot rocks. Needing two points to win, Johnson tried to draw into second position, but wrecked at the top of the house to force overtime. With the hammer back, the U.S. had a chance to win, but Goodland’s final stone sank too deep and Canada stole the gold. “In the extra end we had our opportunities. Geoff made a nice double and they made a great draw to the back of the four, and we just came down a little heavy but it was a lot of fun out there,” Olson said. Australia’s Hugh Millikin earned the bronze medal by defeating Denmark, 8-5.
Group C: Switzerland 6-0 Australia 5-1 New Zealand 4-2 Ireland 3-3 Wales 2-4 Russia 1-5 Latvia 0-6 Quarterfinals: USA 011 300 1x – 6 *New Zealand 100 010 0x – 2 *England Australia
101 010 01 – 4 020 102 00 – 5
*Switzerland Denmark
001 000 3x – 4 010 121 0x – 5
*Canada Scotland
310 200 3x – 9 001 020 0x – 3
Australia *Canada
Semifinal: 000 100 xx – 1 311 033 xx – 11
Denmark *USA
010 100 xx – 2 402 041 xx – 11
Bronze-Medal Game: Denmark 001 101 020 – 5 *Australia 010 020 203 – 8
Canada *USA
Gold-Medal Game: 002 010 011 – 5 200 101 000 – 4
USA round robin results: USA 8, Japan 6 USA 7, England 2 USA 12, Netherlands 3 USA 5, France 2 USA 11, Scotland 3 USA 8, Hungary 7 Most World Senior Men’s Championship titles by nation: 7 – Canada 2 – USA 1 – Scotland Most overall medals, World Senior Men’s Championship (since 2002): 10 – Canada (7 gold, 3 silver) 9 – USA (2 gold, 6 silver, 1 bronze) 4 – Sweden (1 silver, 3 bronze) 3 – Scotland (1 gold, 2 bronze) 2 – Switzerland (2 bronze) & Australia (2 bronze)
The American ladies finished fourth after a close bronze-medal game with Switzerland. Team members included (l-r) Margie Smith, Debbie Dexter, Rachel Orvik, Sally Barry and Shelly Kosal. Photo by Leslie Ingram-Brown
Curling News
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
MAY 2011
UNITED STATES
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Championship hosts needed; Senior Nationals dates moved up in the calendar by Jim Pleasants, Vice President of Championships
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hampionship sites are still needed for the coming year. Please consider hosting any of the following: Club Nationals, Mixed National Championship, Men’s Nationals Qualifiers (East and Midwest), Men’s and Women’s Nationals Challenge Round, and Senior Women’s Nationals. This year, we will be putting an emphasis on working with host site’s icemakers to bring out the best that your facility can be during the championship. National icemaker Dave Staveteig and his crew can pass on valuable techniques to
a host site, which will continue to pay dividends long after the championship is done. Most of all, hosting is a good time with curlers from across the country spending time in your club and community. To find out more about hosting, contact site chair Lynita Delaney, ilhrlynita@aol.com. Playdown fees Registration fees will be increased $30 per team for club, mixed, mixed doubles, and seniors. This is to allow for increased reimbursement for ice usage to the host sites ($250 per day up to a maximum of $1,000), and for more help with ice prep as previously noted. Senior Nationals The date for Senior Nationals
will be earlier this year (Nov. 30 –Dec. 4 for the men; Dec. 2-4 for the women, depending on entries). This change will free up more time in the peak championship season and will eliminate a conflict that has made it impossible for senior competitors to coach junior teams. Kudos to our seniors who have been distinguishing themselves at world play. We have also voted to provide a bit more financial help for our U.S. senior teams, using a portion of the entry fees to partially reimburse the teams traveling to the Senior Worlds. Officials The following officials have completed all requirements for recognition and have been certified
as Level III officials: Joe Roberts, Mary Pat Shandor, and Mike Kirkeby. We thank them for their hard work. Youth Olympic Games The newest World event, a mixed competition for younger curlers (16-17) is also the earliest competition. Our U.S. team for the 2012 Youth Olympic Winter Games will be selected at a playdown to be held approximately Nov. 17-20 (depending on number of entries), at a site to be determined. Plan ahead for the early sign-up deadline of Oct. 27. Check the USCA website for more details about the competition, and about the special camp in Bismarck this summer for interested young curlers.
Learn more about the high performance plan by Rick Patzke, Associate Editor
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n March, new USCA Director of High Performance Derek Brown and an advisory group put together the 2011-12 High Performance Plan (HPP), which was then presented to the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) for review, additional input and funding considerations. The final plan and implementation is dependent upon USOC approval and available resources, but it is envisioned there will be three separate opportunities for U.S. curlers to access program funding: USCA High Performance National Team Program The United States National Team Program is part of the USCA High Performance Program vision for sustained competitive excellence, and is designed to support our current top elite teams and athletes. Athletes and teams will be invited to become part of the USCA High Performance National Team Program based on performances and results at international and national events during the preceding twoyear period. For the avoidance of doubt for season 2011-12, performances and results from seasons 200910 and 2010-11 will be considered, with the most recent season prioritized. The invitation criteria are being developed in conjunction with USOC high performance personnel. Performances and results from the following may be used to assess prospective athletes and teams: 1. Olympic Winter Games 2. World Championships
3. World Curling Tour 4. U.S. National Championships 5. World Junior Championships The anticipated numbers are as follows: • Season 2011-12 – Up to a maximum of 4 teams (8-20 Athletes) • Season 2012-13 – Up to a maximum of 6 teams (8-30 Athletes) • Season 2013-14 – Up to a maximum of 8 teams (8-40 Athletes) USCA High Performance Project 2018 Program Project 2018 is part of the United States High Performance Curling Program’s long-term vision for sustained competitive excellence. It is aimed at identifying and developing athletes who aspire to become part of the USCA High Performance National Team Program. The World University Games, in addition to the newly formed Youth Olympic Games, provide two key international competitive opportunities through which Project 2018 can earmark support toward long-term competitive success and athlete development. Athletes and teams can be invited to become part of the USCA High Performance Project 2018 Program based on performances and results at international and national events during the preceding twoyear period. For the avoidance of doubt for season 2011-12, performances and results from seasons 200910 and 2010-11 will be considered, with the most recent season prioritized. Performances and results from the following may be used to assess prospective athletes and teams: 1. Olympic Winter Games
2. World Championships 3. World University Games 4. World Junior Championships 5. World Curling Tour 6. U.S. National Championships 7. U.S. National Junior Championships The number of athletes and teams invited to become part of the Project 2018 Program will depend on resources available. The anticipated numbers are as follows: • Season 2011-12 – Up to a maximum of 2 teams (10 Athletes) • Season 2012-13 – Up to a maximum of 4 teams (10-20 Athletes) • Season 2013-14 – Up to a maximum of 4 teams (10-20 Athletes) Athletes and teams who are invited to join the USCA High Performance National Team Program and Project 2018 Program will be expected to make a commitment by abiding by a USCA High Performance athlete contract, designed in conjunction with the USOC. USCA Incentive Funding As with the 2010-11 season, incentive funding would be available to all competitive U.S. teams in three distinct areas (see USCA website for more details), and is in keeping with a joint mission between the USOC and USA Curling to continue to raise levels of international competitive performance. The incentive funding would be available for achieving specified results in World Curling Tour and Sub-Tour events; achieving specified rankings on the end-of-year World Curling Tour Order of Merit, and finishing 1st through 6th (with pro-rated awards) in
the 2012 Women’s and Men’s World Curling Championships. Olympic Trials 2014 Brown and a High Performance Program advisory group have now turned their attention toward drafting the 2014 Olympic Team Selection Procedures, which also must be approved by the U.S. Olympic Committee. Following the recommendations of the review process after the Vancouver 2010 Games, it has been proposed that Olympic Trials be held in the fall of
2013 to select our representatives for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. The format is yet to be decided, but it is anticipated that there would be four to six teams in each event (men and women). It would be an open qualification process for three of the teams, through the National Championships in 2012 and 2013. The fourth team would be invited to participate by the High Performance Advisory Group, following agreed upon criteria.
