2017 Club Nationals

March 4-11 Fairbanks, Alaska

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C e g n m i l o r c u l e C s W ank

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The Fairbanks Curling Club is happy to host the 2017 USCA Club National Championships! The atmosphere in a curling club is a universally unique environment, and here at the FCC, we pride ourselves on the closeknit family we call our teammates, competition, and lifelong drinking buddies. The Fairbanks Curling Club harbors a homey atmosphere that reminds one of a large cabin or old-timey building. When you walk through the large metal front doors, you’re instantly greeted by the contrast of a large dance floor implying many nights of music and large festivities, and the small tables clustered tightly around heavy viewing windows showing the familial attributes of membership. Classic Rock ususally drifts softly around the club through the stereo system, and and the building smells faintly of old wood, beer, and disenfecting wipes. There’s always a few people scattered around sipping local brews from the public bar and mingling with friends before the start of league games, and laughter follows in the wake of young kids as they weave in between tables-

running in their sock feet and hiding from each other behind the nearest person over five feet tall. For many in this club, curling has always been a family affair-they’ve grown up watching parents and cousins play, itching for the day they too would join the ranks. For others-they forge the trail in persuit of friends, competition, and a winter activity to get them out of the house at 40 below. This club operates on a personal level with all of it’s members-it’s a living, breathing family of people all connected through the love of curling. We, as a club, are truly honored and excited to welcome you into our curling family-if only for just a week. Welcome to the 2017 USCA Club National Competition. Good luck, and good curling!

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Foundation Explore the history of the oldest sports community in Alaska. The Fairbanks Curling Club has been around since 1905, and still goin’ strong!

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he Klondike Gold Rush of ‘98 brought Scots and the game of curling to Dawson City, Yukon Territory in Canada. Then, in 1902, a new strike in the Pedro Creek and Cleary Creek areas near Barnette’s Cache (now Fairbanks) attracted many of the goldrushers from the Klondike and curling was introduced to the Alaska Territory. By 1905, the Fairbanks Curling Club had been established and it now has the honor of being the oldest club devoted to any sport in Alaska. uring the summer of 1908, the first curling rink was built on ground purchased from the city. It was a long wood frame building affording two sheets of ice and a very small spectator area. Since there was no clubroom, curling functions were held elsewhere. Prior to World War II, the annual Curlers Ball, which was attended by invitation only, was held at the Moose Hall and was the gala event of the year. n 1935, Fairbanks curlers effected an exchange with Dawson City curlers, with participants flying between the two cities. Thus the annual International Bonspiel started. There were men’s and women’s rinks, with each participating in their own bonspiel. The International Bonspiel is two bonspiels played simultaneously and the format continues to this day. During the war years the visits were suspended as the Fairbanks Club was commandeered by the military and used by Smith Construction, which built the telephone line along the Alaska Highway.

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fter the war, curling resumed, in the original two-sheet club and in 1952 the east wall was torn down and replaced with concrete blocks. Shortly thereafter the club acquired a house and lot adjoining on the west. The house was used for several seasons to accommodate visiting curlers. n 1957 the United States Men Curling Association was formed with Alaska being a full member. March, 1957, the first championship was held in Chicago Stadium. n due time, the club received City aproval to purchase a new tract of land. In order to finance construction of the new facility, the club went to members for five and ten year notes. By August of 1962, excavation was under way for the first three sheets of ice. The first footings for the current club were poured about the first of September, 1962. As longtime Fairbanks curler, Kenneth A. Murray recalls, ‘We had a lot of talent in the club, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, heavy duty equipment operators, crane men, and they all donated their services.

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quipment was donated by local contractors, as were timber, steel and bolts. The curling club had retained the downtown facility and both locations were used in the 1962 season. n 1976 the club purchased and installed equipment to refrigerate all six sheets. In 2005 the club celebrated its centennial with a series of events. The club has hosted a number of national and international curling competitions. These include the 1981 US Men’s Championship, the 1988 and 2006 US Mixed Championships, the 2011 US Junior Men’s and Women’s Championships, the 2013 US Senior Men’s and Women’s Championships, the 2015 USWCA National Bonspiel and the 1982, 1988, and 2014 Arctic Winter Games. Fairbanks curlers have won Women’s, Men’s, Mixed, and Junior Men’s National Championships.

