U.S. Curling News

May 2009

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CURLING NEWS

Men’s Worlds, Pg. 9

USA plays for bronze. Pg. 10

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

*** Club National Champions named Page 7.

INSIDE: CAMP TIME: Junior camps coming up. Page 3.

OLYMPIC DREAMS: Head coaches named. Pg 5.

PIN UNVEILED: Get your 2010 Olympic curling pin. Page 9.

DOUBLED OUT: USA finishes 3-5 in Italy. Page 11.

DO YOU TWITTER?: Social media can grow your membership. Page 15.

NOMINATIONS DUE: Hall of Fame paperwork due June 1. Page 17.

Medal Haul

Silver in New Zealand, bronze in Vancouver highlight 2008-09 curling season ***

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The American men brought home the silver medal from Dunedin, New Zealand, at the 2009 World Senior Championships. Team members included (l-r) Dale Gibbs, Don Mohawk, Tom Harms, Brian Simonson and Paul Pustovar (skip). READ MORE ON PAGE 6.

Photo by Leslie Ingram-Brown

2009 U.S. Mixed National Championship

DEPARTMENTS

Six and counting

Bonspiel Results – P17-19 Championships – P7-11 College Curling – P4 Comics–P6 Curler’s Calendar–P13 Letters – P2 Member Services–P3 Rocket Exhaust–P15 USWCA – P12-14

USA won bronze at the 2009 World Junior Championships in Vancouver in March. Leading the way were (l-r) Coach Phil Drobnick, Aaron Wald, Matt Hamilton, Matt Perushek, Aanders Brorson and Chris Plys (skip). READ MORE ON PAGE 10.

Photo by Andrew Klaver, World Curling Federation

Need tickets to the Olympics and Paralympics?

Looking for tickets to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games or the 2010 Paralympic Games in Vancouver? Purchase tickets at www.cosport.com, cosport@cosport.com or by calling 908-766-2227.

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Washington’s Brady and Cristin Clark claimed their record sixth U.S. Mixed title in March in Medford, Wis. This was the fifth for Bev Walter, the teams lead, and first for Philip Tilker. READ MORE ON PAGE 6.

Submitted photo

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VOLUME 64, NO. 5

MAY 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

MAY 2009

Official publication of the United States Curling Association Editor — Terry Kolesar Associate Editor—Rick Patzke Contributing Editor—David Garber Design: Terry Kolesar • Illustrations: Pete Drake Next editorial deadline: Sept. 18, 2009 The United States Curling News (ISSN 1064-3001; USPS 392-020) is published five times per year in October, November, February, March and May by the United States Curling Association. The USCA and Curling News office is located at 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54481. 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 54481-0866.

United States Curling Association Officers President Leland Rich Vice Presidents Kent Beadle Walt Erbach James Pleasants Chris Sjue Treasurer Jack Bernauer Secretary Dave Carlson Directors Richard Maskel (AAC) [2009] Albert M. Anderson** [2009] Deborah Moulton [2009] Paul Badgero [2009] Tom O’Connor (AAC) [2009] Kent Beadle [2009] Bob Pelletier [2009] John Benton (AAC) [2009] James Pleasants [2010] Jack Bernauer* [2009] Leland Rich [2009] Geoffrey Broadhurst [2010] Chris Sjue [2010] Maureen Brunt (AAC) [2009] Tim Solie [2010] Dave Carlson [2010] Mark Swandby [2011] Walt Erbach* [2009] Karen Tait [2009] Janet Farr (USWCA) [2009] Bill Todhunter (AAC) [2009] Bill Forsythe [2010] Beau Welling* [2009] Kathleen Harlow [2010] Georgia West [2010] Peggy Hatch** [2011] Cyndee Johnson [2010] Sam Williams [2011] Nicole Joraanstad (AAC) [2009] * Board-elected Jan Legacie [2010] ** Voice, no vote Judy Maier [2009] USA Curling National Office 5525 Clem’s Way Stevens Point, WI 54481 Office: 715-344-1199 • Fax: 715-344-2279 E-mail: info@usacurl.org • Web site: www.usacurl.org CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Rick Patzke, rick.patzke@usacurl.org DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES: Bev Schroeder, beverly.schroeder@usacurl.org DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Terry Kolesar, terry.kolesar@usacurl.org CONTROLLER: Sandy Robinson, sandy.robinson@usacurl.org EVENT SERVICES COORDINATOR: Dawn Leurquin, dawn.leurquin@usacurl.org ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Jean Lindner, jean.lindner@usacurl.org CONSULTANT: David Garber, david.garber@usacurl.org Off-site staff: Athlete Development Director Ed Lukowich Assistant Athlete Development Director Dr. John Coumbe-Lilley Junior Athlete Development Director Lynita Delaney Coaching Development Director Scott Higgins National Wheelchair Development Coach Steve Brown

by Kent Beadle, VP, Marketing & Operations

ost National Governing Bodies (NGBs) within the Olympic movement generate the revenues needed to operate the organization from a number of different sources.

While membership dues are the backbone for most NGBs, there are other sources that include direct fund-raising, grants, distributions from endowments, rights fees and sponsorships, along with very limited amount of support from the United States Olympic Committee. The United States Curling Association is working hard to expand revenues from these areas beyond membership dues in an effort to maintain services to our members and maintain the hard working and high quality staff that we have at the office in Stevens Point.

One area in which we try and raise additional revenue is through our traditional Pin Donation Program. We made some changes in the program this year, allowing for a portion of the donation to be targeted toward different needs within USA Curling that were not fully funded.

The results of this year’s program were mixed, with some clubs significantly increasing their support while the support of others faded. It is a recurring theme this year that fundraising of any kind is difficult, given the economic challenges that we all have faced.

However, one of our other challenges has been getting individuals at the club level to step up and help lead the effort within their club. I think that this year was particularly difficult, as potential volunteers

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Help support USA Curling through donations to programs, endowment fund

likely understood the challenges this year would bring. For that reason, it is likely that many of you were not contacted to buy a pin this year. It is a beautiful pin, and for a $40 donation, you can still have one.

We now have a website up and running for you to order your pin online: Go to www.usacurl.mybisi.com to purchase this year’s pin.

The economic situation has hit the USCA, no different than most other organizations so if you have the inclination and the means, please consider going to the website and making a donation.

We are also working on establishing an endowment, which could support curling in the United States. With the recent passing of our president Chris Moore, the Chris Moore Legacy Fund has been created to fulfill the wishes of Chris and his family. It is our hope that this can become an endowment that would honor Chris and his contributions to the sport, while providing support to the USCA and the USCA programs that were important to Chris. We are humbled at the support that the fund has received from curlers and non-curlers alike. We will be working to grow this fund, making this a

permanent program honoring Chris and his efforts on behalf of USA Curling.

We have a large donor/corporate sponsorship committee that is working hard at creating events that will leverage curling’s status as an Olympic sport and the excitement generated in Salt Lake City and Torino.

It is our hope that these events will provide the participants with a chance to meet our Olympians, and drive some real excitement about our team and our medal chances while helping to fund the needs of the organization that make our teams success possible.

The broadcast and digital media rights to the USA Curling national championship events were purchased by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) through a four-year Joint Marketing Agreement that extends through 2012. This agreement resulted in the finals of the USA Curling Club Nationals being video streamed live (aside from some technical difficulties).

The USOC also owns the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Through a partnership between the USOC, USCA and NBC, the semifinals and finals of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for curling were televised and streamed live, a first for our sport’s Olympic Trials in the U.S. We look forward to additional television and Internet coverage in the future, which we know from experience drives new members to existing clubs, and helps create the core groups from which new clubs emerge.

National Wheelchair Curling Outreach Development Director Marc DePerno Head Ice Technician Garland Legacie Head Games Official Bill Forsythe AMERICAN CURLING FOUNDATION & MUSEUM The Museum is located at the Chicago Curling Club, 555 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062 CURATOR: James M. Miller Jr. 2011 Glendale Ave. Northbrook, IL 60062 847-272-7224 UNITED STATES WOMEN’S CURLING ASSOCIATION OFFICERS PRESIDENT Bonnie Dixon FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Jennifer Stannard SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Nancy Seitz SECRETARY Kathy Hyslop Jean Vorachek TREASURER Janet Farr USCA LIASION PROMOTIONS & Nancy Wilhelm PUBLIC RELATIONS

Olympic coach, family extends thanks for support Dear Curling Family and Friends, We want to express our gratitude to you for all your caring, concern & kindness since Bob’s stroke on Nov. 1. We really appreciate all your prayers, words of encouragement, kind deeds and support through our ordeal. We are so blessed to be part of such a wonderful group. Thanks for

“being there” for us. You’ve shown you care in so many warm ways. We’ll never forget it.

God bless.

Bob and Jan Fenson Editor’s note: To follow Bob’s progress, visit www.caringbridge.com/visit/bobfenson

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

Junior camps provide many opportunities

by Deborah Moulton, Chair Youth Curling Committee

ew this season, an elite level camp will be held in St. Paul May 29-31.

Kevin Martin, Canada’s 2008 men’s world champion, will be the guest instructor. Martin will share his off-season techniques for maintaining the physical and mental condition necessary for world level competition. In addition, top level U.S. instructors will assess delivery using the latest video-analysis techniques to aid in improving strategy.

To qualify for this individual camp you must have completed your freshman

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Certifications Level I Ice Technician Richard Ashford Ken Blankenstein Bill Borowitz Mark Bussy Jeffrey J. Dutch Troy Fisher Bob Graham Doug Phillips-Hamblett Jeff Hannon Steve Hess Timothy J. Klein Gwen Krailo Matthew J. Lyons Peter J. Lyons Sally Mackenzie James H. Meyer Don Nicholson Bart Read David Schrull Bobbie Stoll Derek Tomlinson Level I Official Elmer Balko Darcy Beery Kirk Beery Robert Benjamin Mark Brattin Donna Caleo Jennifer Deasaro Jeremy Dinsel Barry Fish Liz French Jan Kardatzke Steve Metz Jason Smith Level II Official Robert Benjamin Sharon Giese Brian B. Glynn Level I Coach William Rhyme Level I Instructor Matt Zbylut

Lost & Found FOUND: One blue, zipup sweatshirt with a logo for the Duluth International 2007, size XL. Item was left at the Broomfield Event Center after the 2010 Olympic Team Trials. To claim, call the USCA office at 888-287-5377.

year in high school and be eligible to play in juniors in the coming season. Only 40 participants will be selected based upon their curling accomplishments. Housing, meals and transportation between the club and hotel are included in the $135 fee.

Also new this season, the Rice Lake camp held in August will be a team camp. It will focus on team-related issues such as team dynamics, strategy, on-ice communication, setting team goals, working through disappointment, and getting the most from team practice. On-ice activities such as delivery analysis will also be geared to

improving team play. Top U.S. coaches and players will share their secrets for success.

To qualify for the team camp a minimum of three players must attend as a team. Participants must have completed your freshman year in high school and be eligible to play in juniors in the coming season.

All eligible curlers are encouraged to participate in both camps.

Three additional curling camps are available for junior curlers. Each camp has a unique focus and is appropriate for different skill levels, from beginner to elite competitor. All of

Camps St. Paul Elite Junior Camp Cape Cod Junior Camp Green Bay Junior Camp Rice Lake Junior Camp Bismarck Junior Camp

May 29-31 July 19-22 July 24-26 Aug. 13-16 Oct. 23-25

the camps include on-ice and classroom instruction.

And, of course, there is time for socializing and recreation. Curlers may attend more than one camp in a season.

Information on the other camps is available on the USA Curling website at www.usacurl.org.

Looking for a different perspective? Think global!

Several of the top U.S. jun-

American teams compete at U-18 competition in Canada Five teams competed for the U.S. at the 2009 U-18 Optimist International Curling Championship held April 2-5 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Wisconsin’s Blake Morton rink finished sixth, the highest of the U.S. teams.

Here is a look at the competitors and how they finished.

Wisconsin men, 6th place: Blake Morton, Marcus Fonger, Tommy Juszczyk, Dan Gabower, Todd Gabowercoach Washington men, 7th place: Derrick McLean, Jake Vukich, Derrick

Pawlowski, Andrew Rasmussen, Sharon Vukich-coach Minnesota men, 9th place: Josh Bahr, Jared Zezel, John Muller, Mark Fenner, Timothy Muller-coach North Dakota women, 8th place: Abigayle Lindgren, Emily Lindgren, Katie Sigurdson, Abby Whalen, Dan Lindgren-coach Wisconsin women, 10th place: Kimberly Rhyme, Erin Wallace, Chloe Pahl, Susan Kawleski, Bill Rhymecoach

How to submit eight-ender results An eight-ender is a great accomplishment for someone to achieve in the sport of curling. Like a hole-in-one in golf, it may be an once-in-a-lifetime event. To remember this moment, the American Curling Foundation & Museum sends an eightender acknowledgement patch to any team that obtains this goal.

In order for you and your teammates to receive an eight-ender patch, there is a quick and easy procedure to follow to register this accomplishment.

First, you need to take two photos of the eight-ender, preferably with the members of the team. Second, send both photos

(hard copy, not electronically) with a small explanation on the date, place, event and team roster to USA Curling, Attn: Bev Schroeder, 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

We will then forward your photos and team information to the American Curling Foundation & Museum for registration.

The USCA will send eight-ender patches for each member of your team. We will also acknowledge the eight-ender in the U.S. Curling News.

It’s a fairly easy process for such a great achievement. Please direct questions to Bev at beverly.schroeder@usacurl.org.

Officer information sought for 2009-10 Media Guide & Directory USA Curling is now accepting updated club and regional officer information for inclusion in the 2009-10 Media Guide & Directory and for the USA Curling website. Club and regional contacts are encouraged to either download the necessary paperwork from the USA Curling website, www.usacurl.org, or use the online form

posted there to turn in the information. The deadline for submissions is July 3, 2009.

Information received after this date will not be included in the printed directory.

Paperwork should be returned to Terry Kolesar at terry.kolesar@usacurl.org or by fax to 715-344-2279 or by mail: 5525 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

St. Paul, Minn.

Falmouth, Mass.

Green Bay, Wis. Rice Lake, Wis. Bismarck, N.D.

iors have attended camps in Canada and Germany.

Information about Canadian curling camps can be found at www.curling.ca/learn_to_curl/junior_curling/summer_camps. asp.

Information about the World Curling Federation junior curling camp in Fussen, Germany, is available at www.worldcurling.org.

Eight-Enders Deeren rink An eight-ender was scored by the Kurt Deeren rink on Friday, Jan. 20, 2009, during the first game of the Arlington Men’s Bonspiel, Arlington, Wis. Team members included Kurt Deeren of Madison, Wis.; Greg Karls, Waunakee, Wis.; Mark Geiger, Lodi, Wis.; and Scott Bartz of Poynette, Wis. McDonald rink On March 11, 2009, at the Potomac Curling Club, Laurel, Md., an eight-ender was scored by team McDonald in the eighth end of a game during regular league play. Team members included Bill McDonald, Rebecca Andrew, Elizabeth Andrew and Lisa Andrew.