Congratulations! USWCA Five-Year and Under Bonspiel Central Region Columbus CC - Columbus, Ohio Champions: The Chambers Rink - Utica, NY Erica Chambers, Jennifer Mason, Abby Podgradt and Jennifer Firm USWCA Five-Year and Under Bonspiel Wisconsin Region Wauwatosa Curling Club Wauwatosa, WI Champions: The Dye Rink - Milwaukee, WI Alex Dye, Kevin Moran, Curt Crimmons and Tom Cristinson The USWCA Congratulates The Circuit Winners · Nearly $5,000 was paid to Circuit Winners! · Shelly Pilon from the Exmoor Curling Club was the National Winner · Michele Heinze from Kettle Moraine was the Wisconsin/West Region Winner · Kayla Martin from the Utica Curling Club from the Utica Curling Club was the East Region Winner · 18 USWCA Women Received Prize Money for The Inaugural Circuit Season!
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MAY 2011
Curling News UNITED STATES
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
Without good balance, shotmaking will suffer Editor’s note: Last month Jon Mielke wrote an article titled “The most important line.” It was so well received that we convinced him to be a Curling News regular and will acquire the same appearance fee as Garber, Tuck and a host of other celebrity columnists (characters) featured in these pages. I hope you find his tips useful. Please send feedback directly to Jon at jon.mielke@ndsu.edu. by Jon Mielke, Capital Curling Club
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emember the “ABCs of a good delivery” – alignment, balance, and curl (grip, turn, and release)? In my recent Curling News article, I talked about the most important line on a sheet of curling ice – the invisible line from your hack foot to the skip’s broom. That article was all about alignment. But, proper alignment and a good release cannot occur consistently if the shooter doesn’t have good balance.
Good balance and alignment need to become second nature so the shooter can concentrate on things like weight control. So, how does a person develop good balance? At the outset, I have to tell you that balance is so important that it is going to be the topic of this article plus one in the next Curling News. A good place to start working on balance is with a “dry land” exercise to develop and reinforce a good balanced delivery. If you can’t get into and hold a good, balanced position on a dry floor, how can you expect to do it on ice with a piece of Teflon on your foot? Here is the drill: In the privacy of your own home, stand with your feet shoulder width apart and then take a half-step forward with your slider foot, placing it directly centered in front of your chest. Next, lower your body by extending your non-slider foot directly behind your body, with the leg fully extended, the top of the back foot flat on the floor,
and the sole of that foot facing skyward. Pay special attention to the angles of various parts of the slider foot and leg. The foot should ideally be angled out with the heel under your sternum and the toe pointed slightly to the left (for a right-handed curler). If you can’t get to that position, at least point the toe straight, but definitely not to the right. The portion of your leg from the knee to your ankle should be angled back toward your hips. If it is vertical, it will raise your center of gravity and make it harder to balance. If it is angled forward, you’ll end up doing the splits because your slider will slide out away from your body. Also try to angle the hip-to-knee portion of your leg to the left so your knee moves toward your left armpit. Again, this will allow you to drop your center of gravity lower and make it easier to balance. Make sure that you keep your right hand extended ahead of you – don’t use it for balance. Ideally, you shouldn’t use your left hand
Training Tips From Jon
Jon Mielke, jon.mielke@ndsu.edu Mielke is a Level III instructor, Level III coach & past chairman of the USCA’s Training & Instruction Committee for balance, either, but it is a better alternative than using your right hand. After all, you don’t want to be leaning on the stone or you will get it moving from side to side and messing up your “invisible line” alignment. Get into this position and hold yourself there for 1520 seconds and then gradu-
ally try to raise yourself up. Go through this up and down cycle a few times every day prior to and even during the season. It helps beginning, intermediate, and even experienced curlers develop balance, coordination, flexibility, and leg strength. Once you’re getting into and staying in the proper sliding position on dry land, you’ll be better prepared to take to the ice. Watch for the next issue of the Curling News and more on developing better balance. Ultimately, it will help you hit the broom more consistently, make more shots, win more games, and have more fun. Until next time, good curling! (I had a pleasant e-mail exchange with Jim from St. Paul after my recent article concerning the most important line on a curling sheet. He wanted to know what adjustments could be made to help someone who shoots right-handed but is left-eye dominant. An excellent question – and the topic of a future article. Thanks, Jim!)
Experiment for yourself to see if new broom can make a difference getting to the podium Editor’s note: The following article is brought to you by BroomsUP Curling Supplies, a proud supporter and sponsor of USA Curling. by Megan Suslavich, Nutmeg Curling Club
D
id you know that Gold and Silver Medalists Kevin Martin and Cheryl Bernard were part of a “secret” experiment at the Olympic Games in Vancouver? An experiment conceived and funded several years’ prior under Canada’s “Own the Podium” campaign and through independent research developed by the World Discoveries Technology and Commercialization Group at the University of Western Ontario. Western’s kinesiology and mechanical and materials engineering professor Tom Jenkyn and Olympic Level curling coach Scott Arnold had set out on a simple mission: to find out what really happens when curlers sweep a stone across the ice. Traditional thinking is that friction produces heat and that ice melts in accordance with the pressure and speed of a player’s stroke.
The abrasiveness of the cloth also factors in to help curlers achieve the desired shot, either a straighter path for a hit, or a longer distance for a draw. Using infrared cameras to examine the effects of sweeping on a curling rink, Jenkyn discovered that while heat was being generated, even greater heat transfer would enhance a sweeper’s performance by moving the rock further with the same amount of exertion. With Jenkyn’s patented design, a layer of aluminum acts as an infrared mirror so that when heat is generated by the friction of sweeping, the heat is transferred back onto the ice where it is needed. Ontario-based BalancePlus purchased the exclusive licensing rights to Jenkyn’s technological advancement but took it one step further. Immediately following the Olympics, a concern lingered that the added heat transfer would result in flatter ice. Scott Taylor, VP at BalancePlus, worked in cooperation with Jenkyn to mitigate this concern, commenting “with the EQualizer® technology, we can use a finer, smoother cloth, which makes it overall less abrasive to the pebble than the standard cordura fabric.”
After 10 days of intense ice use by teams from over 20 countries represented at the Worlds Senior and Mixed Doubles Curling Championships in April, St. Paul Curling Club’s head ice technician Jim Dexter claims he “didn’t notice anything that may have hurt our ice during the competition, nothing at all that was out of the ordinary.” At the Ford World Men’s Curling Championship in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, coice technicians Jamie Bourassa and Eric Montford kept a watch over the playing surface, saying afterward, “We haven’t heard a single word of complaint (from the players). This has been good ice all week.” Is this new technology just for elite curlers? Wayne Middaugh, two-time world champion, said: “The effects for our team using the EQ® are unbelievable
... in my mind, the benefits seem to grow for the tiers below the level of some of the world’s greatest sweepers, such as Kennedy, Hebert, Laing and Bailey, and is most evident for those at the recreational level.” (See Table above). Patti Lank, U.S. national champion, said: “The EQ holds up longer, and doesn’t get flat and dirty, so it’s a great piece of equipment for our team, but also for the recreational curler who perhaps doesn’t want to change their brush head so often.” Rachel Howell, vice for New Jersey’s Langanke rink that captured the 2011 USA Curling Club National Championships women’s title in Mankato, Minn., said she likes the EQ® “especially for the fabric, which offers a smooth stroking surface that moves nicely along the ice and with less need to clean the
broom head during competition.” Mackenzie Lank, lead for Team USA at the 2011 Capital One World Women’s Curling Championship in Denmark, said: “I saw a big difference the very first time I used it. I noticed it was easier to sink into the ice while I was sweeping.” What’s next for BalancePlus? With thousands of EQ® brush heads in production, and an expanded line of colors coming this fall, the company’s founder Lino Di Iorio says, “The proven effectiveness of the EQualizer® opens the door for exciting advancements in how people sweep the rock, which we are currently developing.” Until then, the performance of the BalancePlus EQualizer® can be judged at the podium with teams Fenson and Lank’s U.S. national championship titles, Team North America’s record-setting performance at the Continental Cup, and gold, silver, and bronze medals taken at the Ford World Men’s Curling Championship. To find out more about the EQualizer® Brush Head, click on www.tomjenkynequalizer.mov and www.BalancePlus.com.
