The Entertainment Guide

Chess on Ice

curlingWhat is curling?

Curling is an Olympic sport that originated in Scotland. A team of four players takes turns sliding 42-pound granite stones to a target, called the “house,” about 140 feet on a sheet of ice.

What’s your favorite part about it?

There are several things I like about curling… First of all it is a tremendous team sport: One person calls the shot, one person slides the rock, and the other two players sweep the ice getting the rock to just the right spot. It is often called “chess on ice” because you can curl rocks behind other rocks making them harder to hit out of the house. I also love the social aspects of curling: It is customary for the winning team to buy the first round of drinks for the losing team!

What’s your history and connection to the community?

I have lived and/or worked in the area for more than 30 years. I am a coach of the high school curling team – and a member of the Advisory Board for the Lakeville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

curlingTell us a weird or funny story that’s happened within the club.

The statute of limitations precludes me from giving any specifics, but definitely the place to be is at a curling club during a Bonspiel. Bonspiels are curling tournaments, typically over a weekend, where teams play multiple games a day. There is always a lot of activity going on between games.

What do you do in your spare time?

When I am not curling, I am a golf professional at Legends Golf Club. Golf in the summer and curling in the winter pretty much makes me a professional athlete.