Fenson rink On Nov. 17, 2008, an eight-ender was laid during mixed league at the Bemidji (Minn.) Curling Club by 2006 Olympic bronze medalist Pete Fenson and his family – Alex Fenson, Roxanne Fenson and Graem Fenson.

Brorson rink On Dec. 18, 2008, the Kent Brorson team scored an eight-ender on Sheet 8 at the Duluth Curling Club in the first end of play of the Thursday 6 p.m. open curling league. Curling on the team were Kent Brorson, Tom Eng, John Landsteiner and Sophie Brorson.

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

University of Minnesota takes top honors he 2009 National College Curling Tournament took place March 13-15 at Chicago-area curling clubs. Here are the results: Division I Gold–University of Minnesota: Brad Caldwell, Matt Collom, Ty Vietanan, John Landstiener Silver–University of Wisconsin Madison: Casey Cuuchiarelli, Bobby Splinter, Mike Bjork, Nick

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Scheleicher Bronze–Lake Superior College: Rob Car, Anders Silverness, Conner McLeod, Dan Wakemup, Sarah McLeod, Tom Trolson Division II Gold–Hamilton College Blue: Dave Hamilton, Tom Irvin, Yuqi Mao, Katherine Alser Silver–Northwestern A: Blake Stevens, Eric Hemesath, Jody Moser, Eric Monder, Michelle

Mok, Marian Chen Bronze–Marquette: Kate Boland, Ryan Meyer, Katie Kovach, Matt Allie, Katie Ward Division III Gold–University of Tennessee: Eric Kortebein, Chris Barber, David Hooper, Teresa Hooper Silver–Bowling Green B: Jordan Wesler, Carl Walling, Matt Cooper, Karen Tait, Brian Gerker Bronze–Villanova University A:

Eric Sheets, Jared Coughlin, Ryan Kirchner, Kyle Conroy Division IV Gold–Northwestern University C: Justin Scott, Mark Palmeri, Steph Chan, Daniel Kienzle Silver–Hamilton College Buff: Tom Helmuth, Lindsey Shankamn, Tim Currier, Chris Kline Bronze–Denver University C: Derek Aoki, Ryan Howsam, Andrew Collins, Katherine Mercier

Coaching certification criteria now updated

by Dave Jensen, Chair USCA Coaching Committee he USCA Coaching Committee is planning a series of online clinics scheduled this fall covering various topics including strategy/tactics, mental skills, team systems, nutrition, and training. Check the USA Curling website for more detailed information coming this summer.

The coaching certification criteria have been changed in order to

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prepare for the new coaching education pieces that are scheduled to become available this fall. A registered coach level has been created as the entry-level certification. All coaches involved in any playdowns next season will be required to attain this level. The code of conduct brochure and the code for the background check can be obtained by contacting Bev Schroeder at the USCA office, 1-888-287-5377, Ext. 203, or by emailing her at beverly.schroeder@usacurl.org.

The Level I coaching certifica-

Curling added to summer Badger State Games The American Family Insurance Badger State Games has added curling to its venue with the Green Bay (Wis.) Curling Club serving as the host site, June 26-28.

This year, the Summer Games have been moved from Madison, Wis., to Appleton, Wis., with the Fox Valley Technical College serving as headquarters. At least 30 events are scheduled in the Appleton area.

Traditionally, the Summer Games have offered a large variety of summer-related sports for its programs. With Green Bay providing ice on a year-round basis, curling has been added to the venue.

John Eisele, director of operations for Wisconsin

Sports Development, the company that owns and operates the Badger State Games, said this will be the first time curling has been added to the summer program. Curling has been a mainstay for the winter games, held in Wausau, Wis. Registration for curlers opened April 1. There will be a three-game guarantee.

Games will be scheduled in four brackets for men, women, mixed and youths under age 18. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in each bracket.

Entries will be limited to 24 teams.

Registration and entry fee details can be found on the American Family Insurance Badger State Games website: www.badgerstategames.org.

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

tion has been modified to include passing a Level I and II instructor course and the Double Goal Coaching Course offered online by the Positive Coaching Alliance. You can go to their website to access the course at http://www.positivecoach.org/.

The complete requirements for each level are as follows: Registered Coach • Read and understand Coaching Code of Conduct • Pass Coaching Code of Conduct test

• Register name, address, and email with the USCA office • Submit a plan for the current year for your team • Pass a background check Registered Coach would be a requirement for coaching in a playdown Level I • Become a Level I and level II instructor • Pass the Positive Coaching Alliance–Double Goal Course • Use coaching skills with a team or individual

Coaches play key roles for athletes The USCA Coaching Committee would like to express its gratitude to the following coaches who shared their time and talents in coaching playdown teams this season: James Aasand Ruth Podoll Wayne Anderson Clark Raven Doug Andrew David Flippo Howard Restall Don Arsenault Timothy Funk Bill Rhyme Gavin Bates Tom George Leland Rich Theodore Beebe MacAllanGuy Nancy Richard Murray Beighton Ivar Halvarson Susan Sandquist Ronald Birklid Neil Harrison Russell Schieber Kent Brorson

Stacie Heberlein Lisa Schoeneberg Ryan Brown Wally Henry Brian Simonson Steve Brown David Jensen Joseph Smith Tom Casper CyndeeJohnson Michael Solem Dimy Chagnon Lori Kawleski Seppo Sormunen Harvey Chalmers Jeffrey Kitchens Bill Swisshelm Brady Clark Jennifer Leichter Roger Thomas Linda Cornfield Dan Lindgren Bennett Tucker Grayland Cousins Michelle MacEnroe William Unterborn Karyn Cousins Jeff Maki Ronald Vanasse Jesse Crawford

Allen McKay Jillian Walker Jerry Daul Sandra McMakin Robert Walstad Lynita Delaney Jon Mielke Loretta Waters Jim Dexter Matt Mielke Arnold West Joel Dietz Mark Mikulich Paul Workin Neil Doese Diane Muldowney Tim Wright Phill Drobnick Timothy Muller Tim Drobnick Lucas Ostrowski Keith Dropkin Jim Pahl Brian Dudt Cathy Persinger Michael Dunnam Ken Persinger Mark Ely Frank Podoll Millard Evans

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Drobnick, Henry nominated as head coaches for 2010 Olympic Games

by Terry Kolesar, Editor

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hill Drobnick (Duluth, Minn.) and Wally Henry (Beaver Dam, Wis.) have been nominated as head coaches for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

In addition, Chris Plys (Duluth, Minn.) has been named as alternate for the men’s team. Plys, 21, a five-time U.S. junior national champion and world junior champion, was the youngest skip in the field at the 2010 Olympic Team Trials in February in Broomfield, Colo.

Henry, 60, will coach the women’s team led by his daughter Debbie McCormick (Rio, Wis.).

Henry has been the coach of Team McCormick since the 2003-04 season. He served as an assistant coach at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was named USA Curling Coach of the Year in 2007 and has been instrumental in the McCormick team’s current streak of four straight national titles. As an athlete, Henry won two U.S. national titles, earning

Henry

bronze medals at the concurrent world championships in 1991 and 1986.

He also won the 2007 U.S. Senior Nationals, finishing fourth at the World Senior Championships that year.

Now retired, Henry worked for many years at Herzing College in Madison.

“As a long time curler, success in the sport has always been high on my list of goals. When curling was granted medal status, many years ago, I had retired from competitive competition,” Henry said. “Now as a coach, I am extremely excited that I can be

involved in the highest level of the sport. I am also ecstatic that I will coach a team that has such excellent potential. I know they will work hard in preparation.

The fact that my daughter is on the team is icing on the cake.”

Drobnick, 28, was selected this month to coach the John Shuster team in Vancouver. Drobnick has coached the Chris Plys junior team for the past three seasons, leading them to a bronze in 2009, gold in 2008 and a fifth-place finish in 2007 at the World Junior Championships. He was named USA Curling Coach of the Year in 2008 after the success of Team Plys at the World Juniors.

As an athlete, Drobnick has competed at several Men’s Nationals, Olympic Team Trials and won the 2000 U.S. junior title. He works as a probation officer with St. Louis County.

USA women win silver at 2009 World Deaf Championships Liz Matthews (St. Paul, Minn.) skipped the USA women’s team to the silver medal at the 2009 World Deaf Curling Championships on April 18 in Winnipeg, Canada. This is the team’s second silver medal in international competition, having won the silver in the Deaflympics in

Salt Lake City in 2007.

Matthews and teammates Val Fuechtman (St. Paul), Jodie Dike-Johnson (San Francisco) and Karen Officre (San Francisco) defeated Slovakia in the semifinal game to advance to the gold-medal final against Canada, where they lost, 9-4.

Green Bay Curling Club Summer Spieling Opportunities!!

Tailgate Open–July 17-19, 2009 Men’s Sr – Aug 7-9, 2009 24 Team Limit for both Hot Summer–Cool Time! For More Information/Sign up

2009 World Deaf Championships Winnipeg, Manitoba Round robin–Women 4-0 Canada USA 3-1 Slovakia 1-3 1-3 Great Britain Croatia 1-3 Semifinal: *USA Slovakia

401 500 023 x 15 020 012 200 x 7

Gold medal: 510 012 000 x *Canada USA 001 200 100 x

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Round robin–Men Canada 4-0 Switzerland 3-1 Great Britain 2-2 1-3 Finland 0-4 USA Semifinal: *Switzerland 000 121 201 2 Great Britain 111 000 020 0

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Contact Bill Wilberg/Doris Yelk-Wilberg (920) 435-0195

Gold medal: *Canada 031 104 10x x 10 Switzerland 200 010 00x x 3

Or (920) 360-8692 or visit our website www.curlgb.com.

*last rock in first end

Drobnick

“I am very honored to be selected by USA Curling and the Shuster team to be the head coach for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games,” Drobnick said. “It is a great opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge. I know all of the guys on the team really well. I have played or worked with them all in the past. This will also give me an opportunity to continue to work with Chris (Plys) as we have been together for three years.”

Both Olympic curling teams will be participating in a year-long training pro-

gram to prepare for the Olympic Games.

“I think that the USCA/USOC have developed a great schedule that will help prepare Team Shuster to get on the medal stand in February,” Drobnick said. “Preparation for the games will start this spring. It is a very intense and time-consuming schedule. As a full-time probation officer my employer, Arrowhead Regional Correction, has been wonderful throughout this whole process. Both of my bosses, Wally Kostich and Kay Arola, have been super supportive of this opportunity. Without the support of them this opportunity would not be possible. I am looking forward to working with such a talented group of guys. John has proven to be one of the top skips in the world and will continue to get better. It is going to be an exciting year. I will do everything I can to get these guys in position to get a medal in Vancouver at the 2010 Olympic Games.”

These coach nominations are pending final approval

by United States Olympic Committee’s Board of Directors.

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USA men earn silver, women finish sixth at 2009 World Seniors

by Terry Kolesar, Editor he American men led by Paul Pustovar (Hibbing, Minn.) captured the silver medal May 2 at the 2009 World Senior Championships in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Pustovar and teammates Brian Simonson (Hibbing), Tom Harms (Pengilly, Minn.), Don Mohawk (Nashwauk, Minn.) and Dale Gibbs (Woodbury, Minn.) fell to Canada’s Eugene Hritzuk rink, 4-3, in the championship final. It was the sixth overall men’s senior title for Canada.

It also marked the fifth time the Americans men have won silver – all losses to Canada in the final. The U.S. won gold back in 2002, the inaugural year of the event. This was the second silver medal for Simonson, Harms, Mohawk and Gibbs, who represented the U.S. in 2006 as well.

The gold-medal game didn’t feature any ends with scoring bigger than singles. The Americans took at 2-0 lead after three with a steal of one, but the Canadians would take the lead after scoring singles in the next three ends. The U.S. tied the game with one point in the seventh giving Canada the last-rock advantage to use for the win in the eighth and final end.

Canada’s Pat Sanders rink defeated Switzerland’s Renate Nedkoff, 10-1, to win the women’s title. In the bronze-medal matches, Scotland’s Keith Prentice defeated Switzerland’s Andre Pauli while Sweden’s Ingrid Meldahl led her team to the women’s bronze with a win over Scotland’s Marion Craig.

The U.S. women’s team of Sharon Vukich (Seattle), Joan Fish (Hansville, Wash.), Cathie Tomlinson (Seattle) and Aija Edwards (Hansville) finished up the competition in sixth place with a 3-4 record in

2009 World Senior Championships Dunedin, New Zealand Men’s Standings Red Pool USA 5-0 Switzerland 4-1 Sweden 3-2 Finland 2-3 New Zealand 1-4 Italy 0-5 Blue Pool Canada Scotland Japan Australia Hungary England

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Semifinals: USA *Scotland

5-0 4-1 3-2 2-3 1-4 0-5 Playoffs: 000 201 021 010 020 200

Canada 202 202 00 *Switzerland 030 010 21

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Bronze medal: *Switzerland 002 010 xx Scotland 210 501 xx

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Gold medal: Canada 000 111 01 *USA 101 000 10 *last stone in first end

Team USA finished sixth in New Zealand. Team members included (l-r) Sharon Vukich, Joan Fish, Cathie Tomlinson and Aija Edwards.

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USA round robin games: USA 7, Sweden 2 USA 6, Finland 4 USA 6, Switzerland 5 USA 8, New Zealand 7 (extra end) USA 7, Italy 2 Women’s standings: 7-0 Canada 5-2 Switzerland Scotland 4-3 Sweden 4-3 Japan 3-4 USA 3-4 2-5 New Zealand Italy 0-7 Semifinals: *Switzerland 102 102 01 Scotland 010 030 20

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202 020 20 010 201 00

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Bronze medal: 210 110 1x Sweden *Scotland 001 001 0x

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Gold medal: *Switzerland 000 001 xx 412 210 xx Canada

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*Canada *Sweden

The senior men’s team lost just one match to finish with the silver medal. Team members included (l-r) Paul Pustovar, Brian Simonson, Tom Harms, Don Mohawk and Dale Gibbs (not pictured).

the round robin in the team’s first appearance at the World Senior

Championships.

USA round robin games: USA 8, New Zealand 4 USA 7, Sweden 4 Scotland 9, USA 2 Canada 7, USA 5 Japan 8, USA 3 USA 7, Italy 3 Switzerland 12, USA 1

Clarks win sixth U.S. mixed title as Washington holds off Wisconsin for gold

by Terry Kolesar, Editor ashington’s Brady Clark rink won its sixth title at the 2009 U.S. Mixed National Championship at the Medford Curling Club March March 29.