Curling News
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
MAY 2011
UNITED STATES
15
Time to resurrect former supply costs
R
eaders who have curling supplies brochures circa, late 1970s, may wonder if the vendors will still honor the prices of that era, since the brochures did not include disclaimers? If so, curlers should be able to buy top of the line curling shoes from Steve’s Curling Supplies for $31.95, 100 percent wool curling sweaters for $49.95, and as many Black Jack inverted straw-corn brooms for $13.50 as a guy or gal can wear out in a season. Steve’s predecessor, Laurie Carlson & Associates, also of Madison, in their 1978-79 season brochure, offer a “Svenska” brush that promises “stiffer bristles” (no comment) at a club price of $15.95. Carlson did not sell power ice scrapers (rare then) but offered a 21.5inch wide hand scraper for $56.50. Icemakers may have had fewer resources back then, but they were stronger! Ever try to hand scrape a whole sheet or two? This writer has, albeit decades ago in his 20s. The late Rudge Goodland operated Midwest Curling Supplies out of Portage. His son, Geoff, just skipped the U.S. senior men to a silver medal at Worlds—this writer curled with Rudge, Kip and Geoff Goodland— whose voice had not yet changed—at a 1971 ‘spiel at Janesville. We each won Parker fountain pens. In his November 1978 brochure, Rudge offered Ken Watson and Ernie Richardson curl-
Tales From Sheet Nine
David Garber, dj.garber@charter.net ing boots (yes, boots) for $34.95 and $33.95, respectively. A Teflon slider kit was $5.50, then you had to spend an hour or two gluing the Teflon to your shoe, and, if you were dumb, sometimes to the wrong shoe. About this time, B&B Curling Specialty of Green Bay, operated by Russ and the late Bette Kriwanek, offered 100 quality club pins, four colors, up to 1.5 inch, for $139. Steve’s is still quite active, but the other firms are no longer in business, so it looks like it’s up to Steve, or Craig, to come through with this great curling stuff at 1979 prices. Orders are accepted only by snail mail or telephone (there was no e-mail or fax then), and readers must use only a 10-cent stamp. While on the subject of the past, some really ancient curlers will recall the Midwest Curling
Association (MCA), founded in 1945 and disbanded in the early 1960s, which was a precursor to the USCA and the several state curling associations (curlers love to organize, then to criticize their organizations). The MCA annual budget was about $3,500 in 1957. The two major expenses were the MCA bonspiel, and “stationery, printing and supplies.” The MCA had neat stationery with gold foil embossing. The MCA had more than 40 clubs as members, from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan and North Dakota. Based on old documents entrusted to me by the late, great Woody Hodge of Medford, an MCA officer and ‘spiel chair in the 1950s: When skips entered their team into a bonspiel, they wrote friendly, but formal letters, most often typed on business letterhead by a secretary! In a letter from another late, great friend, Doug Bogue of Portage, Woody is advised: “I would like to enter a team and ask that you make hotel reservations for us ... We were so well treated at the hotel last winter …You will find my check in the amount of $24.00(!) in payment of (our) entry fee … I can’t think of anything I would rather do than meet you on the ice and drub you good … I imagine that the feeling is mutual.” In addition to Bogue, other well-known curlers entered in the 1957 MCA ‘spiel included Walter
2011-12 Championship & Playdown Schedule October: U.S. Wheelchair Team Selection
Dates: 10/20-10/23
Site: Madison, Wis.
November: Winter Youth Olympic Games Playdown 2012 USA Curling Senior Men’s National Championship 2012 USA Curling Senior Women’s National Championship
11/18-11/21 *11/30-12/4 *12/2-12/4
To be announced To be announced To be announced
December: 2012 USA Curling Mixed Doubles National Championship
*12/7-12/11
Site to be announced
January: 2012 Nationals Men’s Qualifying Round 2012 Continental Cup 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games 2012 Nationals Men’s & Women’s Challenge Rounds 2012 USA Curling Junior National Championships
*1/4-1/8 1/12-1/15 1/13-1/22 1/19-1/22 1/28-2/4
Sites to be announced Langley, British Columbia Innsbruck, Austria Sites to be announced Madison, Wis.
February: 2012 USA Curling National Championships U.S. Senior Men’s Curling Association National Bonspiel 2012 World Wheelchair Championship
2/11-2/18 2/16-2/19 2/18-2/25
Philadelphia, Penn. Wauwatosa, Wis. & Kettle Moraine, Wis. Chuncheon City, South Korea
March: 2012 World Junior Championships 2012 U.S. Club National Championships 2012 Ford World Women’s Championship 2012 U.S. Mixed National Championship
3/3-3/11 3/3-3/10 3/17-3/25 3/17-3/24
Ostersund, Sweden Site to be announced Lethbridge, Alberta Site to be announced
April: 2012 Capital One World Men’s Championship 2012 World Senior Championships 2012 World Mixed Doubles Championship
3/31-4/8 TBA TBA
Basel, Switzerland TBA TBA
*accordion in nature Please note that this is a very preliminary calendar. More dates and sites will be added as information is reported to the national office this summer. Please keep checking the event calendars on the USA Curling website at www.usacurl.org for timely updates. A complete championship and playdown schedule will be printed in the fall 2011 issue of the Curling News.
Polski and Robert Dunbar, Virginia; Walter Rhodes and Larry Leifer, Madison; Lewis Phenner, Appleton; Walter Selck, Chicago/North Shore; Howard Woodside, Stevens Point; Wendell Sacia, Galesville; Ray Pinkerton and Harold Bammel, Waupaca; Frank Kleffman, Hibbing; “Rhyme,” Portage (Frank or his dad?); “Bud” Holley, La Crosse; Lee Duncan, Bob Altman and A.L. Papenfuss, Wausau; and Glenn Harris, Ray and Bud Somerville, Jack Horst and Jon Orstad, Superior (the future world champion with dad on one rink, the Curling News founder on another); and other rinks, including Elmer Freytag, Chicago, he of the eponymous World Curling Freytag Award, who wrote to Woody: “Our rink … has now made definite arrangements to take the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul train, which leaves Chicago at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday,
December 5th, and is due to arrive at Wausau at 6:50 P.M.; where we will pick up a rent-a-car and drive over to Medford.” No interstate from Chicago to Wausau then. But what a postal service: one of the ‘spiel entries was addressed to: “Mr. Irv Pries, Medford, WI.” With that abbreviated address, the letter arrived safely. And for about three cents! Simpler days.
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.
George Freeman George Freeman, 86, formally of Saratoga and Niskayuna, N.Y., passed away at his daughter’s home on Long Island, N.Y., on Feb. 15, 2011. Freeman was a longtime member of the Schenectady Curling Club. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s name to All Saints Episcopal Church, 855 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY. Ian Keith Ian George Keith, 72, Marshfield, Wis., a founding member of the Marshfield Curling Club, passed away March 28, 2011, after a brief illness. He grew up in Madison, Wis., and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin. He was employed as a psychiatric social worker at Marshfield Clinic from 1969-2006 and served four years as a medic in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Keith was very active in the Marshfield Curling Club after cofounding it in 1976. He took great joy in watching the youth members curl with their families, as he often stated that was why he wanted a curling club in Marshfield. Al “Red” Olson Allen “Doc” Olson D.D.S., 83, passed away at his home March 29, 2011, surrounded by his family. Al was born July 9, 1927, in Superior, Wis., the son of Louis and Valda Stocker Olson. Introduced to curling at a young age, Red was a stone hauler for his father’s curling team and traveled to bonspiels throughout the Midwest during the late 1930s and early 1940s. After establishing his Dental practice in Hartland, Wis., Red and his wife Dorothy became original members of the Kettle Moraine Curling Club in 1963 as well as members of the Pardeeville and Portage clubs later in life. As a two-time Wisconsin state champion, 1982 mixed & 1989 senior men’s, Red will be remembered as much for his time on the ice as for his time off of it, sharing stories of hunting and fishing, reliving practical jokes, and going alone with only two trump.
