The cold spell that has been plaguing the Twin Ports this week is supposed to break this weekend, with temperatures breaking into positive territory on saturday. A welcome development indeed. So, what’s going on this weekend?
Tonight at 6pm at the Duluth Curling Club, the second fun ’spiel of the season will be held. This event is open to all adults and all skill levels, so if you have friends who are interested in trying out the greatest sport in town, bring them down. Ken and Joanne Docteur are hosting the event, which begins with a little curling, then switches to the lounge for some socializing and live entertainment (Marty = Party). (There is also a hockey game at the DECC tonight. My alma mater takes on the Bulldogs– hopefully this matchup will be a conference game in future seasons!)
The Minnesota State Mens and Womens Championships are underway down south at the St. Paul Curling Club. So far Seppo Sormunen’s rink is undefeated; no standings for the women are posted yet but its a safe bet that Norma O’Leary is fielding a very competitive team.
Have I missed anything? Let me know: andy@curlduluth.com.
The Chris Plys and Tyler George rinks earned spots in the 2009 U.S. National Championships / 2010 Olympic Team Trials to be held in Denver, CO, Feb. 21 to 28. John Shuster and Aileen Sormunen are still in the hunt to represent the U.S. in Vancouver; they will compete in a challenge round on Jan. 28. Shuster will be playing in Bismarck, N.D. and Sormunen will play in Green Bay, WI. Good luck curlers!
P.S. Thank you Duluth News Tribune, for including results of the Team Trials and the Over 40 ‘Spiel in the Sports section!
The regional qualifying rounds for the 2010 Olympic Team Trials are underway, and there are several teams from the DCC competing. The winners of the qualifying rounds earn a trip to the Olympic Trials in Broomfield, CO in February.
In the first draw last night in Green Bay, WI, a battle between Duluth rinks was very one sided: Amy Wright shut out Aileen Sormunen 8 to 0 in five ends. Meanwhile, Marjorie Smith had a loss to Madison powerhouse Deb McCormick. And the Alexandra Carlson rink (with lead Sophie Brorson of DCC), fresh off their victory in the Minnesota Junior Championships, lost to Cassie Potter 6 to 3. The second draw begins at 1pm today (friday), and you can see end by end scoring at this link.
The Mens’ qualifiers are in full swing too, with two draws completed yesterday. In Green Bay, John Shuster’s rink is undefeated, with lopsided wins over Bill Morehouse and Jeff Wright. Last year’s Junior World Champion Chris Plys had a loss to Jay Packard. Draw three is underway this morning, but there are no Duluth teams playing– Shuster and Plys play next at 2pm this afternoon in draw 4. You can catch the live scoring here.
Tyler George’s rink is playing in the Midwest North Region in Grand Rapids, MN, and is undefeated after two draws with a wins over Chisolm’s Aaron Wald and Greg Persinger (the latter game won with the comfortable score of 9 to 1 after four ends). Draw 3 begins at 1pm this afternoon, and live scoring is at this link.
Good luck Duluth curlers– next stop Denver!
Is it possible to obtain a set of sixteen curling stones for $210? The Minden Outers Club says “Yes we can”. Follow this link for detailed instructions on making your own curling stones for use up at the cabin, when you’re out ice fishing, or at the local hockey rink when the Mini Mites aren’t playing.