Clark (Lynnwood, Wash.) and teammates Cristin Clark (Lynnwood, Wash.), Philip Tilker (Seattle) and Beverly Walter (Seattle) got past Wisconsin’s Ryan Lemke team, 3-1, in a very low-scoring national championship. This is the sixth title for the Clarks, fifth for Walter and the first for Tilker.

Lemke (Medford, Wis.) and teammates Jackie Lemke (Medford), Kroy

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Nernberger (Madison, Wis.) and Rebecca Wood (Madison) won silver last year as well. The Wisconsin team would score just one point in this match, and it didn’t come until the fifth end. Jake Will (Madison, Wis.) was the team’s alternate.

Holding a 2-1 edge, the Washington team held onto the ham-

mer until the 10th as the ends in between were blanked. The Clarks also won the 2009 U.S. Mixed Doubles Championship earlier this season and represented the U.S. at the 2009 World Mixed Doubles Championship in Cortina, Italy.

Arizona’s Fred Maxie rink repeated as bronze medalists, defeating Ohio’s Robb Borland, 11-6. After giving up two steals to begin the match, Maxie (Phoenix) and teammates Anne Stuhlman (New Hartford, N.Y.), Richard Maskel (Green Bay, Wis.) and Carol Ann Naso (Fountain Hills, Ariz.) got on the board with a deuce.

A steal of two put them in control at 4-2. After earning just a single in the fifth, Borland’s team allowed Maxie to score three in the sixth and a victory-clinching four points in the ninth.

2009 U.S. Mixed National Championship Robin Standings Washington (Clark) Arizona (Maxie) Wisconsin (Lemke) Ohio (Borland) Minnesota (Stolt) North Dakota II (Gulseth) Maryland (Edie) Connecticut (Surka) Illinois (Armstrong) North Dakota I (Buresh) Playoffs: Semifinals Ohio 102 000 202 10 *Washington 010 113 020 02

8 10

*Wisconsin 120 204 xxx x Arizona 001 010 xxx x

9 2

Bronze: *Arizona Ohio

11 6

002 200 304 x 110 010 030 x

Gold: Wisconsin 000 010 000 0 *Washington 001 100 000 1 *last stone in first end

8-1 6-3 6-3 5-4 4-5 4-5 4-5 4-5 2-7 2-7

1 3

MAY 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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®

Wisconsin, Minnesota earn Club National titles

by Terry Kolesar, Editor

innesota’s Norma O’Leary defended her title by defeating Matina Heisler of Massachusetts, 10-9, in the women’s final at the 2009 U.S. Club National Championships March 14 at the Utica Curling Club in Whitesboro, N.Y. On the men’s side, Wisconsin’s Mike Fraboni defeated Jeff Wright of Illinois, 8-6, to capture the men’s title.

O’Leary (Silver Bay, Minn.) and teammates Pam Cavers (Duluth, Minn.), Mary Johnson (Duluth) and Patti Luke (Duluth) had to overcome an early deficit when Heisler (Falmouth, Mass.) and teammates Elizabeth Abeltin (Falmouth), Marinna Martini (Falmouth) and Wendy Scholes (North Falmouth, Mass.) scored five points in the fourth end to take a 6-4 lead. The Duluth Curling Club team would take control right back with four points in the sixth end and held the Cape Cod Curling Club team to just a single in the 10th end to secure the win.

“We were very thrilled to defend our title in Utica,” O’Leary said. “With Patti and I both playing in the Olympic Trials, our Club Nationals team didn’t get a chance to play together prior to the Minnesota State Championships. We really didn’t play all that well at State. We had to win our final game of the round robin to get the chance to make it to Utica. We then had to play a tiebreaker game against the Wapola rink to win the state championship, but both teams advanced to Utica.

“Once in Utica, our struggles continued, especially earlier in the week. I suppose as defending champions, we sort of had targets on our back, and throughout the round robin play in Utica it seemed that every one of our opponents showed up with their ‘A’ game, which is what you would expect. After round robin play we were forced to play a tiebreaker game against the Wapola rink again, to advance to the playoffs. We played our best game of the year in the semifinal game versus the Coleman rink from Washington.

“The championship game wasn’t anything to brag about, but we played just well enough and made just

2009 U.S. Club National Championships Utica, N.Y. Men’s Round Robin Standings Wisconsin (Fraboni) 8-1 North Dakota II (Tangedal) 7-2 Illinois (Wright) 7-2 Minnesota (Willmert) 5-4 Washington (Kauffman) 5-4 Maryland (Faircloth) 4-5 Michigan (Jorgensen) 3-6 North Dakota I (Grzadzieleski) 2-7 Connecticut (Hannon) 2-7 Arizona (Gallagher) 2-7

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Tiebreaker *Washington 201 002 000 00 5 Minnesota 010 010 011 11 6 Playoffs: Semifinals *N. Dakota II 012 010 301 0 8 Illinois 200 302 010 3 11 Wisconsin *Minnesota

Winning the men’s Club Nationals title were (l-r) Mike Fraboni, Donnie Henry, Brian Kopp and Joel Dietz from the Madison Curling Club.

001 021 030 x 010 100 201 x

7 5

Bronze: *N. Dakota II 130 12x xxx x Minnesota 001 00x xxx x

7 1

Gold: Wisconsin 100 030 202 0 *Illinois 001 102 010 1 *last stone in first end

2009 U.S. Club National Championships Utica, N.Y. Women’s Round Robin Standings Washington (Coleman) Wisconsin (Kosal) Massachusetts (Heisler) Minnesota I (O’Leary) Minnesota II (Wapola) Illinois (Lawless) California (Messier) Pennsylvania (Anderson) Michigan (Roberts) North Dakota (Melland) Tiebreaker *Minnesota I 110 34x xxx x Minnesota II 002 00x xxx x Playoffs: Semifinals *Wisconsin 000 101 000 0 Massachusetts 002 010 001 0

Repeating as the women’s Club National champions were (l-r) Norma O’Leary, Pam Cavers, Mary Johnson and Patti Luke.

enough shots to win the game. Winning feels great!”

For Wisconsin’s Fraboni rink, it was a familiar foe in Wright (Libertyville, Ill.) and teammates Nils Johansson (Highland Park, Ill.), Russ Brown (Lake Forest, Ill.) and Ken Brown (Deerfield, Ill.). Fraboni and Brian Kopp (Sun Prairie, Wis.), Joel Dietz (Madison, Wis.) and Donnie Henry (Cottage Grove, Wis.) trailed after four ends but scored big with the last rock the rest of the way.

Wisconsin would force Wright’s team to singles late in the game to earn their first national club title.

Fraboni also has won the men’s national title back in 2002 and represented the USA at the 2002 Men’s Worlds, finishing fourth. He also won bronze last year at the 2008 World Senior Championships.

“I thought we played consistent curling all week,” Dietz said. “The

competition was tough, but we did our best to keep Mike out of trouble with his skip rocks. And, those few times that we needed Mike to have 4-foot draw weight, he came up with it every time. Winning my first national championship was great, but doing it with three friends was incredible.”

In the bronze-medal matches, Washington’s Gabrielle Coleman rink defeated Wisconsin’s Shelly Kosal, 10-7, while North Dakota II’s Rick Tangedal handed Minnesota’s Mark Willmert a 7-1 loss.

Gold medalists: Wisconsin: Mike Fraboni (McFarland, Wis.), Brian Kopp (Sun Prairie, Wis.), Joel Dietz (Madison, Wis.), Donnie Henry (Cottage Grove, Wis.) Minnesota I: Norma O’Leary (Silver Bay, Minn.), Pam Cavers (Duluth, Minn.), Mary Johnson (Duluth), Patti Luke (Duluth)

Silver medalists: Massachusetts: Matina Heisler (Falmouth, Mass.), Elizabeth Abeltin (Falmouth), Marinna Martini (Falmouth), Wendy Scholes (North Falmouth, Mass.)

Illinois: Jeff Wright (Libertyville, Ill.), Nils Johansson (Highland Park, Ill.), Russ Brown (Lake Forest, Ill.), Ken Brown (Deerfield, Ill.) Bronze medalists: North Dakota 2: Rick Tangedal (Williston, N.D.), Rory Wolter (White Earth, N.D.), Brent Overland (Williston), Karl Merk (Williston), Brian Helstad (Williston) Washington: Gabrielle Coleman (Mountain View, Calif.), Elizabeth Coffin (Mountlake Terrace, Wash.), Cynthia Eng-Dinsel (Bothell, Wash.), Sara Skulec (Bothell, Wash.)

This is the fifth year that the Club National Championships were played.

8 6

7-2 7-2 6-3 6-3 6-3 5-4 3-6 2-7 2-7 1-8 9 2

2 4

*Washington 100 010 0xx x 2 Minnesota I 004 401 2xx x 11 Bronze: Washington *Wisconsin

010 102 040 2 10 101 020 102 0 7

Gold: *Minnesota I 301 004 002 0 10 Massachusetts 010 500 110 1 9 *last stone in first end

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MAY 2009

8

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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USA women finish ninth in Korea

by Terry Kolesar, Editor he American women concluded the 2009 Mount Titlis World Women’s Curling Championship in late March on a losing note as Denmark’s Angelina Jensen rink, defeated the Americans, 9-3, at the Gangneung International Ice Rink.

Debbie McCormick (Rio, Wis.) and teammates Allison Pottinger (Eden Prairie, Minn.), Nicole Joraanstad (Madison, Wis.), Natalie Nicholson (Bemidji, Minn.) and Tracy Sachtjen (Lodi, Wis.) finished with a 4-7 record, ninth overall.

With the Vancouver Olympic Games right around the corner, the U.S. ladies know they have their work cut out for them in the next 10 months.

“I feel like we’re underperforming,” Pottinger said when asked if the other nations had caught up to or surpassed the U.S.’s level of play. “We just need to execute better and get some confidence. I think the lack of confidence just builds when you don’t get the breaks.”

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The USA has now missed the playoffs three years in a row. “Maybe we have prepared too much for nationals and concentrated on that. Now, we have only the Olympics to think about so maybe that will help,” Pottinger said. “I think maybe we put too much pressure on ourselves just to get here.”

The Americans didn’t get any lucky rolls in the round robin finale either as the Danes shot 92 percent.

The Americans got on the scoreboard in the second end when McCormick was forced to draw for one.

A couple of missed shots led to Denmark’s Madeline Dupont (throwing last stones) making a takeout for three points in the third end to jump out to a 3-1 advantage. Once again, McCormick was forced to draw for a single in the fourth end. Dupont tried to extend the lead in the fifth with a draw for two but only snagged one.

The Americans would be forced to a single again with McCormick making a hit and roll to the button to secure the point in the sixth. Pottinger couldn’t quite get the guard up to protect the U.S.’s two

Women’s final 2010 Olympic Winter Games qualification points standings: Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Assocation Canada China Denmark Sweden Switzerland USA Scotland Germany Russia Japan Italy Korea Czech Republic Norway

2007 2008 2009 14.0 14.0 9.0 6.0 12.0 14.0 12.0 8.0 10.0 7.5 7.0 12.0 7.5 10.0 8.0 9.0 6.0 4.0 10.0 3.0 5.0 4.0 4.0 7.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 4.0 9.0 0.0 1.5 2.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 1.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0

Total 37.0 32.0 30.0 26.5 25.5 19.0 18.0 15.0 15.0 13.0 4.5 3.0 2.5 2.0

Top 10 qualify to 2010 Olympic Games

stones in scoring position in the seventh end, allowing Denise Dupont to double them out and lie two. Her sister would eventually make a takeout of the U.S. rock half buried behind the center guard for a deuce.

McCormick was staring down four Danish rocks in the eighth end when she made her final takeout – a crunky hit that rolled out and resulted in a steal of three for the Danes to conclude USA’s week at the 2009 Women’s World Championship.

China’s Bingyu Wang led her team to the nation’s

first world title by defeating 2006 Olympic gold medalist Anette Norberg of Sweden, 8-6. Jensen’s Danish team defeated Canada’s Jennifer Jones, 76, for the bronze medal.

Final event rankings: 1. China 2. Sweden 3. Denmark 4. Canada 5. Switzerland 6. Germany 7. Russia 8. Scotland 9. USA 10. Korea 11. Norway 12. Italy

2009 Mount Titlis World Women’s Championship Gangneung, South Korea Round robin China 10-1 Denmark 9-2 Canada 9-2 Sweden 7-4 Switzerland 6-5 Germany 6-5 Russia 5-6 Scotland 5-6 USA 4-7 Korea 3-8 Norway 1-10 Italy 1-10 Page playoffs, #1 v. #2: *China 100 100 300 1 6 Denmark 001 010 001 0 3 Page playoffs, #3 v. #4: Sweden 000 001 012 01 5 *Canada 010 010 100 10 4 Semifinal: Sweden *Denmark

022 000 200 1 100 210 020 0

7 6

Bronze: *Denmark Canada

101 030 100 1 010 101 021 0

7 6

Gold: Sweden 010 010 202 0 6 *China 100 202 020 1 8 *last stone in first end USA round robin scores: Russia 7, USA 5 Canada 10, USA 3 China 8, USA 4 Italy 9, USA 6 USA 7, Germany 6 USA 12, Norway 7 USA 9, Korea 2 USA 10, Sweden 5 Switzerland 8, USA 2 Scotland 7, USA 6 Denmark 9, USA 3 Overall positional rankings: Team: 79% (6th) Skip, Debbie McCormick: 71% (9th) Vice skip, Allison Pottinger: 76% (9th) Second, Nicole Joraanstad: 83% (2nd) Lead, Natalie Nicholson: 87% (1st) Sportsmanship award: Marianne Rorvik, skip, Norway

Sign-up deadlines set for 2009-10 USA national championships Here are the registration deadlines for the 2009-10 championship events: • Mixed Doubles, 10/29/09 • Nationals, 11/19/09 • Jr. Nationals, 12/1/09 • Sr. Nationals, 12/17/09 • Club Nationals, 1/7/10 • Mixed, 1/21/10 Wheelchair Trials will not be held since there will not be a world wheelchair championship this season due to the 2010 Paralympic

Support USA Curling, purchase a pin

Winter Games.

Please note that the junior playdown entry deadline and playdown window are set to ensure that there are no conflicts with other protected events. All junior regional playdowns must be completed between Dec. 26, 2009, and Jan. 3, 2010, to minimize school conflicts. A playdown window exemption will be granted

by the Championships Committee if a state or region can show hardship and guarantee no students will miss school. All exempt regions must use Dec. 19-20, 2009, as the alternate weekend. All exemptions are granted annually and requests must be submitted to the Championships Committee

by Nov. 2, 2009.