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.”
16
MAY 2011
Curling News UNITED STATES
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
Caribbean Open The Waterspiel took place on a cruise ship April 24-May 1 in the waters of the Caribbean. Here are the results: Gold–Debbie McCormick (Pardeeville) and Tom Hemenway (Hollywood) Silver–Tim Irish and Leslie Degrauw (Ogden) Bronze–Ben Womack (Ogden) and Lucina Tutterow (Hollywood)
Key: O–Open; X–Mixed; XD–Mixed doubles; M–Men’s; W–Women’s; S–Senior; WC–Wheelchair C–Cashspiel; J–Junior; ST–Stick Events are listed Friday through Sunday but some may begin earlier. Check the club’s website for more information. MAY 20–22 Poynette, WI O MAY 27–29 San Francisco, CA O JUNE 3–5 Great Smoky, TN O JUNE 10–12 Granite, WA O JULY 7–10 Cape Cod, MA–Summerspiel X JULY 10–13 Cape Cod, MA–Summerspiel W JULY 14–17 Cape Cod, MA–Summerspiel M Green Bay, WI–Tailgate O JULY 17–20 Cape Cod, MA–Summerspiel WC JULY 21–24 Capital, ND–Summerspiel O AUG. 5–7 Green Bay, WI–Senior Men’s SM Kansas City, MO–BBQ O Triangle, NC–Carolina Classic O AUG. 19–21 Fort Wayne, IN–Summerspiel O AUG. 26–28 Rice Lake, WI–Summerspiel O SEPT. 16–18 Green Bay, WI MD Wenatchee, WA–Desert Rocks O SEPT. 30–OCT. 2 North Shore, IL–NS Open O OCT. 21–23 Capital, ND–No Boundaries J Chicago, IL–Windy City Open O Midland, MI–Invitational O OCT 27–28 Kettle Moraine, WI–Fall Fling O NOV. 11–13 Belfast, ME–Maine-iac O 2012 FEB. 17–19 Waltham, IL M MARCH 2–4 Waltham, IL X
The first bonspiel on a cruise ship set sail in April. The Waterspiel medalists were (l-r) Lucinda Tutterow and Ben Womack (bronze), Deb McCormick and Tom Hemenway (gold), and Leslie Degrauw and Tim Irish (silver).
Members of Team Stone Cold Curling from the Park City Curling Club finished second at the Utah Winter Games on March 4. Team members included (l-r) Jonathan Tward, Julian Warton, Mark Stone and Matt Poppe.
Members of the Oklahoma Curling Club recently captured the City of Ottawa’s Chairman’s Event. Team members included (l-r) Ronald Conlon, Jason Jorski, Aaron Chartier and Jonathan Havercroft. This was the first international win for the Oklahoma Club since it was formed in 2010.
Winners of the Blackhawk Men’s Bonspiel were (front, l-r) Tim Walsh, Matt Bennett, Dee Bennett and Robb Vaughn. Runners-up were (back, l-r) Brian Woelfel, Chris Helland, Curt Wyttenbach and Duke Goetz.
Potomac Cherry Blossom winners were (l-r) Walt Baggett, Tim Klein, Matt Scheiner and Joe Penalla.
Winners of the Desert Ice Bonspiel were (l-r) Jenn Mason, Hal McGrady, Larry Cook and Eric Johnson.
Don’t see your event listed or it’s listed incorrectly? Send bonspiel dates and corrections to Terry Kolesar, terry.kolesar@usacurl.org. The next deadline for submitting bonspiel results is Sept. 23.
Winners of the 2010 St. Paul Ranger Bonspiel were (l-r) Mike Schneeberger, Brad Caldwell, Rich Ruohonen and Art Ruohonen.
Winners of the Waltham Mixed Bonspiel were (l-r) Ryan Spielman, Laureen Spielman, Erica Pickett and Jason Pickett.
Winners of the 2011 St. Paul Ranger Bonspiel were (back, l-r) John Miller, Erik Ordway, (front, l-r), Loni Strassman and Clay Orvik.
Winners of the Racine Mixed Bonspiel were (l-r) Shelley Boutwell, Aaron Richards, Deb Richards and Phil Boutwell.
You’re always on the button with our unique curling gifts for home, hearth and warm room. Jewelery Desktop Curling Games Notepaper and Notecards Trivets and Towels Playing Cards Bumper Stickers and More www.onthebuttongifts.com
Curling News
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
UNITED STATES
Blackhawk Men’s
Heinze, Carol Stevenson, Teresa Thomas, Ali Bedboughro
The Blackhawk Last Chance took place March 25-27 in Janesville, Wis. Here are the results: 1EW—Waltham: Robb Vaughn, Dee Bennett, Matt Bennett, Tim Walsh 1ERU—Alpine: Duke Goetz, Curt Wyttenbach, Chris Helland , Brian Woelfel 2EW—Alpine: Scott Wild, Mike Holmes, Steve Johnson, Mike Haldiman 2ERU—Wauwatosa: Tom Rave, Adam Berghammer, Carl Deutsch, Joe Corrao 3EW—Madison: Chuck Bassford, Bill Swanson, Craig Cullum, Don Rottscheit 3ERU—Shady Thicket: Scott Matchette, Dan Mitchell, Joe Herm, Mike Trotta 4EW—Eau Claire: Chris McMahon, Henry McMahon, Frank McMahon, Kurt Erstad 4ERU—Racine: Jim Mataczynski, Nate Hazen, Dennis Ewards, Jim Bonton
Schenectady Men’s
Chisholm Junior The Serrano Memorial Junior Bonspiel took place March 12-13 at the Chisholm Curling Club. Here are the results: Competitive Division 1EW—Hibbing: Stephen Taylor, Taylor Skalsky, Miranda Solem, Chelsea Solem 1ERU—Hibbing: Zach Lind, Gaby Curry, Cody Hallan 2EW—Hibbing: Keke Sirjord, Philip Rebrovich, Maggie Furlong, Rebecca Rebrovich 2ERU—Curl Mesabi: Warren Ross, Brandon Hietala, John Martinson, Wade Ross Beginners Division: 1EW—Hibbing: Ashley Gordon, Kayla Owens, Caitlyn Elsner 1ERU—Chisholm: Caleb Smilanich, Jake Giermann, Jonah Giermann, Dylan Clanni 2EW—Grand Rapids: Jennie Kampa, Evan David, Stewart Savela, Lacey Meyer-Nichols 2ERU—Curl Mesabi: Sydney Patrow, Austin Harvey, Paige Maki, Bryce Wainio 3EW—Hibbing: Matt Rice, Justin Barrett, Jacob Berklich 3ERU—Chisholm: Laney Ryan, Justin Pioske, Nick Jordan, Ryan Rice
Eau Claire Men’s The Eau Claire Leinenkugel's Bonspiel took place Jan. 7-9 in Eau Claire, Wis. Here are the results: 1EW—Eau Claire: Cory Ward, Mike Peplinski, Ron Parks, Doug Anderson 1ERU—Green Bay: Jeff Parish, Paul Hanke, Charlie Brown, Jeff Thompson 2EW—Duluth: John Landsteiner, Ty Vietanen, Matt Collom, Robert Splinter 2ERU—Superior: Irv Mossberger Jr., Bob Blair, Doug Runnoe, Chris Bode 3EW—Eau Claire: Debbie McCormick, Matt Bauer, John Bast IV, Tom Bauer 3ERU—Eau Claire: Jim Beirne, Dave Coon, Doug Kunick, Len Vetsch 4EW—St. Paul: Dan Metcalf, Scott Clasen, Fancy Ray, Scott Belvitch 4ERU—St. Paul: John Anderson, Brett Carpenter, Dave Wilson, Rick Pohlman