TEAM

ROSTERS The Fairbanks Curling Club is thrilled to host 10 Mens and 10 Womens teams from all over the

TEAM SIMKO The Fairbanks Curling Club, Alaska Skip: Lacy Simko Vice: Kaye Hufman Second: Adie Callahan Lead: Catharine Persinger Alternate: Tara Bowen

United States. Read on to see the line-up of your favorite team at this year’s Club Nationals.

TEAM PERSINGER The Fairbanks Curling Club Alaska Skip: Greg Persinger Vice: Chad Persinger Second: Jason Ostnes Lead: David Hufman Alternate: James Brazeau

TEAM FURMAN

TEAM LONGNECKER

Ardsley Curling Club, New Jersey

Cape Cod Curling Club, Massachusetts

Skip: Yelizaveta Furman Vice: Christi Freeman-Kirchner Second: Alice Yeh Lead: Lynn Salmon

Skip: Krista Longnecker Vice: Matina Heisler Second: Marinna Martini Lead: Wendy Scholes Alternate: Elizabeth Albeltin

TEAM PARKS

TEAM GUZMAN

TEAM ANDREWS The Denver Curling Club, Colorado Skip: Kendal Andrews Vice: Sarah Cai Second: Setphanie Padgett Lead: Kelly Luenenborg

TEAM KNOTT

Eau Curling Club, Wisconsin

Boomestones Curling Club, Massachusetts

DFW Curling Club, Texas

Skip: Ron Parks Vice: Robert Heacox Second: Jason Verdon Lead: Stuart Lorentz

Skip: Benjamin Guzman Vice: Andy McKellips Second: Mike Sampson Lead: Jim Fitzgerald

Skip: Jeffery Knott Vice: Nicholas Myers Second: Stephen Kleppe Lead: John Lambert

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TEAM GARRITY

TEAM NASO

TEAM WALSH

Detroit Curling Club, Michigan

Coyotes Curling Club, Arizona

San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club, California

Skip: Jill Garrity Vice: Julie Benson Second: Courtney Urbiel Lead: Kristine Rathke

Skip: Carol Ann Naso Vice: Lu Brock Second: Tracey Drummond Lead: Debra Aubrey

Skip: Sarah Walsh Vice: Kimberly Chapin Second: BriAnna Weldon Lead: Pamela Montbach

TEAM COHEN

TEAM SCHAAK

TEAM SHATZMAN

Columbus Curling Club, Ohio

Evergreen Curling Club, Oregon

Granite Curling Club Washington

Skip: Stuart Choen Vice: Eric Johnson Second: Lance Relland Lead: Douglas Jackson-Smith

Skip: Doug Schaak Vice: Roger Chan Second: Adam Seymour Lead: Jimmy Sattem

Skip: Greg Schatzman Vice: Aaron Thompson Second: Chris Sherry Lead: John Maino

TEAM KRAUS

TEAM PODOLL

TEAM DEUHS

Fargo-Moorehead Curling Club, North Dakota

St Paul Curling Club, Minnesota 1

Duluth Curling Club, Minnesota 2

Alternate: Skip: Ann Podoll Vice: Madonna Fitzgerald Second: Carmen Delaney Lead: Carissa Thomas

Skip: Mary Deuhs Vice: Kelsey Ostrowski Second: Kimberly Roden Lead: Erin Krug

Skip: Jamie Kraus Vice: Kery Hadiaris Second: Zoe Meisinger Lead: Amy Swanoski

TEAM SMITH

TEAM WILLMERT

TEAM WRIGHT

Capital Curling Club, North Dakota

St Paul Curling Club, Minnesota

Exmoor Country Club, Illinois

Skip: Tucker Smith Vice: Daniel Buresh Second: Curtis Bradbury Lead: Roger Smith

Skip: Mark Willmert Vice: Chris Dolan Second: Tim Gartner Lead: Brian Agre

Skip: Jeff Wright Vice: David Geake Second: Ken Brown Lead: Stephen Wright

DRAW Handle color: Team listed first throws dark handles in all games. Practice time: Team listed first practices first EXCEPT for games marked with an asterisk where the team listed first practices second, and games marked with (f) for which the teams flip a coin for choice of practice time. Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat

2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm

Sun Sun Sun Sun Mon Mon Mon Mon Tue Tue Tue Wed Wed Wed Wed Thu Thu Thu Thu Fri Fri Fri Sat Sat Sat

8:00am 12:00pm 4:00pm 8:00pm 8:00am 12:00pm 4:00pm 8:00pm 10:00am 2:30pm 7:00pm 8:00am 12:00pm 4:00pm 8:00pm 8:00am 12:00pm 4:00pm 8:00pm 9:00am 2:00pm 7:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 6:00pm

Practice 1: NJ, MA, CA, CO, MI Practice 2: AK, ND, MN2, AZ, MN1 Team Meeting Opening Ceremony/Potluck Dinner Practice 3: AK, MN, IL, ND, WA Practice 4: WI, TX, MA, OR, OH S1 S2 D1 CO v ND (f) NJ v MN2 (f) D2 OR v MN (f) WI v WA (f) D3 MN1 v CA MA v ND D4 IL v MA TX v MN D5 AZ v MN2 CA v AK D6 ND v WA MA v AK D7 ND v NJ* CO v MI D8 MN v WI* OR v OH D9 MI v AZ AK v NJ D10 OH v ND AK v WI D11 CA v MA MN1 v CO D12 MA v TX IL v OR D13 MN2 v CO ND v CA D14 WA v OR MN v MA D15 AK v MN1 AZ v MA D16 AK v IL ND v TX D17 MA v MI MN2 v MN1 D18 TX v OH WA v IL Tie-breakers (if needed) Tie-breakers (if needed) Women's Semifinals Men's Semifinals Men's & Women's Finals Closing Ceremony Banquet at the Westmark Hotel

S3 AZ v CA (f) ND v MA (f) MI v MN2 OH v WA NJ v MN1 WI v IL MA v AK TX v AK CA v CO* MA v OR* ND v AZ MN v ND MN1 v MI IL v OH CO v NJ OR v WI AK v ND AK v MN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

S4 AK v MI (f) AK v OH (f) AZ v NJ ND v WI MA v CO TX v OR CA v MN2 MA v WA ND v MN1 MN v IL MN2 v AK WA v AK NJ v MA WI v TX MI v CA OH v MA CO v AZ OR v ND

S5 MA v MN1 (f) TX v IL (f) AK v CO AK v OR MI v ND OH v MN MN1 v AZ IL v ND MN2 v MA WA v TX NJ v MI WI v OH AZ v AK ND v AK ND v MN2 MN v WA CA v NJ MA v WI

Men Women AK-Persinger AK-Simko MN-Willmert ND-Podoll IL-Wright MN1-Kraus ND-Smith AZ-Naso WA-Schatzman MN2-Deuhs WI-Parks NJ-Furman TX-Knott MA-Longnecker MA-Guzman CA-Walsh OR-Schaak CO-Andrews OH-Cohen MI-Garrity

The Iditarod Comes to Fairbanks History of the Last Great Race

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Article by: Don Bowers, 2012

im Redington had two reasons for organizing the long-distance Iditarod Race in 1973: to save the sled dog culture and Alaskan huskies, which were being phased out of existence due to the introduction of snowmobiles in Alaska; and to preserve the historical Iditarod Trail between Seward and Nome. To promote both goals, Redington asked Dorothy Page to be the editor of an Iditarod Annual. Her enthusiasm, drive, and love of history opened the world’s eyes to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

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he race is really a reconstruction of the freight route to Nome and commemorates the part that sled dogs played in the settlement of Alaska. The mushers travel from checkpoint to checkpoint much as the freight mushers did eighty years ago—although some modern dog drivers like Doug Swingley, Martin Buser, Jeff King, Susan Butcher, and Rick Swenson move at a pace that would have been incomprehensible to their oldtime counterparts, making the trip to Nome in under ten days. lthough the race’s fame causes many people to think of the Iditarod Trail when they think of traveling to Nome, the trail is actually impassable during the spring, summer, and fall. Moreover, its routing is far from a direct course, taking about 1,150 miles to go the 650 or so airline miles from Anchorage to Nome. In addition, the race committee has routed the race to pass through a number of towns and villages missed by the original trail, and has adopted a northern route for even-numbered years to include more villages along the Yukon. ind out more about Alaska’s Great Race at http://iditarod.com/about/history/