Final 2010 Paralympic Winter Games qualification points standings: Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Assocation Norway Canada USA Korea Scotland Sweden Switzerland Germany Italy Japan

2007 2008 2009 12.0 12.0 4.0 7.0 7.0 12.0 5.5 8.0 7.0 4.0 10.0 5.0 8.0 4.0 6.0 1.0 5.0 10.0 10.0 3.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 8.0 0.0 6.0 2.0 5.5 2.0 2.0

Total 28.0 26.0 20.5 19.0 18.0 16.0 14.0 8.0 8.0 7.5

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MAY 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

9

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USA men finish fifth in Moncton

by Terry Kolesar, Editor eam USA’s luck ran out during the tiebreaker round April 10 at the 2009 Ford World Men’s Championship as Norway’s Thomas Ulsrud rink eliminated John Shuster’s Americans from playoff contention with a 10-2 defeat.

“It was a crappy way to end the week, but the thing about it is we made the tiebreaker at the world championships playing probably our C or D game,” Shuster said.

Ulsrud shot a scorching 100 percent in defeating Shuster (Duluth, Minn.) and teammates Jason Smith (Duluth, Minn.), Jeff Isaacson (Gilbert, Minn.) and John Benton (St. Michael, Minn.). Shuster’s team won the 2010 Olympic Team Trials in February and are nominated to Team USA for the 2010 Olympic Games.

“I noticed he didn’t miss,” Shuster said about Ulsrud. “But, we didn’t make him shoot any tough ones though. He really didn’t have any tough shots the entire game.”

The teams began by seemingly testing each other’s draw weight with Ulsrud drawing through a thin port for two to open up the game. The U.S. struggled in the second end and Shuster was looking at four Norwegian stones when he got in the hack to throw his final shot. Needing to draw fully into the four-foot, Shuster slid just a little too deep and gave up a single.

Smith’s hit-and-roll double takeout momentarily put the Americans in good position to score multiple points in the third end.

When Norway’s Torger Nergard jammed his takeout attempt, he left the U.S. rock in the four-foot, so Smith drew a second rock in. However, Ulsrud would

2009 Ford World Men’s Curling Championship Moncton, New Brunswick

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Round robin Canada 10-1 Scotland 8-3 USA 7-4 Germany 7-4 Switzerland 7-4 Norway 7-4 Denmark 5-6 France 4-7 China 4-7 Japan 3-8 Czech Republic 3-8 Finland 1-10 Tiebreakers: *Norway 210 220 3xx x 10 USA 001 001 0xx x 2 Germany 201 002 011 0 *Switzerland 010 300 300 1

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Page playoffs, #1 v. #2: *Canada 100 020 101 0 Scotland 030 101 010 1

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Page playoffs, #3 v. #4: *Switzerland 101 001 001 01 5 Norway 010 100 010 10 4

The American men (above) work hard to freeze a stone during round robin action at the 2009 World Men’s Championship in Moncton, New Brunswick. It was a week of ups and downs for the men (below), who eventually finished fifth.

Photos by Michael Burns Jr., CCA

make the double takeout and follow that up by freezing to the stone Shuster placed in the four-foot behind the tee-line. Now forced to draw for just a single, the Americans got on the scoreboard.

What looked to be a blank end turned around for Norway in the fourth when Shuster didn’t fully remove the Norwegian shot stone and allowed Norway to earn another deuce. Things unraveled in the fifth end for the Americans as Shuster flashed a takeout to hand Norway a steal of two. Looking at five stones when he got into the hack to throw his final shot in the sixth, Shuster was able to draw into the back eightfoot for another single.

The U.S. looked poised to steal one or two in the seventh to try to stage a comeback, but Ulsrud used his last brick to pop out the two stones in the four-foot to move on to the page playoff 3-4 game. Norway would go on to earn the bronze with Scotland defeating Canada for gold.

Semifinal: Switzerland *Canada

001 000 021 1 110 003 100 0

5 6

Bronze: Switzerland *Norway

100 100 200 x 011 010 021 x

4 6

Gold: 201 001 002 2 *Scotland Canada 020 200 110 0 *last stone in first end

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USA round robin scores: USA 6, Germany 5 Scotland 12, USA 6 USA 10, Switzerland 3 Norway 7, USA 5 USA 9, China 8 USA 9, Japan 1 Denmark 9, USA 6 Canada 9, USA 6 USA 6, Finland 5 USA 7, Czech Republic 6 USA 9, France 6

Men’s final 2010 Olympic Winter Games qualification points standings: Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Assocation Canada Scotland/GBR USA Germany Norway Switzerland France Denmark China Sweden Australia Finland Japan Czech Republic Korea

2007 2008 2009 14.0 14.0 12.0 3.5 12.0 14.0 10.0 6.0 8.0 12.0 5.0 7.0 3.5 10.0 10.0 9.0 2.0 9.0 6.5 8.0 5.0 3.5 4.0 6.0 0.0 9.0 4.0 8.0 3.0 0.0 3.5 7.0 0.0 6.5 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 0.0 1.0

Total 40.0 29.5 24.0 24.0 23.5 20.0 19.5 13.5 13.0 11.0 10.5 7.5 3.0 3.0 1.0

Top 10 qualify to 2010 Olympic Games

Overall positional rankings: Team: 78% (9th) Skip, John Shuster: 72% (8th) Vice skip, Jason Smith: 76% (8th) Second, Jeff Isaacson: 79% (8th) Lead, John Benton: 84% (7th) Collie Campbell Sportsmanship award: Fengchung Wang, skip, Team China Final event rankings: 1. Scotland 2. Canada 3. Norway 4. Switzerland 5. USA 6. Germany 7. Denmark 8. France 9. China 10. Japan 11. Czech Republic 12. Finland

2010 Olympic curling pin design revealed

by Terry Kolesar, Editor Rich and Kristin Collins of the Triangle Curling Club in Wake Forest, N.C., are the winners of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games curling pin design contest the USCA held this winter.

“Rich and I were so excited to hear the news our design had won,” Kristin Collins said. “It is one we worked on together.

Curling is a very special

thing for both of us – we first met at a bonspiel (Chesapeake Funspiel) and it has played an important part of our relationship.”

The pin design was unveiled this spring and can be viewed and ordered online at http://usacurl.my bisi.com/. The cost for the pin is $25. You can also order pins by calling the USCA national office at 1888-287-5377 (toll-free).

“For the Olympic pin

design, we were inspired after learning more about the Inukshuk art featured on the 2010 logo. A native form of sculpture focused on rocks, we thought what better way to honor the Olympic hosts’ local culture

than by using it to represent a sport whose tradition also honors stone,” Kristin said.

“It just seemed like the perfect blend of Vancouver’s history and our sport’s rich tradition.”

Curling has been an important part of the lives of Rich and Kristin Collins over the years. Their wedding cake was even shaped like a curling stone.

“When we got the news from Bev (Schroeder) that our design was selected, we

were ecstatic! To think, for the sport that has so enriched our lives that now we were able to give something back,” Kristin said.

Since originally submitting the design, we have purchased our tickets to the Olympics and begun making our travel arrangements.

We were so excited at the opportunity just to go to the event and cheer on our athletes, but now to think we have a little part of it is just amazing to us!”

10

MAY 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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Plys leads USA to bronze at World Juniors

by Terry Kolesar, Editor innesotans Chris Plys, Aanders Brorson and Matt Perushek capped off their final year of junior eligibility with another medal as the Americans defeated Sweden, 9-4, to win the bronze medal at the 2009 World Junior Championships at the Vancouver Olympic Centre in British Columbia.

“It feels good to go out playing like I know we can.

It’s a good way to cap our team’s career, no complaints,” said Plys, who was named the alternate for Team USA for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

As the most successful junior curler in U.S. history, Plys (Duluth, Minn.) won five junior titles and the last four in a row. In his appearances at the Junior Worlds he led his team to gold in 2008 and now bronze in 2009.

“It was my last game ever as a junior…it meant a lot to play like we can,” Plys said. “It was a good way to cap it off, we can’t ask for anything more. It was awesome playing with

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2009 World Junior Championships Vancouver, British Columbia Round robin Women Switzerland 7-2 Scotland 7-2 6-3 Canada Russia 6-3 4-5 USA Sweden 4-5 Czech Republic 3-6 3-6 Denmark France 3-6 Japan 2-7 Page playoffs, #1 v. #2: 003 010 003 x Scotland *Switzerland 000 102 100 x

7 4

Page playoffs, #3 v. #4: *Canada 001 101 000 1 000 010 101 0 Russia

4 3

Semifinal: *Switzerland 010 001 01x x Canada 200 310 30x x

3 9

Bronze: 010 020 010 0 Russia *Switzerland 100 100 100 2

4 5

Gold: 200 020 201 1 *Scotland 002 101 020 0 Canada *last stone in first end

8 6

USA round robin scores: USA 9, Japan 8 Switzerland 10, USA 7 Scotland 11, USA 9 USA 10, Sweden 6 USA 13, Czech Republic 5 France 7, USA 6 USA 10, Canada 3 Russia 9, USA 3 Denmark 8, USA 5 Overall positional rankings: Team: 69% (6th) Skip, Alex Carlson: 66% (6th) Vice skip, Tabitha Peterson: 67% (7th) Second, Tara Peterson: 68% (6th) Lead, Sophie Brorson: 72% (5th) Sportsmanship award: Agnes Knochenhauer, Sweden

the guys for three years.

We finished our junior career in style. It would have been nice to get one more but…We set a goal for ourselves at a camp at the beginning of the season to get to the semis of the World Juniors. We did that, but it didn’t work out for one more (gold).”

Team lead Matt Hamilton (McFarland, Wis.) has one year of junior eligibility remaining. The team’s alternate Aaron Wald (Chisholm, Minn.) is just 19 years old.

Perushek heads off to law school in the fall at George Mason University.

“It’s been a great three years for us with winning the gold last year and now this. I plan to take a few years off. At the beginning of the season we agreed that we would sit down at the end of season and decide what was next, but for me, I need to take a few years off,” Perushek said.

The Americans got off to a great start in the bronzemedal game, scoring two points in the opening end and capitalizing on a steal of three points for a 5-0 jump-start. They’d steal two more in the fourth end before Oskar Erikkson’s

2009 World Junior Championships Vancouver, British Columbia Round robin–Men Canada 8-1 Denmark 7-2 USA 6-3 Sweden 6-3 Norway 4-5 Switzerland 4-5 Russia 3-6 China 3-6 Scotland 3-6 Germany 1-8 Page playoffs, #1 v. #2: *Canada 101 026 01x x 11 Denmark 020 100 20x x 5

USA’s Chris Plys yells to his sweepers during action at the 2009 World Juniors in Vancouver. Plys, 21, has been named the alternate for the U.S. Olympic men’s curling team.

Photo by Andrew Klaver, World Curling Federation

rink would get on the scoreboard with a deuce in the fifth end. The USA men would score two more after that leaving the Swedes

derailed.

Denmark’s Rasmus Stjerne denied Canada’s Brett Gallant of the men’s gold medal, 9-4.

Page playoffs, #3 v. #4: USA 011 020 010 2 *Sweden 200 100 002 0

7 5

Semifinal: USA *Denmark

020 010 10x x 202 101 03x x

4 9

Bronze: Sweden *USA

000 020 02x x 230 202 00x x

4 9

Gold: Denmark 002 110 230 x 9 200 002 002 x 6 *Canada *last stone in first end USA round robin scores: USA 7, Scotland 6 Denmark 7, USA 3 USA 9, Norway 8 Sweden 6, USA 5 USA 11, Germany 3 USA 5, Switzerland 4 USA 8, Russia 5 Canada 9, USA 3 USA 10, China 5 Overall positional rankings: Team: 74% (5th) Skip, Chris Plys: 69% (4th) Vice skip, Aanders Brorson: 71% (6th) Second, Matt Perushek: 78% (5th) Lead, Matt Hamilton: 80% (2nd) Sportsmanship award: Markus Hoiberg, Norway

USA women just miss playoffs

by Terry Kolesar, Editor he USA women finished out their rookie appearance at the 2009 World Junior Championships with an 8-5 loss to Denmark in the final game of the round robin.

The American team of Alexandra Carlson (Wayzata, Minn.), Tabitha Peterson (Eagan, Minn.), Tara Peterson (Eagan, Minn.), Sophie Brorson (Duluth, Minn.) and Molly Bonner (Virginia, Minn.) finished with a 4-5 record at the Vancouver Olympic Centre, the curling venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The U.S. ladies had a rought start to their final game, spotting the Danish ladies five points over the first three ends.

“We weren’t playing well at the beginning,” Carlson said. “I missed some shots so they were able to steal. We didn’t set up the ends as well as we should have.”

Team USA tried to get back in the game, scoring deuces in the fourth and sixth ends to pull win two

T

points at 6-4.

Bonner, the team’s alternate for this event who has three world juniors and two women’s national championship appearances under her belt, played the final game at the vice skip position and shot 80 percent, but the American ladies couldn’t overcome the early deficit.

“It was nice to play. I felt like I played pretty well, but we had a few key misses in the first three ends that didn’t work out as planned so we were kinda struggling to come back the rest of the game,” said Bonner, who also competed at the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in February.

With the loss, the American women finished in fifth place overall. “We would have liked to go out with a winning record,” Carlson said. “But it is our first year here, and we outperformed the last couple of years, so that is good. There were a couple of close games that we would have liked to have gone our way.”

Scotland’s Eve Muirhead won her third straight world junior title by leading her team to an 8-6 win over

USA’s Sophie Brorson (above) watches one of her lead stones during round robin play at the 2009 World Juniors in Vancouver.

The American women went on to finish fifth.

Photo by Andrew Klaver, World Curling Federation

Canada’s Kaitlyn Lawes team. Switzerland defeated

Russia to win the women’s bronze.

MAY 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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¤

Clarks finish 3-5 at World Mixed Doubles

by Terry Kolesar, Editor aking their first appearance at the World Mixed Doubles Championship, USA’s Brady and Cristin Clark ended the competition at the Olympic Ice Stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, with a win over Korea.

Playing for pride as they’d been eliminated from playoff contention the day prior, the Clarks (Lynnwood, Wash.) handed Jun Pyo Hong and Kyung Mi Park an 8-3 defeat to finish the round robin.

Leading 3-2 at the halfway point, the American duo, which has won six U.S. mixed national titles, stole a key deuce in the fifth and sealed the win with three points in the seventh end to finish with a 3-5 record.