Green Bay Women’s The Green Bay Shamrock Women’s Invitational took place March 11-13 at the Green Bay (Wis.) Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW—Madison: Lori Mountford, Juliana Klocek, Tracy Opicka, Miranda Hofmann 1ERU—Milwaukee: Lisa Graff, Linda Even, Nikki Bernetich, Kate Wolter 2EW—Wausau: Terri Fisher, Lisa Landon, Tiffany Reilly, Andrea Schafer 2ERU—Racine: Barb Vanderleest, Gail Armstrong, Denise Knudsen, Mandi Kais 3EW—Wausau: Marcia Tillish, Susan Sandquist, Jennie Moran, Katie Lila 3ERU—Wauwatosa: Andrea Mueller, Melva Sabatke, Pam McCreary, Ann Hglietko 4EW—Medford: Sandi Brost, Sara Brost, Tracy Hraby, Connie Rig 4ERU—Kettle Moraine: Michele
The 139th Gordon Emmett GNCC Championship took place on March 1112 at the Schenectady Curling Club in Schenectady, N.Y. Here are the results: 1EW—Broomstones: Bryan Fink, Eric Paul, Paul Marseglia, Sam Chandler 1ERU—Schenectady 3: Mike Stefanik, Brian Damon, Art Merkley, Jeff Muha 2EW—Schenectady 5: Andy Dicke, Brad Austin, Todd Tolliver, Tom Falcon 2ERU—Schenectady 6: Vic Temple, Dan Navratil, Fred Mackintosh, Ken Rice 3EW—Schenectady 4: Dennis Quinn, Marek Rzonca, Dave Hooper, Lou Horton 3ERU—Albany 2: Al Campisano, Greg Foster, Nicholas Fahrenkopf, Jim Merrihew 4EW—Schenectady 1: Dean Wadland, Jack Stopera, Matt Daly, Jim Sinkins 4ERU—Schenectady 2: Dan Machold, Charlie Brown, Richard Gonyeau, Scott Brennan
Nashua Men’s The Granite State Men’s Bonspiel took place March 3-6 in Nashua, N.H. Here are the results: 1EW—Granite: Peter Lyons, Nate Clark, Ben Clark, Chris DuPre’ 1ERU—Broomstones 1: Robby Melville, Mike Rosa, Scott Olson, Jeff Marchand 2EW—Canadian Club of Boston: Paul Sofoulis, Dan Dacey, Dan Naylor, Rick Purdy 2ERU—Petersham: John Griffiths, Chuck Hartwell, Alan Witkorski, Andrew Charbonneau 3EW—Boston: Sam Williams, Andy McKellips, Rich Collier, Todd Hebert 3ERU—Nashua 5: Al Doucet, Bruce Denner, Rob Clemens, Jack Collins 4EW—Belfast 1: Jeff Dutch, Terry Fancy, Joe Baiungo, Paul Deeney 4ERU—Cape Cod 1: Russ Lemke, Glen Amaral, John McCarthy, Frank Balas
International Falls Open The 18th annual Icebox Days open Bonspiel took place Jan. 14-16 at the Fort Frances Curling Club in Ontario, which houses the International Falls (Minn.) Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW—Fort Frances: Ken Jackson, Keith Tibbetts, Kerry Jackson, Ron Cambell 1ERU—International Falls: Tom Mayer, Dave Johnson, Dave Evans, Rodney Kupsc 2EW—Fort Frances: Eric Kaufman, Nettie Kaufman, Gary Saurer, Sylvia Smeeth 2ERU—Fort Frances: Kathie Jackson, Lorne Jackson, Rory Ellingson, Kelly Ellingson 3EW—Fort Frances: Graham Matheson, Moe Fillion, Chris Matheson, Kevin Schultz 3ERU—Fort Frances: Everett Jackson, Maureen Thomson, Jim Jackson, Maureen Jackson 4EW—Fort Frances: Allan Holt, Brian Angus, John Bagacki, Loreen Holt 4ERU—Fort Frances: Rich Peri, Chris Hill, Dave Black, Shane Becket
Petersham Mixed The Petersham Spring Fling Mixed/Open Bonspiel took place March 24-27 in Petersham, Mass. Here are the results: 1EW—Broomstones II: Pete Rossetti, Nikki Rossetti, Dan Naylor, Tami Gouveia 1ERU—Border I: Jon Kuniholm, Nicole Vassar, Sam Williams, Russell Frank 2EW—Petersham I: Paul Breault, Aliza Breault, Eric Sorelle, Norm LaFlash 2ERU—Nutmeg: Frank Aulenti, Kristina Neuser, Merlyn Glodek, Jaclyn Otterspoor 3EW—Border II: Louise Retchless, Bruce Amsden, Paul Bosco, Lis Hughs 3ERU—Border III: Maitland Warner, Joyce Shee, Kevin Shee, Bev Warner
MAY 2011
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4EW—Petersham II: John Griffiths, Faith Griffiths, Alan Wiktorski, Katie Wiktorski 4ERU—Broomstones/Lake Placid: Rich Collier, Amber McKernan, Tom McKernan, Brooke Collier
Stevens Point Mixed The Stevens Point Mixed Bonspiel took place April 1-3. Here are the results: 1EW—Blackhawk: James Krutilla, Sue Blizzard, Fred Blizzard, Pauline Krutilla 1ERU—Madison: Lori Karst, Steve Day, Dawn Nonn, Dan Wiza 2EW—Waupaca: Jason Smith, Kristine Smith, Milke Knoeck, Renee Knoeck 2ERU—St. Paul: Bob Reichenbach, Jean McCann, Harold Anderson, Gail Anderson 3EW—Green Bay: Adam Olson, Sara Kreager, Cameron Purcell, Amy Hopkins 3ERU—Stevens Point: Tom Okray, Rose Grych, Brian Johnson, Kim Zivicki 4EW—Madison: Katie Bland, Mark Mehler, Becky Mehler, Erik Nielsen 4ERU—Marshfield: Clarence Topp, Patt Topp, Paul Logan, Jessica Logan
Winners of the Curl Mesabi Senior Men’s Bonspiel (and showing off their “power sweepers”) were (l-r) Don Lemmerman, Robert Johnson, Robert Britton and Steve Moeller.
Potomac Open The Potomac Cherry Blossom Bonspiel took place in Laurel, Md., on March 24-27. Here are the results: 1EW—Ardsley II: Walt Baggett, Tim Klein, Matt Scheiner, Joe Penalla 1ERU—Potomac: II: Dawn Findlay, Bob Pelletier, Barb Shirk, Judy Gilbert 2EW—Columbus: John Besch, Frank Mayer, Eric Johnson, John Jackson 2ERU—Schenectady: Dan Machold, Charles Brown, Bill MacDonald, David Bykowski 3EW—Ardsley I: John Noble, Jeff Klein, David Wagenheim, Andy Eaton, Joyance Meechai 3ERU—Nutmeg: Michael Nordquist, Patrick Rabenold, Wendy Clement, Amy Hobbie 4EW—Potomac: George Shirk, D. Baxter, Brian Parsons, KC McGrath 4ERU—Potomac III: Rachel Sethi, Jason Sethi, Anne Hewitt, David Burnham
Winners of the 139th Gordon Emmett GNCC Championship held in Schenectady, N.Y., were (l-r) Bryan Fink, Eric Paul, Paul Marseglia and Sam Chandler.