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Relocation to Fairbanks Article by: Naimy Schommer

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raditionally, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has a cerimonious start in Anchorage with all the pomp and festivities that the largest city in Alaska can provide, and then relocated to Willow about 70 miles North for the restart a few days later. This year, the snow conditions in Willow, as well as crucial parts of the Alaska Range prevented the small rural town from facilitating a safe restart, so it has been moved to Fairbanks. The ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage will take place as scheduled on Saturday, March 4, beginning at 10 a.m, and the restart in Fairbanks on Monday, March 6, beginning at 11 a.m., according to the Fairbanks News Miner. This is only the third time in the race’s history that the need to relocate has brought the race farther North. Courses have been eadjusted, and the city of Fairbanks is buzzing in anticipation as the days leading to the start of the sled dog race dwindle. Seventy-three teams have registered for this year’s competition, including the top ten finishers from last year. Follow the race in Fairbanks’s local newspaper at: www.newsminer.com

Things To Do Around Fairbanks

MUSEUM OF THE NORTH

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xplore and experience the history and traditions of Alaska’s rich cultural roots. Located on campus at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Museum of the North is a 10-minute drive from the curling club with a beautiful view of the city and surrounding area, with free parking on the weekends!

THE BOATEL

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ne of Fairbanks’ oldest bars, at just under 45 years old, The Boatel Bar is one of the best dive bars around. If you are looking for a wonderful view of the river and surounding area, then you are sure to find it here. Complete with corn hole and great drinks, The Boatel won’t disappoint.

OASIS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

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asis Restaurant and Lounge is one of Fairbanks most visited restaurants. Well known for their amazing breakfast, Oasis fills up fast. So if you want to get a table, make sure to call ahead for reservations. While they are known for their amazing food, Oasis also has an award winning bar, with the best Bloody Mary in Fairbanks.

TWIGS ALASKAN GIFTS

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eed an Alaskan gift for the family members back home? Stop by Twigs Alaskan Gifts in the Fairbanks airport and pick up something that’s sure to make them smile. They’ve got everything from stuffed animals, pajamas, jewelryeven snacks for the long flight back! Located just to the left of security in the Fairbanks airport.

URSA MAJOR DISTILLERY

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s a small independent distillery located in Fairbanks, AK, Ursa Major is a company well-known to Alaskans from all over the state. Their products are distilled from local, Alaska Grown barley from Delta, and stills are handmade for exceptional smooth and pure spirits. The tasting room is open form 5-8pm, WednesdayFriday, and 2-8pm on Saturdays.

HOODOO BREWING CO.

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ocal, fresh beer brewed in the heart of Alaska, using the world’s finest ingredients - welcome to HooDoo Brewing Company. Taproom Hours are Tue-Fri,3-8pm. Swing in for a pint or a growler to go. Tours are free on Saturdays at 4pm. Signup in the taproom or call 907-459-BEER (2337) PROST!

ICE FISHING IN FAIRBANKS

“QUICK & EASY” Ice Fishing – The Self Drive “Experience Tour - $135/person Tour Schedule: 1pm - 5pm – Nov.-April Do you want to experience ice fishing in an afternoon and still get that Alaskan sub-arctic ice fishing experience? Then this tour is perfect and easy to join! Meet us at the lake (directions emailed after booking). The tour allows you to sleep in after your Northern Lights viewing activities, and you will be back in time for more in the evening, or to catch a flight. Enjoy great ice fishing and the Alaskan winter wonderland in our mobile heated ice fishing shelters waiting for you to offer that special sub-arctic ice fishing experience! Included: Guide, all gear, hot beverages, heated tent shelter. Bring: Warm Cloth, Fishing license.

PREMIUM STAR TOURS: Tours wt. HOTEL PICK-UP in SOLAR POWERED & fully INSULATED ice fishing cabins & COOKING YOUR FISH OVER WOOD STOVE for best WARMTH – COMFORT – AMBIENCE – THE PRIME ICE FISHING EXPERIENCE!