“We would have like to have at least made the semis, but we are determined to perform better and get a medal during our next go around,” Brady Clark said. “We had a lot of close

M

Final rankings from the World Curling Federation: 1. Switzerland 2. Hungary 3. Canada 4. China 5. Finland 6. Czech Republic 7. Sweden 8. Poland 9. Scotland 10. Russia 11. Latvia 12. Estonia 13. New Zealand 14. France 15. Denmark 16. Italy 17. Japan 18. USA 19. England 20. Korea 21. Austria 22. Norway 23. Australia 24. Slovakia 25. Spain 26. Bulgaria 27. Wales

games that could have went either way. Our recommendation for next year would be to really encourage Team USA to take a coach if at all possible. We did struggle with the rocks and we believe that a coach could have helped tremendously in practice sessions and in watching other teams

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

USA’s Cristin Clark (above) watches the line on her husband Brady’s stone during round robin play at the 2009 World Mixed Doubles Championship in Cortina, Italy. The Clarks (below) finished 18th overall in their first appearance at the event.

Photos by Mari Fracchini, Newspower, for the World Curling Federation.

to aid in rock matching including the speed and curl of the rocks.”

The Americans finished 18th overall in their rookie performance.

“The World Mixed Doubles Championship held in Cortina, Italy, was by all means a world-class event,” Brady Clark said.

“The event was held at the same venue as the 1956 Olympics in Cortina, and it included an expert team of ice technicians (featuring Dave Merklinger as the head ice technician) and world-class ice, which

curled four to five feet and ran 24 to 25 seconds consistently.

“The organizing committee, World Curling Federation Committee, officials, timers, and everyone else involved did an excellent job making sure the athletes were taken care of and that there was a level playing field. The 2010 Men’s World Championship is sure to be treated exceptionally well in this beautiful city. Set in the dolomites, Cortina is sure to impress everyone with it’s beauty and hospitality.”

2009 World Mixed Doubles Round Robin Standings Green group: China 8-0 Sweden 6-2 Hungary 6-2 Denmark 4-4 Estonia 4-4 USA 3-5 Korea 3-5 2-6 Norway Spain 1-7 Blue group: Switzerland 8-0 Czech Republic 6-2 6-2 Poland Latvia 4-4 France 4-4 Austria 3-5 3-5 Japan Slovakia 2-6 Wales 0-8 Red group: 8-0 Canada 7-1 Finland Scotland 6-2 4-4 Russia New Zealand 4-4 Italy 3-5 2-6 England Australia 2-6 Bulgaria 0-8 Playoffs: Tiebreakers Hungary 020 331 0x *Sweden 101 000 2x

9 4

*Czech Rep. 303 212 xx 030 000 xx Poland

11 3

*Hungary 410 103 0x Czech Rep. 004 010 1x

9 6

010 002 0x 204 110 1x

3 9

Semifinals 102 003 10 Hungary *Canada 010 210 01

7 5

020 000 xx China *Switzerland 202 114 xx

2 10

Bronze: *Canada China

000 003 21 111 110 00

6 5

Gold: 100 000 30 Hungary *Switzerland 021 111 01 *last stone in first end

4 7

Finland *Hungary

USA round robin games: Estonia 11, USA 9 Hungary 7, USA 6 USA 9, Norway 2 USA 7, Spain 5 China 10, USA 6 Denmark 8, USA 6 Sweden 9, USA 4 USA 8, Korea 3

12

MAY 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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Stannard is new USWCA president

by Nancy Wilhelm, Chair USWCA Public Relations t the annual meeting of the United States Women’s Curling Association held in February 2009 in Wauwatosa, Wis., Jennifer Stannard of the Nutmeg Curling Club in Bridgeport, Conn., was elected president of the USWCA. She succeeds Bonnie Dixon of the Kettle Moraine Curling Club in Wisconsin.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Jennifer has curled for 18 years at the Nutmeg Curling Club and in Ardsley, N.Y. She was the president of Nutmeg from 2007 through the 2009 curling season, and has hosted a myriad of curling events for which the curling community in the East Region of the USWCA is truly grateful.

Stannard has held several positions within the USWCA, in addition to her

A

Stannard

terms as the second vice president and first vice president.

A very successful insurance account executive, Stannard recently won her company’s Chairman’s Award as the top account manager in the Northeast Region. She has one son serving in the U.S. Navy.

“Although he is a curler his travels to ports in Sicily, Crete or Guam presents few curling opportunities,” Stannard said.

Stannard also enjoys

singing in both her choir and in solo work. She currently serves as the commanding officer for the local unit of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps in Stamford, Conn., – the Navy’s youth group. She is proud to announce, “they are the number one unit in southern New England, and have just won the New England Flagship Competition!”

In accepting the presidency of the USWCA, Stannard said: “It is an exciting time!

Curling in the United States is on the threshold with interest in the sport sparked by network Olympic coverage in 2002 and bolstered in the 2006 Olympics when curling became ‘the most searched for sport’ on the Internet, the 2010 Olympics could fuel an explosion onto the sports scene in the USA.” “With the events occurring within our time zones North American viewership is expected to be high,”

Stannard said. “The USCA has reminded us all to prepare for the anticipated influx during and after the Olympics and, the great opportunity this affords us all.”

“The USWCA supports grass roots curling throughout the US with activities and resources for women, youth and men whom we hope will aid the clubs in meeting the needs of new members.” Stannard said.

“Many who come to the sport through the ‘introduction’ of Olympic curling are focused on the athleticism and competition afforded by the sport while others are intrigued and then ‘drawn in’ by their local club.”

“The USWCA Open and Women’s ‘5 and Under’ regional bonspiels are a perfect way to encourage these newer curlers in the competitive environment.

The regional USWCA Junior bonspiel provides a wider venue for our young people to experience curl-

IMPROVE MPROVE YOUR OUR GAME AME WITH ITH THE HE WORLD ORLD LEADER EADER IN ADULT DULT CURLING URLING INSTRUCTION NSTRUCTION

ing. All of these activities encourage curlers new to the sport to experience a diverse environment with competitor peers.”

“As I take the helm of the USWCA, we are focused on the enhancement of our resources to meet the needs of new curlers, new clubs, and promoting all aspects of the curling experience for existing curlers and clubs. From the basic athleticism and skills of the sport to the time honored social customs and traditions of the game, the USWCA strives to be ‘The Heart of Curling.’”

“I look forward to engaging all levels of curlers and clubs across the country to better the curling experience and to have the curling heart beat stronger in this Olympic season. Enjoy the summer and think about what we can all do to grow the sport next season; I’d love to hear your thoughts on how the USWCA can support you and your club.”

CURLING CAMP

October 16-18, 2009 Utica Curling Club, Utica, New York

$649

USD (plus accommodation)

Special Group Rate Accommodation at Ramada Inn Utica 1.315.735.3392

FEATURING: World Class Instruction Video Training Strategy Sessions

Guest Speakers Curling Jacket CD Workbook

TO REGISTER CONTACT ROGER ROWLETT Ph. 315.824.2638 Email: roger.s.rowlett@gmail.com Web: www.hotshotscurling.com

MAY 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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®

Friendship Tour begins in November

by Nancy Wilhelm, Chair USWCA Public Relations

E

very six years 16 Canadian women curlers travel to a USWCA region(s) to participate in the Friendship Tour. This November, women from Manitoba will be touring and curling in the central and Wisconsin regions. In 2006, 16 women curlers from all four regions of the USWCA toured and curled in Manitoba. The next USA to Canada Tour will take place in 2012.

The 2009 Friendship Tour will have the following itinerary: Nov 3 – The Manitoba women curlers arrive in Milwaukee Nov 4 - Tour curls at the Milwaukee Curling Club with opening party Nov 5 - Tour curls at Blackhawk Curling Club in Janesville, Wis. Nov 6 - Tour curls at Madison Curling Club in Madison, Wis. Nov 7 - Tour curls at Kettle Moraine Curling Club in Hartland, Wis. Nov 8 - Tour curls at Exmoor Country Club in Chicago Nov 9 - Tour travels to Detroit,

Mich.

Nov 10 - Tour curls at the Detroit Curling Club Nov 11 - Tour travels back to Cleveland/Mayfield, Ohio Nov 12 - Tour curls at the Cleveland Skating Club Nov 13 - Tour curls at the Mayfield Country Club with closing banquet Nov 14 - Tour returns to Manitoba The idea of the Canadian–United States Friendship Tour was first proposed in 1988 by Winnie Bloomquist of the Grafton Curling Club.

In 1990, the tour became a reality, with the purpose being to promote international friendship between Canada and the U.S., one of the USWCA’s constitutional purposes.

Through approval by the Canadian Curling Association and the USWCA, the tour takes place on a three-year rotating basis. To be eligible to apply for the Friendship Tour, women curlers must be 50 years or older and USWCA members in good standing.

Look for additional information in this fall’s issue of the U.S. Curling News.

USWCA five & under bonspiels are great events for new curlers Key: O–Open; X–Mixed; XD–Mixed doubles; M–Men’s; W–Women’s; S–Senior; WC–Wheelchair C–Cashspiel; J–Junior; ST–Stick Date MAY 22–24 Broadmoor, CO–High Altitude Hollywood, CA–Blockbuster

Type O O

JUNE 5–7 Great Smoky, TN (Knoxville)

O

JULY 2–5 Pittsburgh, PA–TropiCurl

O

JULY 9–12 Cape Cod, MA

X

JULY 12–15 Cape Cod, MA

W

JULY 16–19 Cape Cod, MA Capital, ND (Bismarck) Green Bay, WI–Tailgate

M O O

SEPT. 4–6 Wine Country, CA (Vacaville)

O

OCT. 1–4 North Shore, IL (Glenview)

O

OCT. 23–25 Rochester, NY–Big Pumpkin

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DEC. 12-13 Appleton, WI–Holly Hog 2010 JAN. 8-10 Appleton, WI–Men’s Invitational JAN. 14–16 Portage, WI–Junior Bonspiel

by Jeanne Borland, 5-YearAnd-Under Chair Successful five-year-and-under bonspiels were held in each area of the USWCA. The east region held an open event in Schenectady and a women’s event in Ardsley.

Here are the results of the completed events: • East, Ardsley Curling Club, 5 & under women’s event: Winning club: Green Mountain

Curling Club Skip: Tish Orr Vice: Meg O’Donnell Second: Connie Dollinger Lead: Blythe Leonard • Central, Exmoor Curling Club, 5 & under women’s event: Winning club: Detroit Curling Club Skip: Linda Duby Vice: Jennifer Parmenter Second: Deb Freedlander Lead: Pamela Sabara • Wisconsin, Portage Curling Club,

5 & under open event: Winning club: Madison Curling Club Skip: Steve Day Vice: Josh Koehler Second: Zach Miller Lead: Paul Ryan • West 1, St. Paul Curling Club, 5 & under women’s event: Winning club: St. Paul Curling Club Skip: Adrienne LaPointe Vice: Mary Jane Krantz Second: Anne Flis Lead: Amy Anderson

X

M J

JAN. 22–24 Two Harbors, MN–Men’s International M JAN. 29–31 Two Harbors, MN

O

FEB. 19-21 Copper Country, MI–Copperspiel

O

MARCH 5–7 Appleton, WI–Two-Man Stick Tri City, WI–Tri City Men’s

St M

MARCH 26–28 Two Harbors, MN

X

JULY 1–4 Pittsburgh, PA–TropiCurl

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Winners of the West I region were (l-r) Linda Duby, Jennifer Parmenter, Deb Freedlander and Pamela Sabara.

Winners of the USWCA Central Division 5 and Under Bonspiel held Feb. 7-8 at the Exmoor Curling Club were (l-r) Detroit’s Linda Duby, Jennifer Parmenter, Deb Freedlander and Pamela Sabara.

Winners of the East Region were Tish Orr, Meg O’Donnell, Connie Dollinger and Blythe Leonard.

Winners of the Wisconsin region were (front, l-r) Steve Day, Josh Koehler, Zach Miller and Paul Ryan.

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.

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MAY 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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All-American winners announced

by Nancy Wilhelm, Chair USWCA Public Relations he All-American bonspiel may be held at any time within the curling season. The event is either permanently on the club calendar, played half season or placed within the season’s schedule where time allows. Clubs are encouraged to participate in this annual event to give members the experience of being part of a national event within their own clubs.

Coyotes Curling Club, in Scottsdale, Ariz., is a new USWCA member this season. The All-American was their very first club level bonspiel, in which the majority of the club members participated. Kudos to Coyotes for their enthusiasm and wonderful spirit.

Clubs eligible to hold two events, one for their morning league and one for their evening league, were: Kettle Moraine, Madison, Mayfield, Nutmeg and Poynette.

Competitions fielded as few as three teams and as many as 16 teams. New as well as seasoned curlers received their first awards in this event. There were many very tightly-played final games.

Several clubs made this a

T

true bonspiel experience with decorations, themes, meals and awards ceremony including prizes for secondplace teams. The following are the winners of the 200809 season.

EAST: Albany: Wendy Berger, Pat Frey, Cynthia Galivan, Mary Hess Ardsley: Sandy Gaffner, Pam Siebert, Ina Obernesser, Dolores Redding, Bev Baynard Belfast: Abigail Read, Doris Allred, Anita King Broomstones: Carolyn MacLeod, Susan Porada, Sandy Bernstein, Anna Legedza Canadian Club: Joan Partridge, Cathy Claflin, Catherine Zukotynski, Roger Sinta, Monica Chopra Cape Cod: Katie Murphy, Janice Babin, Martha Balas, Amy Henderson Chesapeake: Jeanne Henkel, Merrie Delauder, Sure Radcliffe, Amy Pynn Nashua: Nancy Dinsdale, Ellen Lambert, Beth Curran, Doreen Fusco Nutmeg (a.m.): Diane Muldowney, Maura Faugnan/Ann Karrick, Barbara Manicatide, Dee McLenithan Nutmeg (p.m.): Diane Muldowney, Jane Beattie, Jacki Blackmore, Michelle Borque

Philadelphia: Rosemary Morgan, Carolyn Lloyd, Sandi Macan, Fran Cayer Potomac: Dawn Findlay, Virginia Chalmers, Evelyn Browne, Karen McQuillan Rochester: Amy Stamp, Phyllis Ely, Margo DiLella, Claudia Raven Schenectady: Nancy Wurth, Carol Munro, Candace Stefanik, Joan Pearson The Country Club: Lee Ladd, Jean Childs, Pam Henrikson, Nancy Russell Utica: Michelle MacEnroe, Heather Swiercz, Rachel Ryan, Pam Jones/Brenda Card CENTRAL: Chicago: Karen Begley, Michelle Rane, Joby Berman, Kirsten Higashikawa Cleveland: Katy Mercer, Ellie Neuhauser, Peggy Savani, Julia Sullivan Detroit: Karen Jamieson, Emilia Juocys, Marie Newton, Troy Eller Exmoor: Beth Shaw/Marcy Calaway, Laurie Hector, Susan Lindholm, Ann Hartman Brown Mayfield (a.m.): Tracie Moore, Mary Jane Maisonville, Jil Renee San, Diane Wojden Mayfield (p.m.): Leslie Cooke, Kathleen Roberts, Jane Paris, Lee Ann Spacek North Shore: Kathy Bodine, Deb Wilen,