Arlington Senior Men The 10th annual Arlington Senior Men’s Bonspiel took place March 25-26 at the Arlington and Poynette clubs. Here are the results: 1EW–Madison: Stan Vinge, Paul Matzke, Joe Weber, Rob Wixson 1ERU–Arlington: Bill Monteufel, Bernie Dushek, Art Woodward, Don Thurston 2EW–Wausau: Steve Sirianni, Tom Wood, Pete Neitzel, Shane Ley 2ERU–Arlington: Dan Deeren, Tim Paige, Larry Manthe, Mark Gieger 3EW–Madison: Steve O’Connor, Doug McIvor, Tony Perma, Al Hafeman 3ERU–Poynette: Mark Kretzman, Tim Larson, Vern Herr, Dennis Sampolinski 4EW–Poynette: Dean Teeter, Jon Vaningan, Jerry Trumm, Terry Thompson 4ERU–Arlington: Marv Manke, Marv Plenty, Mike Halverson, John Stevenson 5EW–Poynette: Peter Caldwell, Andy Ross, John Reddeman, George Melby 5ERU–Waupaca: Jeff Martin, Kelly Taylor, Dennis Girard, Elmer Kiel
Kettle Moraine Men’s The 46th Annual Kettle Moraine Invitational Men's Bonspiel was held March 18-20. Here are the results: 1EW—Waltham: Robb Vaughn, Will Vaughn, Lance Yednock, Nate Beer. 1ERU—Madison: Steve O'Connor rink 2EW—St. Paul: Keith Ostrosky rink 2ERU—St. Paul: Jeff Henning rink 3EW—St. Paul: Greg Walsh rink 3ERU—Wauwatosa: John Dunlop rink 4EW—Chicago: Dick Urevig rink 4ERU—Alpine: Steve Flanagan Lame Duck—Kettle Moraine: Jeff Maier rink Lame Duck runner-up—St. Paul: Mike Bromberg rink
Winners of Eau Claire’s Leinenkugel Open Bonspiel were (l-r) Doug Anderson, Ron Parks, Mike Peplinski and Cory Ward.
Winners of the Arlington Senior Men’s Bonspiel were (front, l-r) Stan Vinge, Paul Matzke, Joe Weber and Rob Wixson. Runnersup were (back, l-r) Bill Monteufel, Bernie Dushek, Art Woodward and Don Thurston.
Waltham Mixed The 2011 Waltham Mixed Mexican Fiesta Bonspiel was held on March 4-6 in Triumph, Ill. Here are the results: 1EW—Blackhawk: Ryan Spielman, Laureen Spielman, Jason Pickett, Erica Pickett 1ERU—Chicago: Julie Denten, Pete Carmichael, Susan Bennett, Darren Beach 2EW—Alpine: Steve Flanagan, Kaylee Deadmond, Mike Liebundgut, Shelly
Liebundgut 2ERU—Pardeeville: Randy Branton, Lisa Wendt, Doug Hare, Diane Kiefer 3EW—Chicago: John Reid, Gail Armstrong, Dave Bemus, Liz Reid 3ERU—Kettle Moraine: Jim Buege, Millie Buege, Andy Rampolla, Barb Rampolla 4EW—Madison: Pete McCormick, Shelly Kosal, Thud Kosal, Judith Cantlin Ho 4ERU—Chicago: Doug Boyd, Stephanie Martin, Tim Orisek, Jenny Houk
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Curling News UNITED STATES
MAY 2011
Centerville Senior Men’s The Centerville Senior Men’s Bonspiel took place March 11-13 in Centerville, Wis. Here are the results: 1EW—Centerville: Bob Hanson, Dan Skaar, Mike Oslie, Lon Truax 1ERU—Centerville/St. Paul: Mike Federspiel, Guy Griesmann, Tom Kari, Rob Hawkins 2EW—Centerville: Jim Hilton, Larry Adams, Mike Hilton, Bruce Lehman 2ERU—Centerville/Willmar: LeRoy Hovell, Earl Kopp, Kevin Madsen, Mark Ne 3EW—Centerville: LeRoy Anderson, Chad Anderson, Kerry Anderson, Bruce Brenengen 3ERU—St. Paul: Mike Floerchinger, Pat Sherer, Merlin Eddy, Duane Herberg 4EW—Centerville: Randy Van Vleet, Ron Van Vleet, Ken Johnson, Steve Johnson 4ERU—Centerville: Jim Wiffler, Chip Backlund, John Trussoni, Korey Kinstler
Ardsley Women’s The Empire State Bonspiel took place Jan. 20-23 at the Ardsley Curling Club in Ardsley-on-Hudson, N.Y. Here are the results: 1EW—Nutmeg 3: Charrissa Lin, Anne Stuhlman, Elly Bockley, Phelicia Howland 1ERU—Nutmeg 2: Diane Muldowney, Karen Shane, Heide Follin, Sabrina Keillor 2EW—Montreal West: Elaine de Ryk, Nancy Sage, Nancy Wurth, Sarah Marchand 2ERU—Ardsley 1: Sandy Gaffner, Alice Yeh, Michelle Schleibaum, Melissa Dominguez 3EW—Oakville 2: Gail Cosman, Laurie Thompson, Chelsea Allen, Louise Wilson 3ERU—New York Caledonian: Robin Gestring, Catie MacKinley, Joyance Meechai, Kim Nawyn 4EW—Oakville 1: Doris Bitz, Ann Dondlinger, Cheryl Van Der Kroon, 4ERU—Kayuta Lake: Karen Rogowski,
Heather Swiercz, Julie Chanatry, MJ Walsh 5EW—Philadelphia: Leslie Dudt, Theresa Seiverd, Tina MacKinley, Maggie McMahon 5ERU—Mayflower Wicks: Adine Boutilier, Laureen Paul, Carolyn Downie, Ann MacMillan
Racine Mixed The Racine Curling Club in Racine, Wis., held its 2011 Mixed Invitational on Feb. 11-13. Here are the results: 1EW—Blackhawk: Aaron Richards, Deb Richards, Phil Boutwell, Shelley Boutwell 1ERU—Kettle Moraine: John Geason, Stella Geason, Jeff Nelson, Carey Nelson 2EW—Kettle Moraine: Jerry Helding, Mary Rasmussen, Herb Rasmussen, Chris Helding 2ERU—Milwaukee: Dick Barnes, Roanne Barnes, Steve Inman, Debbie Inman 3EW—Milwaukee: Tom Towers, Lisa Janecky, Mike Moll, Pat Towers 3ERU—Racine: Gary Sondergaard, Lisa Johnson, Jim Mataczynski, Tam Trutwin 4EW—Racine: Leigh Olson, Barb Vanderleest, Tom Pieske, Paula Kalke 4ERU—Blackhawk: Robbie Hall, Jan Wolter, Dave Wolter, Pati Shea
Curl Mesabi Men’s The Curl Mesabi Springspiel was held March 18-19 in Eveleth, Minn. Here are the results: 1EW—St.Paul: Geoff Goodland, Tim Solin, Pete Westberg, Ken Olson 1ERU—Curl Mesabi: Dennis Jorgensen, Rory Malner, Walt Rockstad, Rich Kinnunen 2EW—Curl Mesabi: Lonnie Gulbranson, John Pearsall, Wally Herar, Scott Love 2ERU—Superior: Mike O’Brien, Brian Bergquist, Paul Omberg, Joe Martin 3EW—Curl Mesabi: Ross Harvey, Craig Wainio, Corey Heitzman, Mark Mikulich 3ERU—Curl Mesabi: Tim Drobnick,
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Jim Wainio, Jim Newman, Larry Hall 4EW—Elmood (Winnipeg): Russ Bevan, Bobby Stewart, James Dooks, Evan Asham 4ERU—Curl Mesabi: John Kuitunen, Bob Pontinen, Dan Englund, Chris Lintula
St. Paul Stick The First Stick Bonspiel took place Nov. 3 at the St. Paul Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW–Detroit Lakes: Ron Windloss, Mike Nustad 1ERU–St. Paul: Loren Holmstrom, Art Jytyla 2EW–St. Paul: Al Sunnarborg, Fred Bannister, Bud Berry 2ERU–Grand Marais: Jim King, Tom Fredeen 3EW–St. Paul: Jeff Hogden, Terry Wilson 3ERU–St. Paul: Mary Jane Krantz, Barbara Holmstrom 4EW–St. Paul: Bob Golder, Bob Flammang 4ERU–St. Paul: Alex Wainberg, Chris Thompson
Winners of the 2011 Curl Mesabi Springspiel were (l-r) Geoff Goodland, Tim Solin, Pete Westberg and Ken Olson.