“FISH & COOK” Ice Fishing - The Premier & Delicious Tour - $175/person; self-drive option: $165/person Tour Schedule: 11am – 6pm - (6h ice fishing) round trip from Fairbanks Hotel – Nov-Apr Ice fishing and a delicious fish cook out over a wood stove? Some call them tiny homes we call them ice fishing cabins. Fish inside our fully insulated, wood cabins, powered and heated by renewable energy sources. Attention to detail makes this tour a one of a life time winter experience with that special premium ambience! Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, instruct you on ice fishing, and make a delicious light dinner out of possibly even your own caught fish. Fish through up to 4 feet of ice while staying warm and cozy. Plenty of fun for a group of friends or a whole family! Included: Guide, all gear, hotel pick up/transport, light fish meal/beverages. Bring: Warm Cloth, Fishing license.

“AURORA ICE“ Ice Fishing & Dinner (light) – The Spectacular & Delicious Tour” - $225/pers. Tour Schedule: 8pm – 2am – (6h Tour) round trip from Fairbanks Hotel – Nov-Apr Have you ever thought of dinner while ice fishing under the Northern Lights? Northern lights viewing and ice fishing, two winter activities in combination you may only experience in Fairbanks! You should not miss out on this very unique opportunity that we can offer here. Our tour will serve you the best of both, great ice fishing and northern lights viewing away from the city light obstruction. This special tour is ideal to add diversity to your northern lights viewing experience, and the memories you will share a life time! (Two person minimum). Included: Guide, all gear, hotel pick up/transport, light fish dinner/beverages, Northern Lights viewing, insulated & heated ice chalet. Bring: Warm Cloth, Fishing license.

| www.akrivertours.com | | Your FAIRBANKS YEAR ROUND Fishing Guide Service!

Congratulations and Good Curling to all competitors this week at USWCA member club – Fairbanks Curling Club

For more information about the Top Curling Moment of 2016: The USWCA Scot Tour Victory! and Membership in the USWCA visit www.uswca.org

m a h C Wisconsin Women, New York Men win 2016 Club National Championships March 12, 2016 Written By: Terry Davis, USCA

(STEVENS POINT, Wis.) – Wisconsin’s Sydney Schmus rink was the team to beat all week and proved it by defeating Washington in the gold-medal game of the 2106 USA Curling Club National Championships today at the Capital Curling Club. Joining Wisconsin at the top of the podium was Bill Stopera’s rink from New York’s Ardsley Curling Club as they defeated Illinois in an extra end, 4-3. Schmus (Sun Prairie, Wis.) and teammates Angela Montgomery (Fitchburg, Wis.), Shalon Holbeck (Madison, Wis.), and Emily Loew (Madison, Wis.) got past Washington’s Miyo Konno rink this afternoon using a lot offense along the way. The Madison Curling Club squad scored three points in the opening end and added four more in the third to take a quick 7-2 lead on Konno and her team of Sara Skulec (Kirkland, Wash.), Nicole Samson (Seattle) Aryn Grause (Seattle), and Gina Triolo (Redmond, Wash.). Washington battled back in the second half and got within two points after stealing the sixth and seventh ends. But the Wisconsin squad got back on track with a single in the eighth end and sealed the 12-6 win when they stole three points in the ninth.

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The men’s gold-medal game, in comparison, was much more defensive between Jeff Wright’s Illinois squad and New York’s Stopera rink. The lone deuce – and first points of the game – was scored in the fifth end by Wright and teammates Sean Silver (Chicago), Stephen Wright (Chicago), Russ Brown (Lake Forest, Ill.), with alternate Ken Brown (Deerfield, Ill.). New York settled for a single point in the sixth end before stealing important points in the second half. Stopera and teammates Martin Sather (Yonkers, N.Y.), Peter Austin (Rockville Centre, N.Y.), and George Austin (Rockville Centre, N.Y.), who will turn 76 years old on Wednesday, took a point away from Illinois in the eighth and then held Illinois to one point in the ninth. After scoring to tie the game in the 10th, New York then capitalized on a runback miss with the final stone of the game to steal the winning point and become the 2016 Club National champions. In the bronze-medal games, Minnesota’s Aaron Nunberg rink got off to a fast start en route to an 11-5 victory over Colorado’s Darrick Kizlyk rink. In similar fashion, North Dakota’s Nicole Reiser rink got on the scoreboard first and often in a 9-1 win over Arizona’s Carol Ann Naso to secure the bronze medal.

The Fairbanks Curling Club