Rosemarie Clohisy, Michelle Mok WISCONSIN: Appleton: Nancy Davis, Teresa Larkin, Patti Traas, Wynne Labhart Blackhawk: Celia Zaccard, Doris Ewing, Mary Conway, Bridget Olson Centerville: Elyse Sorenson, Judy Olson, Emily Adrian, Kathy Hovell Green Bay: Joy Pahl, Juliania Klocek, Lisa Schroeder, Brenda Luebke Kettle Moraine (a.m.): Judy Maier, Carol Stevenson, Theresa Thomas, Sue Hoffman, Pat Van Till Kettle Moraine (p.m.): Judy Maier, Stella Geason, Diana Taylor, Molly McKean Madison (a.m.): Cindy Godar, Angie Montgomery, Dae Jean Jahnke, Ellen Roney Madison (p.m.): Lori Karst, Dawn Nonn, May Tibbitts, Linda Speziale Medford: Laurie Rightmire, Joyce Christopherson, Mary Nelson, Sam Steinke Milwaukee: Margie Knitter, Joanne Moll, Susan Ryan, Susann Gedelman Poynette (a.m.): Jane Geesling, Sue Teeter, Dottie Sutfin, Monie Bancroft Poynette (p.m.): Roxann Brue, Jan Carlson, Sumiko Maeda, Katie Gramse/Mary

Parker Racine: Nancy Otis, Missy Thery, Lori Fitzgerald, Lisa Sondergaard Wauwatosa: Stacey Muller, Pat Heim, Deb Holger, Kara Sacia WEST I Arden Hills: Midge Hemstreet, Myrna MacKinnon, Kathleen Orme, Michele Daugherty Duluth: Mary Broman, Wendy Carlberg, Phyllis Adams Heather: Linda Annis, Kelly Johnson, Julie Willis, Pam Huck, Mandy Bryam Itasca: Nancy Sura, Carolin Humpal, Michelle Hedlund St. Paul: Becky Lein, Amy Anderson, Senja Lopac, Tina Pint WEST II Capital: Anna Hopkins, Kim Neigum, Clara Butland, Donna Reisenhauer Coyotes: Shari Zimmerman, Denise Julliard, Dave Heverman, Darryl Horsman Fargo-Moorhead: Susan Larson, Carmen Delaney, Judy Trautman Grand Forks: Erin Randall, Vivian McKewin, Julia Wallin, Megan Thomas Granite: Miyo Konno, Jennifer Westhagen/Tammy Lehto/Susan Schnoor, Kim Hitchcock, Tricia Allen

TCCA offering junior grant programs The Twin Cities Curling Association (TCCA) will continue its involvement with junior curlers in both Minnesota and across the United States. The TCCA will offer two junior programs for the 200910 season, both of which are in its third year. The programs are intended to defray the costs of curling, making the sport more accessible to athletes both new to the game and on competitive junior teams.

The first program, the TCCA/Goldline Junior Sponsorship Program, awards Goldline equipment, valued at over $2,500, to selected teams. Sponsorships will be given to four teams, two junior men’s teams and two junior women’s teams, based on competitive schedule and training plan as well as results. Winners from the 2008-09 season included the Alex Carlson rink, 2009 U.S. junior champions, and the Nina Spatola rink, 2009 U.S. junior runners-up.

“The TCCA/Goldline program is an excellent opportunity for competitive junior curling teams, to

defray some of their costs of training and competing,” said Mark Willmert, president of the TCCA. “Currently, no funding is available for U.S. junior teams, and seasons for competitive teams can cost thousands of dollars, if not more.

The program provides a way to reduce expenses, while providing top quality equipment from one of the leading curling equipment companies. This program helps our country’s best teams perform at a high level.” When asked about the TCCA’s relationship with Goldline, Willmert added, “We are thankful that Goldline has been so willing to work with our organization over these three years. Their generosity has been a key factor in making this program successful.”

The second program, the Junior Grant Program, awards recipients $150 scholarships. The scholarships are intended to help pay for curling related expenses, including: league dues, equipment, ice time, travel expenses, etc. Four individuals will receive grants for the next season. This program is only avail-

able to junior curlers from the Minnesota Curling Association (MCA) member clubs. Among the recipients for the 2008-09 season was Molly Bonner, a former junior national champion and competitor at the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

“The costs of curling can be significant. We’re excited to offer this program to support dedicated junior curlers that love to play the game. Junior curlers are essential to the long term success of curling and curling clubs, and this program helps get more of them involved,” Willmert said.

When asked about the Grant Program being limited to curlers in Minnesota, Willmert said, “We hope to expand the program to the national level within the next few years. The program is only in its third year, and we have received a lot of interest from Minnesota junior curlers thus far. Our goal is to develop the Grant Program into something similar to the Evan’s Scholarship in golf. It’s a lofty goal, but we are working hard to

expand the program soon.”

The TCCA’s sponsorship programs also will expand to curlers beyond the junior ranks, as the organization has recently secured an adult level sponsorship program from the Goldline company. The TCCA is currently working on establishing the application process for this new program and will release additional information soon.

Application forms for both junior programs will become available on April 9, 2009, on the TCCA web site, www.twincities curling.org. The selection criteria for both programs include information on curling accomplishments and goals, as well as general need, community involvement, and overall ambassadorship for the game.

An independent review board has been established to determine the selected teams and individual award recipients.

Applications will close on Sept.

15, and winners will be announced soon after to provide the best opportunity to utilize the equipment and funds for next season.

MAY 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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®

Social networking extends to curling community

by David Ross, CEO, Compete-At.com ocial media are a vital resource for promoting your events in the 21st Century. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Wikipedia provide endless opportunities to connect, one-to-one, with thousands - even millions - of raving fans of your sport. As you think about how to leverage this mind-boggling new resource, though, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

So when you’re creating your social media strategy, follow a simple step-bystep plan.

Step 1: Set your goals.

Clearly state your goals and constantly check them against your marketing intentions and your concrete results. Write goals

S

down and be specific.

Don’t have too many goals but focus on what is important and keep an eye toward diversity. It is always better to have a few goals and meet them than to go after pie in the sky. Your goals might include, for example, reconnecting with a certain percentage of your previous event competitors, increasing your network size and generating a certain amount of new content every day/week/month. Whatever your specific goals, remember that your plan is going to take time and don’t have unrealistic expectations.

Rome wasn’t built in a blah, blah...

Step 2: Know your market. Try to understand the online habits and preferences of your event competitors, spectators and sponsors. Get to know their “social technographic profiles.” Do the research.

Talk to people, surf the net.

Identify the demographics of your target group(s) and then identify the social media they’re most likely using and how they’re using them.

Step 3: Pick your weapons. Choose the online tools that best match your goals and targets. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket but, rather, have a mix of technologies and sites. The idea is to diversify, not duplicate. You’ll probably want to use a strategic mix of Social Network Sites (SNS),

Forums and Blogs. Pick a general SNS like Facebook and then a couple of sport/event-specific forums and blogs. This strategy gives you a mix of coverage to optimize results.

When using the SNS, accept invitations and build up your friends lists. Use the Status Updates to your full advantage. Post often, but not to the point of annoyance. Create fan pages. Join Groups and contribute to discussions, but also start your own Groups.

On the forums, become active. Post often and, more importantly, supply answers and insightful comments.

Keep these insights positive and helpful, not negative or self-serving. Consider making a donation to the site (usually less than $50).

This shows your support of the community and instantly raises your standing.

Lastly, consider advertising on the site. This can be a very cost-effective platform.

As for blogs, know that starting your own blog is a major commitment and

growth can be slow. In most cases you are better off finding blogs that your target audience is already following and see if you can get involved. Consider contacting the blogger. Most bloggers are always looking for content and ideas, so help them out. Give them exclusives. Let them know what you are doing that is unique. Feed them press releases, news items. Make them feel special.

Step 4: Build or borrow?

After working the first three steps, you’ll come to a point where you really need to decide whether you want to build your own (forum, SNS, blog…) or leverage an existing site. In most cases it will be more efficient to find a blog, SNS or forum that already covers your target audience and use it to meet your goals.

If there’s really nothing out there for you, or if you see a great opportunity to be a pioneer, then you might want to build your own.

But remember, growth can be a slow process.

Step 5: Think long-term.

As with any marketing or branding effort, this is a long-term strategy. Give it time to develop. Social media is like a bank in which you make deposits one penny at a time. So to buy that shiny new bicycle (or other reward) you’ll have to stick with your strategy over the long haul.

The good news is that as your “principal” grows, it generates interest, increasing the total value over time.

Step 6: Look for ways to leverage technology.

Because you want to cover several different social media, look for tools that will help you reduce your effort. Work smarter, not harder. There are innumerable tools and solutions available to help you streamline your workload.

For example, Ping.fm allows you to simultaneously post to Facebook, Plaxo, Twitter and other accounts.

Tweetlater allows you to queue up “tweets” (Twitter posts) and automatically post them on a staggered schedule. Those are just a couple of examples.

Remember, too, that you don’t have to create all of your content. You can “borrow” content from other sites, as long as you give them credit and post links to the source. And finally: Step 7: Remember the four “Cs.” Whatever web tools you choose, create your posts, uploads and site improvements with the following criteria in mind: • Content – Does this post (content, upload, feature, etc.) add value to the target community?

• Context – How does this post relate to the “world” of the target community?

• Connection – How does this post build connections between you and the target community?

• Community – How does this post help to build a sense of connection among members of the target community?

Following this seven-step plan will help you navigate the vast, but rewarding ocean of social media and get the best return on your marketing investment. (complete text is online at: http://blog.competeat.com/2009/04/creatingsocial-media-strategy.html)

TOP 10 MICHAEL WESTEN “BURN NOTICE” TRADECRAFT TIPS ON THE SPORT OF CURLING: 10] When you’re burned off a playdown team, you’ve got nothing. No funding, no sponsorship, no high performance camps. You’re stuck in whatever club they decide to dump you in. You take whatever games come your way. You rely on anyone who’s still willing to throw rocks with you–a “peel-happy” ex-girlfriend or maybe an old teammate who used to inform on you to the USCA Rules and Officiating Committee. First-year curlers too, if you’re desperate. Bottom line–until you figure out why they burned you, you’re not going anywhere near a national championship.

9] Repeatedly leaving a lot of opposition rocks lying around in the rings without benefit of the hammer can mean one of two things. Either you have absolutely no doubts about your team’s ability to consistently execute precise shots under pressure, or you are hopelessly deranged.

8] Playing negative ice is a little like negotiating a mine field. No matter how many explosive situations you manage to dodge, there always seems to be another one directly ahead ready to blow up right in your face.

7] Dealing with “well-meaning” spectators after a really tough loss can pose some difficulties. People have a tendency to want to run up to you and gush, “It was a great game to watch!” Under these circumstances, you could certainly be justified in taking out a gun and shooting them. This is usually not a good idea, however, since there is rarely a good place in your average curling club to hide the body.

6] Matching rocks is by nature an inexact science. You can run them up and down the ice in tandem or throw them against the stopwatch. Neither method is very reliable, so sometimes the best advice is to not even bother. Instead, just act supremely confident and pretend like you have a top secret “little black book” on all the mis-matched stones.

5] Requesting that your skip give you more ice is somewhat like asking for a favor from a Russian mob boss. You may get your wish, but if you don’t produce, be prepared for the fact that there may be some serious consequences.

4] Curling is basically a “Monkey See, Monkey Do” sport. If a team is successful and they happen to employ a particular technique, people often assume a “cause and effect” relationship and immediately jump on the bandwagon. Should you choose to embrace this philosophy, make very sure that you are copying the really smart primates rather than the really dumb ones.

3] After screwing up as a skip, your first priority should be to set up one of your teammates to be the “fall guy.” Most skips prefer to target the lead, but that is way too obvious and your critics will see right through it. Much better to go after the second.

Seconds are far enough down the food chain so as not to matter and they will almost never put up a fight.

2] In curling, timing is everything. Fan a wide open takeout on your team’s first shot of the game and now one will ever remember. Fan a wide open takeout on your team’s last shot of the game and no one will ever forget.

1] Some situations just come down to probabilities.

The odds on making a 15-foot angle-raise takeout, the number times you can draw the button with hammer to save the end. You might have a one-in-five chance of making a triple takeout or a one-in-10 chance of executing a wheel shot. Or, a 100 percent chance that none of that will matter because your next opponent is skipped by three-time world champion Glenn Howard.

– Richard Maskel

MAY 2009

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Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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How about a svelte 70s world championship? just turned 60 on Shakespeare’s birthday, so it’s time to stifle any dreams to win the race for most curling world championship appearances. As of this writing, my tally is — zero.

I’ll keep trying but the odds are get longer each season.

If you are in the same boat as me, dear reader, there is hope! Based on current trends, I’m looking forward to the World Curling Federation instituting more world championships for us to dream of as we age: “Super Seniors Worlds” (60+); “Svelte 70’s Worlds;” “The Age of Guile Worlds” (80+); “Legacy People’s Worlds” (over 90); and finally, Century Worlds (100 and over). Furthermore, to increase our odds of success, each age group should have events for stick, no stick and mixed doubles.

As for me, if I somehow manage to last for a few more decades, simply weathering like cedar to a silver gray, eventually the shortage of eligible athletes should enhance my odds. If I expire, what of it? I’ll never miss another shot!

How big should a board of directors be?

In my experience, the U.S. Olympic Committee staff and volunteer board is comprised of talented, motivated, honest people.

But they are not immune to jumping on bandwagons, sometimes when the band is out of tune. In the past several years, the USOC has adopted the popular

I

Tales From Sheet Nine

David Garber david.garber@usacurl.org

notion that nonprofit boards should be more corporate in nature, with nine to 11 members, mainly comprised of independent directors (athletes elected by athletes, by federal law, must have at least 20 percent of USOC and NGB board seats). Advocates argue that small and independent boards will deliver lower administrative costs and other efficiencies. I respectfully disagree with this notion, for several reasons.

Small boards comprised mainly of “independent” directors are much more susceptible to the influence of a powerful board chair.

This can be is OK if the chair is, say, Mr. or Ms. Terrific. But ask investors in the stock of Enron, AIG and many banks and hedge funds what they think of corporate-style boards.

The USOC had some organizational turmoil about five years ago, and

saw board change as a solution to those problems.

Unfortunately, in my opinion, the new board organization has resulted in the marginalization of National Governing Body influence (the NGBs are USOC members). NGBs have the primary responsibility to develop their sports and train future World and Olympic medalists. In the days when the USOC board was over 100 members strong, it surely was ponderous and inefficient in some ways. But the former presence of NGB representatives on the USOC board, who were expert in and passionate about their sports, acted as a check and balance system, to avoid concentrating power in any one area, and protected the smaller NGBs. Some folks will point to good Olympic medal performances to say that the new system works better.