Wauwatosa Men’s The 70th annual Wauwatosa Men’s Invitational took place March 11-13 in Wauwatosa, Wis. Here are the results: 1EW—Winona Yacht & Gun Club: Dave Brown, Dan Brown, Mark Brown, Thom Kieffer 1ERU—Wauwatosa: Rob Hipke, Tim Torgerson, Jim Matthews, Steve Wycklendt 2EW—St. Paul: Kraig Ketola, Peter Muller, Don Hutchinson, Tom Havas 2ERU—Madison: Bill Buckingham, Mark Tyler, Jon Crumm, Bill Buckingham Sr. 3EW—Milwaukee: Chuck Severson, Nate Gebert, Jim Rasche, Bob Unkel 3ERU—Kettle Moraine: Smily Gebert, Tom Munich, Rick Baldry, Walter Kirchoff 4EW—Kettle Moraine: Dave Lewis, Jeff Moylan, Pat Zawada, Mark Blackman 4ERU—Kettle Moraine: Jeff Neff, Lee Schulz, Brandon Esser, Beau Moore
10th annual House of Hearts Celebrity Bonspiel raises $27,000 for St. Luke’s Foundation The House of Hearts Celebrity Bonspiel raised more than $27,000 for St. Luke’s Foundation. The event took place at the Duluth Curling Club on March 24-26. Money was raised through entry fees, pledges/donations, a silent and live auction and donations with a chance to win, among other fund-raisers. Money raised at this year’s event will be used by St. Luke’s Foundation to support: 1) St. Luke’s Infusion Therapy Winners of the House of Hearts Celebrity Bonspiel were (l-r) Jason Kraus, Matt Carlson, Bridgette Clinic Pharmacy. This will Perrizo and Chelsea Carey. continue to ensure patients receive the best care during one of the most vulnerable Manitoba) over Madeleine DuPont periods of their lives, and 2) St. Luke’s (Copenhagen, Denmark) Cardiac Rehab department’s telemetry “B” Event – Joe Polo (Duluth, Minn.) program, which monitors heart patients over John Shuster (Duluth, Minn.) while guiding them to recovery. “C” Event – Craig Brown (Madison, This uniquely-formatted event Wis.) over Ann Swisshelm (Chicago, brought in 24 celebrity curlers/skips Ill.) with a variety of U.S., Canadian, “D-Ranger” Event champion – Frank European and world curling experience. McCourt (Mississauga, Ontario) Here are the results: “D-Ranger” Event Ultimate Loser – “A” Event – Chelsea Carey (Winnipeg, Jillian Mouzar (Toronto, Ontario)
Winners of the Empire State Bonspiel were (l-r) Charrissa Lin, Anne Stuhlman, Elly Bockley and Phelicia Howland.
Men’s Division winners of the Fairbanks Curling Club’s 76th International Bonspiel held March 31-April 3 in Fairbanks, Alaska, were (l-r) Matt Birklid, Steven Birklid, Colin Hufman, Chris Benshoof and Atticus Wallace.
Women’s Division winners of the Fairbanks Curling Club's 76th International Bonspiel held March 31-April 3 in Fairbanks, Alaska, were (l-r) Erika Taylor, Joanne Hufman, Kaye Hufman, Lacy Birklid and Vicky Persinger.
Green Bay Shamrock Invitational winners were (front, l-r) Miranda Hofmann, Tracy Opicka, Juliana Klocek and Lori Mountford. Runners-up were (standing, l-r) Kate Wolter, Nikki Bernetich, Linda Even and Lisa Graff.
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Curling News Take etiquette seriously
T
Winners of the Stevens Point Mixed Bonspiel were (front, l-r) Pauline Krutilla, Fred Blizzard, Sue Blizzard and James Krutilla. Runners-up were (back, l-r) Dan Wiza, Dawn Nonn, Steve Day and Lori Karst.
Winners of the Kettle Moraine Men’s Bonspiel were Nate Beer, Lance Yednock, Will Vaughn and Robb Vaughn.
Winners of the Granite State Bonspiel were (l-r) Peter Lyons, Nate Clark, Ben Clark and Chris DuPre’.
Winners of the Duluth International Bonspiel were (l-r) Scott Scheirbek, Mike Calubaugh, Sam Perrella and Ross Litman.
The winners of the 100th Utica Mitchell Men’s Bonspiel (2011) were (l-r) Sean Burchesky, Kyle Burchesky, Joe Giovannone and Doug Burchesky.
MAY 2011
UNITED STATES
hird column and I’m still here … tucked into the back pages … prattling on and on about the game I used to play and still love so very much. I guess the complaints to my dictatorial editor have been too few and too meek so far. We’ll see what the future holds as my inability to keep my opinions to myself and my inability to hide my humor invade my typing. One of the things that I always loved about curling is that it is a “gentleman’s game.” While the term is sexist and dated, it’s the only term that has been handed down to me … so we’ll use it for today so that we all know what we’re talking about. It is a game that is not dependent on umpires and referees. It is a game where your character and your honor factor into the outcome. It’s always been that way and, hopefully, always will be that way. Unfortunately, I’m seeing a little less of it as the years go by. It is my belief that we are seeing less honorable play not because today’s players are less honorable, but because they are taught less in regards to traditions. Let me be very clear on this: I don’t blame the newbies…I blame the instructors, skips and more experienced players. It is not enough to teach a new player a balanced slide and a decent release. It is not enough to teach them about starting and ending the game with a handshake. A Gentleman’s Game requires much more. OK, I have already grown weary of the dated Gentleman’s Game. I am now switching it to An Honorable Game. An Honorable Game begins before the first handshake. It begins by having the respect to show up on time. I used to be one of those people who were always 10 minutes late. Not because I was that busy, but because I hated sitting around and waiting for the late people. One time I was late to play the colorful John Aasand who bluntly told me how rude I was behaving. He was right. I was never late again without a decent reason. An Honorable Game does not end with the final handshake. The tradition is that the winners buy some type of refreshment for the losers. Of all of the traditions, this is the one that I hate to see slip away. I realize, however, that it cannot always be followed. What
Tucked in the Back Page
By Ben Tucker tuck@usacurl.org can be followed, however, is extending good sportsmanship off the ice. I’ve seen leagues ruined by cliques that form and clubs fail to grow because new curlers aren’t made to feel welcome. I’ve seen some really terrible behavior from some cliques in Women’s Leagues. I’m just going to let that sexist comment dangle out there and price a Kevlar jacket. In between handshakes, An Honorable Game is just a matter of letting new curlers know what is frowned upon and holding your own team to those standards. You should never distract the opposition when it is their turn to shoot. You should be between the hoglines or behind the hack and very still. If you are behind their skip, your broom should not be on the ice. Yelling “Noonan!” as someone putts was funny in Caddyshack, but it is not honorable. When your team is throwing, you should be ready. Slow play is needed by newer curlers and new skips, but not being ready when it’s your turn is just rude. Speaking of slow play … if your team is always the last to finish, consider that you are ruining the game for the opposition, and ruining one of the best games in history is just plain wrong. Some senior rinks are really slow and they should know better. Some rinks are blessed with players that love the strategic parts of the game and that can slow down the game. Figure out how to enjoy your game while not ruining it for the teams that curl the late draw on that sheet. Cell phones are a tough one. Some people do have responsibilities that make it necessary for them to carry cell phones on the ice. I would hope that they would be on vibrate and that only
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important calls get answered. Handprints around the hoglines are an easy one. Don’t do it. If your teammate is absentmindedly making handprints, help out your teammate. So I put most of that on instructors, experienced players and skips. This is what I put upon the shoulders of new curlers: Don’t respond to complaints about etiquette by assuming that the person complaining is just a whiny jerk. They are not. There is a right way to play this game from handshakes to burned stones to sharing some refreshment afterwards. Learn the traditions of a Gentleman’s Game and play it with honor. It adds so very much. For The Good of the Game: I continue to be thrilled by reading through the Bonspiel Results in The U.S. Curling News. The Last Chance in Hibbing had youth and talent and some of the nicest guys in the game. Some ’spiels have winners with a father and a son playing together. Some have old curlers still showing they “got it” and some have scary young talent winning. Get out on the road, people. A couple of fun ’spiels and you will have a lifelong addiction. In the next column I’ll be urging teams to get to Winnipeg for the upcoming MCA Bonspiel as they celebrate 125 years of the largest ’spiel on the planet. From the grass roots all the way up to the Olympics, let’s do what we can to keep this sport healthy. Tucker is a member of the Grafton Curling Club and makes his living farming in North Dakota. Send questions or comments to Tuck at tuck@usacurl.org. Send complaints to his dictatorial editor (terry.kolesar@usacurl.org).
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MAY 2011
Curling News UNITED STATES
USA Curling ... Dare to curl
Clarks aid USA’s first playoff appearance by Terry Kolesar, Editor
U
SA made its first appearance in the playoffs of the World Mixed Doubles Championship as Americans Brady Clark and Cristin Clark advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2011 World Mixed Doubles Championship in April in St. Paul, Minn. Unfortunately, the Granite Curling Club duo were knocked out of the playoffs by France, 8-6. France went on to earn the bronze medal. “I think we did pretty well and once again it’s more experience,” Cristin Clark said after the loss. “We’ll try again next year and take some learning experience from this game. It’s just unfortunate.” This is the best USA finish since the event began in 2008. The Clarks also improved on their performance from two years earlier when they finished 18th overall. It was the end of a productive week for the Clarks, who battled through the round robin and won their final three matches to earn a playoff spot with a 5-2 record. The Clarks, who have won eight U.S. mixed national titles together, wish they could take back a game decision in the fourth end in the playoff game against France’s Amaury Pernette and Pauline Jeanneret when they went for a lower percentage shot with a big reward that backfired and swung the game in France’s direction. The U.S. tried a tricky in-off with the hammer that resulted in them removing their shot stone and France stealing two. “We talked about pro side all week. You gotta make shots on the pro side.
The fourth end was a killer. Take one there and we’re up 5-3 and instead we go down 4-3,” Brady Clark said. The U.S. had one in scoring position and could have played an angle tap for two points instead. “I wasn’t 100 percent sure that we’d be second count. Looking back now, I would have played that shot,” Brady Clark said. The U.S. bounced back with three in the fifth end as Cristin Clark made every shot in that end. France answered with two in the sixth as Jeanneret’s soft-weight tap-back moved the French stone into second position to tie the game 6-6. Drawing for two points in the seventh, Brady Clark was a tad heavy with his final draw and nudged his shot rock out of scoring position and France had a 7-6 lead. In the final end, the Clarks were unable to get rid of the stationary France rock that started the end on the button behind the center guard. Brady Clark used his final stone to attempt a runback to chip it out but couldn’t convert. “I thought I threw it really well, but I threw it pretty hard and it stayed straight like it does with big weight,” he said. “They waited for us to make mistakes, and I made those mistakes. I’ll take the blame on that one, for sure.” The U.S. mixed doubles team finishes the week with a 5-3 record. “In the fourth end I played a really difficult shot that I’m not 100 percent sure was there for maybe four, and we’re sitting one, I knock us out of shot and give them two. It’s not ideal,” Brady Clark said. “I’m drawing for two points in the seventh end, and I bump us out and give them one,
2011 World Mixed Doubles Championship April 16-23, St. Paul, Minn. Round Robin Group A: Switzerland 7-0 Russia 5-2 Denmark 4-3 Canada 4-3 Slovakia 4-3 Norway 2-5 England 1-6 Italy 1-6
Sweden Japan Finland Hungary New Zealand Australia Estonia Korea
Group B: 6-1 5-2 4-3 4-3 3-4 3-4 2-5 1-6
Group C: France 6-1 USA 5-2 China 5-2 Spain 4-3 Czech Republic 4-3 Scotland 3-4 Austria 1-6 Latvia 0-7 Tiebreaker Round 1: *Finland 203 100 201 – 9 Hungary 020 031 020 – 8 *Canada Slovakia
USA’s husband-wife duo of Cristin Clark and Brady Clark finished seventh at the 2011 World Mixed Doubles Championship as they made USA’s first-ever playoff appearance at this event. Photo by Leslie Ingram-Brown
so those were the tide-turners because if I make those shots or even just throw my rock away, we win that game.” Switzerland went on to capture the gold with an 11-2 win over Russia.
Broadmoor Curling Club supports vets at 25th Winter Sports Clinic
211 030 00 – 7 000 201 1x – 4
Tiebreaker Round 2: China 202 002 12 – 9 *Finland 010 210 00 – 4 *Denmark Canada
China *Sweden
201 120 0x – 6 020 001 1x – 4 Quarterfinals: 000 012 0x – 3 211 200 3x – 9
Japan *Russia
201 010 1x – 5 020 204 0x – 8
*Denmark Switzerland
032 020 02 – 9 200 203 30 – 10
*USA France
120 030 00 – 6 002 202 11 – 8
*Sweden Russia Switzerland *France
Semifinal: 200 401 000 – 7 011 020 122 – 9 111 004 1x – 8 000 210 0x – 3
Bronze-Medal Game: France 110 110 40 – 8 *Sweden 001 003 02 – 6 Gold-Medal Game: Switzerland 503 120 xx – 11 *Russia 010 001 xx – 2 USA round robin results: USA 8, Spain 3 Scotland 8, USA 7 USA 10, Austria 3 France 6, USA 5 USA 10, Czech Republic 4 USA 10, Latvia 4 USA 8, China 4 Most World Mixed Doubles Championship titles by nation: 3 – Switzerland 1 – Russia
Paula Bloom, Jean Otto and John West from the Broadmoor Curling Club provided adaptive curling instruction to 44 veterans at the 25th National Disabled Veteran’s Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colo., March 28-April 1. The clinic, known as “Miracles on a Mountainside,” is jointly sponsored by the Veterans Affairs Department (VA) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and uses recreation as a rehabilitative tool for veterans with disabilities ranging from spinal cord injuries and orthopedic amputations to visual impairment and neurological conditions. During the five-day clinic, veterans were introduced to adaptive forms of popular winter sports such as alpine and cross country skiing, curling, snowmobiling, sled hockey, rock climbing, and trapshooting. This is the fifth year the Broadmoor Curling Club has been invited by DAV to provide adaptive curling instruction to ambulatory and wheelchair vets at the event. They have worked with 247 veterans since 2007. Submitted photo
Most overall medals, World Mixed Doubles Championship (since 2008): 3 – Switzerland (3 gold) 2 – Russia (1 gold, 1 silver) 1 – New Zealand (1 silver), Finland (1 silver), Hungary (1 silver), France (1 bronze), China (1 bronze), Canada (1 bronze), Sweden (1 bronze)
See you next season! This is the final edition of the Curling News for the 201011 season. The first issue of 2011-12 will be published in late September. Have a great summer! – Editor