Again, I beg to differ. The variable in the Olympic Winter Games was, under the old system, and is, under the new, provision of more money to athletes and athlete development programs. Podium funding helped the USA to a record performance at Salt Lake City in 2002. Performance funding continued that success in Torino in 2006. The effective notion is bigger money, not smaller board size.

Today’s USOC board seems less interested in the welfare of the NGBs. Smaller sports bodies especially depend on the USOC for funding athlete programs. This is logical. The U.S. Congress granted the USOC a monopoly on the use of the Olympic rings for marketing purposes.

Smaller NGBs cannot use the Olympic rings to generate marketing dollars. The Widget Company must pay millions to sponsor the USOC, but if they wish to pay a few thousands to sponsor USA Curling, they can’t mention the Olympic Games, or use the five rings (with some exceptions that have relatively minor revenue impact).

The USOC’s independent directors cannot be expected to have the sports expertise and passion that the members of the former constituent-based board had. The USOC has been (gently so far) pressuring the USCA to reduce its board size from the high twenties to about 10, and even at that, with a majority of independent people (i.e., no connection to curling).

There is surely nothing wrong with having some independent directors, who can bring new perspectives as well as connections to prospective sponsors.

Having said that, I believe board reduction and elimination of most curler board members would hurt the USCA. Expenses are not the issue, since USCA directors pay their own expenses to attend the two annual board meetings (disclosure: the USCA pays for directors’ coffee and donuts at breaks!). The USCA is small, with a small staff, and USCA directors do a lot of the work of the organization—finding event sites, promulgating rules, representing the USCA at many events and gatherings, helping to develop new clubs, and much more.

A smaller, more “independent” board will not, in my opinion, make the USCA

appreciably more efficient or effective, but it would inevitably reduce the level of the critical volunteer commitment necessary to run our NGB. Vancouver I hope readers are looking forward to watching the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, either in person or on NBC. Curling has three teams of excellent athletes and very nice men and women. Their support staff is talented, from the athlete development director to the team leader and the three coaches, plus several specialist people.

Most Olympic training and Games expenses are funded by the U.S. Olympic Committee. I’m optimistic for all three of our teams (i.e. medals!), even though the podium battle gets harder each season, because the world’s curling nations are improving each year. That’s good for curling. Wherever our teams finish, they will be fine ambassadors for U.S. curling, and good subjects for what promises to be two weeks of exciting TV curling next February. The Paralympics will be several weeks later and unfortunately will likely get little or no TV exposure.

The Olympic Winter Games have been a boon to curling clubs’ membership growth in the United States.

Many clubs are planning now for Olympic season open houses to capture some members who get interested during the 80 or more hours of televised curling. Check with your club’s leadership to see what’s in the recruiting hopper. Enjoy your off-season!

Championship Calendar 2010 U.S. Mixed Doubles Championship 2010 U.S. Nationals Qualifying Round Midwest North: Fargo-Moorhead (men) Midwest South: Mankato (men) East: Potomac (men) West: Fairbanks (men & women) Midwest: Green Bay (women) East: Nashua (women)

Dec. 3-6 Jan. 5-10 Jan. 5-10 Jan. 5-10 Jan. 5-10 Jan. 5-10 Jan. 5-10 Jan. 5-10

Seattle

2010 2010 2010 2010

Jan. 23-30 Jan. 27-31 Jan. 28-31 Feb. 4-7

Bemidji, Minn.

Portage, Wis. Cape Cod, Mass.

Grafton (men) Site to be determinded for women Vancouver, British Columbia Madison, Wis. Flims, Switzerland Kalamazoo, Mich.

Vancouver, British Columbia Chicago, Ill. Swift Current, Saskatchewan Cortina, Italy Chelyabinsk, Russia Chelyabinsk, Russia

U.S. U.S. U.S. U.S.

Junior National Championships Senior Men’s National Championship Senior Women’s National Championship National Challenge Round

2010 Olympic Winter Games 2010 U.S. Club National Championships 2010 World Junior Championships 2010 U.S. National Championships 2010 Paralympic Winter Games 2010 U.S. Mixed National Championship 2010 World Women’s Championship 2010 World Men’s Championship 2010 World Mixed Doubles Championship 2010 World Senior Championships 2010-2011 season (schedule so far) 2011 U.S. Mixed Doubles Championship 2011 U.S. Nationals Qualifying Round West: Seattle (men & women) East: Rochester (men) East: Nutmeg (women) 2011 U.S. Junior National Championships

Feb. 12-28 Feb. 20-27 March 5-14 March 6-13 March 12-21 March 20-27 March 20-28 April 3-11 April 15-24 April 16-24

Dec. 9-12 Jan. 5-9

Duluth, Minn.

Feb. 5-12

Fairbanks, Alaska

MAY 2009

Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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Stevens Point Mixed

The 2009 Stevens Point (Wis.) Mixed Bonspiel took place March 2729. Here are the results: 1EW—Madison: Lori Karst, Ian Journeaux, Dawn Nonn, Steve Day 1ERU—Madison: David Carlson, Steph Erstad, Joel Erstad, Jan Carlson 2EW—Green Bay/St. Paul: Morris Koepke, Diane Koepke, John Gresback, Bea Gresback 2ERU—Stevens Point: Kris Henning, Megan Henning, John Prais, Gail Prais 3EW—Portage: Dan Brunt, Jenny Brunt, Paul Havlik, Cheryl Bihn 3ERU—Stevens Point: Bob Berg, Kim Zivicki, Greg Ryan, Pat Ryan 4EW—Kettle Moraine: Jerry Helding, Jan Wolter, Dave Wolter, Chris Helding 4ERU—Appleton: Bob Kriewaldt, Paula Rogers, Paul Siedschlag, Annette Siedschlag

Plainfield Open

The 2009 Bonsqueal took place April 3-5 at the Plainfield Curling Club.

Here are the results: 1EW–Potomac/Pittsburgh: Sean Murray, Rich Ashford, Al Tarkka, Karen Lonka 1ERU–Plainfield: Brandon Folkes, Cameron Ross, Jeremy Ringler, Alex Prelusky 2EW–Plainfield: Don Greb, Sue Lindsay, Mickey Mangold, Adam Toussant 2ERU–Plainfield: John DeJong, Bob Howell, Ed Veltre, Dan Coviello 3EW–Schenectady: Jack Stopera, Charlie Brown, Rich Gonyeau, Nancy

Wurth 3ERU–Plainfield: Aaron Dubberley, Melanie Dubberley, Brady Gould, Jason Valettuto 4EW–Utica: Michelle MacEnroe, Michael Swiercz, Paul MacEnroe, Heather Swiercz 4ERU–Schenectady: Art Merkley, Brian Damon, Dan Sthulman, Chris Fatone

Vikingland Open

The Vikingland Curling Club of Alexandria, Minn., hosted the Third Annual Runestone Spiel on March 6-8.

1EW—St. Paul: Jim Bronson, Wayne Richert, Jim Bata, Joey Bata 2EW—Vikingland: Lars Nelson, Curt Blair, Andy Siira, Jason Lattimer 3EW—St. Paul: Mike Floerchinger, Thom Walker, Duane Herberg, Mike Mulville 4EW—Vikingland: Ron Branch, Glenn Melchert, Michael Bouressa, Diane Zeithamer

Richmond, B.C. Men’s

The Wisconsin team of David Brown, Leon Romaniuk, Dan Brown and Richard Maskel won the bronze medal at the 10th annual Pacific International Cup on April 19. The 20team tournament featured teams from Canada, Australia and the U.S.

Waltham Mixed

The 2009 Waltham Mixed Bonspiel took place March 5-8 in Triumph, Ill. Here are the results: 1EW—Chicago/Waltham: Darrin

Beach, Jane Johnson-Nelson, Pete Carmichael, Julie Denton 1ERU—Exmoor: Larry Brown, Peggy Griem, Mike Griem, Ann H. Brown 2EW—Madison: Rich Lepping, Beth Lepping, Paul Matzke, Bridget Matzke 2ERU—Kettle Moraine: Ron Kase, Bonnie Dixon, Bob Dixon, Cathy Kase 3EW—Kettle Moraine: Jerry Helding, Mary Rasmussen, Herb Rasmussen, Chris Helding 3ERU—Blackhawk: Ryan Spielman, Lauren Spielman, Bob Baden, Stacey Baden 4EW—Chicago: Doug Boyd, Susan McDonald, Dave Durrant, Stephanie Martin 4ERU—Chicago/Racine: John Reid, Gail Bemus, Dave Bemus, Liz Reid

Winners of the Serrano Junior Bonspiel in Chisholm were (l-r) Stephen Taylor, Taylor Skalsky, John Muller and Jared Zezel.

Wauwatosa Men’s

The Wauwatosa Curling Club hosted the 68th annual Men’s Invitational March 13-15. Here are the results: 1EW—Kettle Moraine: Jeff Neff, Dan Mitchell, John Fischer, Beau Moore 1ERU—Blackhawk: Ryan Spielman, Jason Pickett, Mike Woods, Charlie Dana 2EW—Wauwatosa: Peter Muller, Peter Conrardy, Tom Havas, Dave Marek 2ERU—Wauwatosa: John Dunlop, Jim Matthews, Bill Christensen, Dave Wolz 3EW—Kettle Moraine: Smily Gebert, Keith Berres, Tom Munich, Jeff Becker 3ERU—Kettle Moraine: Todd Flemming, Jeff Maier, Ken Nash, Rick Kotlarek 4EW—Madison: Lester Boles, Walt Erbach, Rob Nickells, Chris McMahon 4ERU—Kettle Moraine: Dave Lewis, Karl Muhle, Larry Maier, Mark Zawada

Winners of the Waltham 2009 Mixed were (l-r) Julie Denton, Pete Carmichael, Jane Johnson-Nelson and Darrin Beach.

USA Curling Hall of Fame nominations due June 1 Nominations for consideration for induction into the USA Curling Hall of Fame are due at the national office on June 1, 2009.

Nomination forms and bylaws can be found on the USA Curling website,

www.usacurl.org.

Please refer questions to Dawn Leurquin, dawn.leurquin@usacurl.org at the USCA office or Richard Maskel, negative-ice@att.net, chair of the athlete/curler recognition committee.

The winners of the 2009 Wisconsin High School Curling Championships were (l-r) Wausau West’s Kelley Derrick (assistant coach) Brittney Miilu, Sarah Sandquist, Lauren Stepanik Melissa Sandquist, Stacy Miller and Jim Wendling (coach).

Kettle Moraine set to host 2010 Wisconsin State Senior Championship

by Harry Maier, Green Bay Curling Club Dates for the next four Wisconsin State Seniors’ Championship have been set by a committee headed by Bernie Dushek of the Arlington Curling Club.

Dates and locations include: 2010, Kettle Moraine; 2011, Medford; 2012, Appleton; and 2013, Wauwatosa.

Along with Dushek, committee members include: Ken Neidhart, Madison; Ken Van Till, Kettle Moraine; Harry Maier, Green Bay; Mert Vaughn, Medford; and Larry Anderson, Rice Lake.

The winners of the 2009 Wisconsin High School Curling Championships were (l-r) Waupaca’s Preston Waala, Zachery Waitrovich, Zach Porod, Aaron Johnston and Jason Smith, coach.

The Funny Side

Winners of the 2009 Wells Fargo Bonspiel at the Owatonna Curling Club were (back row, l-r) Matt Chester, Tom Kari, Mark Federspiel and Guy Griesmann of Owatonna. Runners-up were (front, l-r) Jerah Flynn, Matt Whalen, Darren Zempel and Aaron Olson of Owatonna.

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Pardeeville Men’s

The 2009 Red Baron Bonspiel took place March 27-29 at the Pardeeville (Wis.) Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW—Madison: Ken Neidhart, Tom Gannon, Paul Ryan, Bruce Garner 1ERU—Arlington: Kurt Deeren, Dan Deeren, Karl Erstad, Gregg Karls 2EW—Portage: Tim Pape, Bill Ehlert, Larry Maier, John Pape 2ERU—Pardeeville: Jim Nelson, Scott Thompson, Tim York, Wayne Cornford 3EW—Madison: Pete McCormick, Karl Sachtjen, Randy Branton, Thud Kosel 3ERU—Arlington: Dave Phillips, Ron Lovick, Nate Phillips, Travis Phillips 4EW—Wauwatosa: Bill Christensen, Mike Zimmerman, Neil Freund, Paul Fischer 4ERU—Waukesha: Bob Brenckle, Jon Brenckle, Bob Bergmann, Tom Gaertner

Winners of the GNCC Region’s Senior Bonspiel were (l-r) Rich Hess, Harry Pharoah, Tony Steiert and Rod Waters (skip) of the Philadelphia Curling Club.

Winners of the Sweethearts Mixed Bonspiel included (l-r) Sandy Bromenschenkel, John Hanson, Emma Bromenschenkel and Jon Lavalier.

Winners of the Marshfield Men’s Bonspiel were (l-r) Kent Nernberger, Jeff Mueller, Dave Lemke and Ryan Lemke (skip) of the Medford Curling Club.

Winners of the Mayfield 40th Annual Evergreen Mixed were (l-r) Robb Borland, Jeannie Borland, Byron Sah and Jill Sah.

Winners of the Pardeeville Red Baron were (l-r) Ken Neidhart, Tom Gannon, Paul Ryan and Bruce Garner.

Winners of the Plainfield Stone Bonspiel were (l-r) Dean Gemmell, Bill Peskoff, Steve Langanke and Mike O’Neill.

Winners of the 50th Annual Stevens Point Men’s/Howard Woodside Memorial Bonspiel were (l-r) Ian Journeaux, Dave Carlson, Dean Zoesch and Paul Havlik.

Winners of the Stevens Point Mixed Bonspiel were (front, l-r) Lori Karst, Ian Journeaux, Dawn Nonn and Steve Day. Runnersup were (back, l-r) David Carlson, Stephanie Erstad, Joel Erstad and Jan Carlson.

Winners of the Potomac Cherry Blossom Bonspiel were (l-r) KC McGrath, Brian Parsons, David Baxter and Derek Stadnichuck.

Winners of the Runestone ‘Spiel at the Vikingland Curling Club were (l-r) Jim Bronson, Wayne Richert, Jim Bata and Joey Bata.

Plainfield Men’s

The 31st PCC Stone Bonspiel took place March 5-8. Here are the results: 1EW—Plainfield: Dean Gemmell, Bill Peskoff, Steve Langanke, Mike O’Neill 1ERU—Ardsley: Peter Austin, George Austin, Dan Tufaro, Bill Pekowitz 2EW—Plainfield: John Wilman, Bob Howell, Dean Roth, Ed Klug 2ERU—Plainfield: Bill Vallier, Karl Lohner, Dixon Fung, Ron Janes 3EW—Plainfield: Aaron Dubberly, Erik Conrad, Mike Matts, Dave Capers 3ERU—Ardsley: Walt Baggett, Tim Klein, Jeff Klein, Dave Asano 4EW—Philadelphia: Tony Steiert, Art Willson, Rich Hess, Craig Sykes 4ERU—Potomac: Benjamin Yeung, Barry Nichols, Richard Chin, Bob Bridgeman

Potomac Open

The Cherry Blossom Bonspiel took place March 26-29 at the Potomac (Md.) Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW—Fifth Quintile/Potomac: Derek Stadnichuck, David Baxter, Brian Parsons, KC McGrath 1ERU—Dallas-Fort Worth: Sandra McMakin, Linda Murphy, Cathy Jones, Marcie Alsobrooks 2EW—Nutmeg: Steve Mannik, Sil Mannik, Elly Bockley, Karl Bockley 2ERU—Pittsburgh: Keith Scott, Rich Ashford, Brian Stuart, Al Tarkka 3EW—Nutmeg: Joseph Smith, Dian Muldowney, Ann Drummie, Howard Griffin 3ERU—Utica: Charles Skinner, Marena Taverne, Chuck Skinner, Melon Sofinski 4EW—Baltimore: Brian Dauerheim, Alan Dackiw, Sarah Wolfe 4ERU—Ardsley: Walter Baggett, Tim Klein, Jeff Klein, David Asano

Stevens Point Men’s

The 50th annual Stevens Point Curling Club Men’s/Howard Woodside Memorial Bonspiel took place March 13-15. Here are the results: 1EW—Poynette: Ian Journeaux, Dave Carlson, Dean Zoesch, Paul Havlik 1ERU—St. Paul: Kent Beadle, Ken Olson, David Garber, Derek Olson 2EW—Marshfield: Jake Jacobson, Ron Leubeck, Mike Bissonette, Jon Kalsow 2ERU—Waltham: Jim Thomson Jr., Jason Shuster, James Mooney, Matt Galas 3EW—Eau Claire: Casey Konopacky, Ryan Lemke, Ash Nelson, Brandon Scheicher 3ERU—Madison: Richard Berling, Terry Cunningham, Rick Hammes, John Frederickson 4EW—Appleton: Beau Kriewaldt, Bob Kriewaldt, Chad Kriewaldt, Greg Kriewaldt 4ERU—Art Espinoza, Dan Hedtke, Robert Horton, Derick Kluge

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Celebrating 50 years – 1958-2008

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Arlington Men’s

The Arlington (Wis.) Curling Club held its annual men’s bonspiel. Here are the results: 1EW—Lester Boles, Rob Nickells, Paul Ryan, Marcus Oldenburg 1ERU—Jeff Koch, Keith Desjarlais, Mark Clement, John Pederson 2EW—Bill Ehlert, Craig Lowe, Randy Branton, Sonny Villwork 2ERU—Sam Kirkland, Kurt Erstad, Darin Wendt, Brad Molitor 3EW—Kevin Kopp, Andy Kopp, Dan Wiza, David Cobb 3ERU—Kurt Deeren, Greg Karls, Mark Gieger, Scott Bartz

Arlington Senior Men’s

The Arlington Curling Club hosted the 8th Senior Men’s Bonspiel March 20-21. Here are the results: 1EW—Wausau: Steve Sirianni, Tom Wood, Pete Neitzel, Howie Fisher 1ERU—Portage: Harry Erdman, Chuck Miller, Jake Jacobson, Don Roeker 2EW—Arlington: Lewie Falk, Dave Phillips, Gary Hoffman, Paul Kornaus 2ERU—Poynette: Dean Teeter, Jon Vaningan, Vern Herr, Chuck Hilgendorf 3EW—Chicago: Ed Thompson, Steve Carlson, Morgan Porter, Mike Love 3ERU—Madison: Doug McIvor, Tony Perma, Bruce Gardner, Ted Tibbets 4EW—Arlington: Merle Bauer, Tom Baillies, Ron Lovick, John Rodenberg 4ERU—Lodi: Bill Clemens, Don Ness, Al Jepson, Gary Lovelace 5EW—Arlington: Marv Manke, Art Woodward, Marv Plenty, John Stevenson 5ERU—Lodi: Al Johnson, Bob Zeman, Paul Fisk, Ted Lee

Belfast Men’s

The 50th Men’s Little International Bonspiel took place Feb. 19-22 at the Belfast Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW—Broomstones: Mike Lannin, Ted Kennelly, John Blanchette, Tim McCleary 1ERU—Petersham: Phil Shaughnessy, Joel Shaughnessy, Greg Watkevich, Ed Hayne 2EW—Harvey: Barry Morecraft, Greg Davidson Greg Coburn, Brad Greer 2ERU—Sussex: Wally Lemon, Jim Greer, Jim Shepard, Donnie Mockler 3EW—Broomstones: Korey Dropkin, Tom Howell, Bob Howell, Keith Dropkin 3ERU—Nackawic: Roland Lagacy, Ron Roy, Jason Prist, John Upshall 4EW—Thistle-St. Andrews: Jeff Stewart, Dan Armstrong, Dave Lin, Dave Hansen, Greg Baker, Ian MacDonald 4ERU—Woodstock: Tom Sproul, Ken Harding, Keith Fullarton, Neil Markey

Chisholm Junior

The 41st annual Serrano Memorial Junior Bonspiel took place March 14-15 at the Chisholm (Minn.) Curling Club.

Here are the results: 1EW—Hibbing: Jared Zezel, John Muller, Stephen Taylor, Taylor Skalsky 1ERU—Allison Maki rink 2EW—Grand Rapids: Lucas Carlos rink 2ERU—Grand Rapids: Courtney Beer rink 3EW—Chisholm: Dillon Anderson The John Lesnak beginner’s division: 1EW—Hibbing: Tanner Blagoue rink 1ERU—Hibbing: Zach Lind rink 2EW—Duluth: Noah Plys rink 2ERU—Chisholm: Jake Giermann rink 3EW—Hibbing: Taylor Maki rink 3ERU—Hibbing: Tony Giombetti rink

Copper Country Open

The Third Annual Copperspiel Open took place Feb. 20-22 in Calumet, Mich. Here are the results: 1EW—Madison: Steve Day, Creed O’Conner, Mike Krajewski, Josh Dodge 1ERU—Madison: Troy Mayne, Bob Allen, Gary Swanson, Charlie Maring

2EW—St. Paul: Steve Smith, Howard Fulk, Matthew Peterson, Aaron Bommarito 2ERU—Appleton/Green Bay: Steve Gardner, Mike Smaby, Andy Kreugar, Gerry Lamppa 3EW—Madison: Craig Cullum, Dan Wiza, Sara Soma, Jacqueline Walliser 3ERU—Madison: Randy Blumer, Mike Bjork, Nick Schleicher, Brad Blumer

Duluth Men’s & Women’s

The Duluth International Men’s and Women’s Bonspiel took place Feb. 1315. Here are the results: Women: 1EW—Duluth: Norma O’Leary, Becky Johansen, Linda Lanigan, Kristin Norlander 1ERU—Duluth: Amy Wright, Courtney George, Jordan Moulton, Patti Luke Men: 1EW—Duluth: Tyler George, Kris Perkovich, Ted Trolson, Mark Haluptzok 1ERU—Duluth: Jon Medure, Paul Wojciak, Milan Luziach, Darren Vogt

Green Bay Mixed

The Green Bay (Wis.) Mixed Fun ‘Spiel took place April 3-5. Here are the results: 1EW—Portage: Jonathan Brunt, Sandra Brunt, Tim Leege, Beth Leege 1ERU—Green Bay: Jeff Parish, Laurie Walters, Charlie Froelich, Mary Kenneke 2EW—Green Bay: Morris Koepke, Diane Koepke, Dan Krupp, Michelle Krupp 2ERU—Kettle Moraine: Ken Van Till, Pat Van Till, Mike Schuder, Irene Schuder 3EW—Green Bay: Ed DeRubis, Molly Witt, Bruce Bolivar, Tristen Zimmerman 3ERU—Northwestern University: Robert Sandoval, Michelle Molz, Joseph (Jody) Moser, Ann Marie Shipstad 4EW—Green Bay: Dave Destache, Shirley Destache, Devon Maier, John VandenLangenberg, Juliana Klocek, Tina Guyette 4ERU—Appleton: Sean Timm, Adel Timm, Connie Gherna, Greg Thoreson, Sam Gherna

Green Bay Women’s

The Shamrock Fright Night 2009 took place March 13-15 at the Green Bay (Wis.) Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW—Wausau: Terri Fisher, Lisa Landon, Mary Wagner, Andrea Leibert 1ERU—Wausau: Marcia Tillish, Susan Sandquist, Sharon Winter, Katie Lila 2EW—Racine: Lisa Floyd, Denise Knudsen, Missy Thery, Judy Berthlein 2ERU—Racine: Barb VanderLeest, Paula Kalke, Tony Schober, Amanda Hyttel 3EW—Centerville: Sara Hein, Shellie Nelson, Elyse Sorenson, Nora Kraemer 3ERU—Appleton: Nancy Davis, Paula Rogers, Annette Siedschlag, Sue Van Rooy 4EW—Medford: Mary Armbrust, Judy Dassow, Jean Nyunmuyller, Katie Dassow 4ERU—Kettle Moraine: Mary Nelson, Michelle Heinze, Sheri Smith, Nancy Tegeder

Marshfield Men’s

The Marshfield (Wis.) Men’s Bonspiel took place Feb. 13-15. Here are the results: 1EW—Medford: Ryan Lemke, Dave Lemke, Jeff Mueller, Kent Nernberger 1ERU—Marshfield: Dean Markwardt, Clarence Topp, Tom Krake, Matt Ruhbusch 2EW—Marshfield: Dennis Jacobsen, Mike Bissonette, Jon Kalsow, Jacob Ferch 2ERU—Stevens Point: Doug Anderson, Adam Olson, Jason Anderson, Justin Anderson 3EW—Marshfield: Drew Gillett,

Jeremy Dohr, Rich Kenyon, Rob Brown 3ERU—Marshfield: Wayne Dietz, Dave Bushee, Craig DeGrand, Ken Staab 4EW—Stevens Point: Jack Konopacky, Doug Oswald, Chris Schwanz, Bill Hlavac 4ERU—Marshfield: Todd Besler, Steve Amundson, Tim Hovre, Ron Lubeck

Mayfield Mixed

The 40th Mayfield Evergreen Mixed Bonspiel took place Feb. 26-March 1.

Here are the results: 1EW—Mayfield: Robb Borland, Jeannie Borland, Byron Sah, Jill Sah 1ERU—Cleveland: Guy Mercer, Katy Mercer, John Savani, Peggy Savani 2EW—Mayfield: Jeremy Sobeck, Cindy Bernosky, Alex Ferone, Krstine Lewandowski 2ERU—Midland: John Zimmerman, Pat Zimmerman, Pete Waters, Loretta Waters 3EW—St. Catharine’s: Harry MacNaughton, Karen Carmer, Bob BOrthwick, Diane Wensink 3ERU—Bowling Green: Ron Gargasz, Sharen Gargasz, Ed Glowacki, Mary Glowacki

Winners of the Arlington Men’s Bonspiel held Jan. 30-Feb. 1 were (back row, l-r) Lester Boles, Rob Nickells, Paul Ryan and Marcus Oldenburg of the Madison Curling Club. Runners-up were (front, l-r) Jeff Koch, Keith Desjarlais, Mark Clement and John Pederson of the Poynette Curling Club.

Norfolk Women’s

The Norfolk Winter Wonderland Women’s Bonspiel took place Feb. 27March 1 in Norfolk, Conn. Here are the results: 1EW—Nutmeg: Jennifer Stannard, Nadia Leslie, Linda Malkin, Maura Cockey 1ERU—Broomstones: Shelley Dropkin, Rachel Howell, Karen DeJong, Jane Burchesky 2EW—Nutmeg: Kathy Morley, Leslie Reiter, Karen Shane, Pam Moan 2ERU—Norfolk: Deborah Lane-Olson, Holly Torrant, Veronica Burns, Sarah Wolfe 3EW—Canadian Club of Boston: Jen Tschumakow, Trish Driscoll, Barbara Thomson, Monica Chopra 3ERU—Norfolk: Anne Moses, Vickie Brown, Karen Linden, Mary Fannette 4EW—Cape Cod/Nashua: Nancy Dinsdale, Mary Colacchio, Joyce Folkins, Cathy Offinger 4ERU—Granite: Marci Young, Gwen Krailo, Elizabeth Hazell, Shawn Devine

Nutmeg Senior Men’s

The GNCC Senior Men’s Championship was held Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at the Nutmeg Curling Club in Bridgeport, Conn. Here are the results: 1EW—Philadelphia: Rod Waters rink 1ERU—Broomstones: Stu Graves rink 2EW—Norfolk: Star Childs rink 2ERU—Ardsley: Walter Baggett rink 3EW—Schenectady: Pete Sheehan rink 3ERU—Weston: George Rice rink 4EW—Nutmeg: George Bagley rink 4ERU—Utica: Fred Hicks rink

Winners of the 2009 Arlington Senior Men’s Bonspiel were (l-r) Steve Sirianni, Tom Wood, Pete Neitzel and Howie Fisher.

Winners of the Duluth International Bonspiel were Mark Haluptzok, Ted Trolson, Kris Perkovich and Tyler George (skip) of the Duluth Curling Club.

Pardeeville Men’s

The 2009 Red Baron Bonspiel took place March 27-29 at the Pardeeville (Wis.) Curling Club. Here are the results: 1EW—Madison: Ken Neidhart, Tom Gannon, Paul Ryan, Bruce Garner 1ERU—Arlington: Kurt Deeren, Dan Deeren, Karl Erstad, Gregg Karls 2EW—Portage: Tim Pape, Bill Ehlert, Larry Maier, John Pape 2ERU—Pardeeville: Jim Nelson, Scott Thompson, Tim York, Wayne Cornford 3EW—Madison: Pete McCormick, Karl Sachtjen, Randy Branton, Thud Kosel 3ERU—Arlington: Dave Phillips, Ron Lovick, Nate Phillips, Travis Phillips 4EW—Wauwatosa: Bill Christensen, Mike Zimmerman, Neil Freund, Paul Fischer 4ERU—Waukesha: Bob Brenckle, Jon Brenckle, Bob Bergmann, Tom Gaertner

Winners of the Duluth International Bonspiel were (l-r) Norma O’Leary, Becky Johansen, Linda Lanigan and Kristin Norlander of the Duluth Curling Club.

Winners of the Anchorage Curling Club’s 2009 Fur Rondy Spiel were (l-r) Kenny Nore, Kevin Hanson, Al Hanson and Harvey Turner (skip).

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