the nationals · • 2-time u.s. junior national champion (2010, 2009) • 2010 world junior bronze...

THE NATIONALS

Teams

// Women’s Teams 4-23

// men’s Teams 24-43

WOmen’s Teams

// anderson, sarah 4-5

// BroWn, erika 6-7

// carlson, alex 8-9

// clark, crisTin 10-11

// GeorGe, courTney 12-13

// hamilTon, Becca 14-15

// kinney, shelly 16-17

// lank, PaTTi 18-19

// PoTTinGer, allison 20-21

// roessler, laura 22-23

men’s Teams

// Birr, Todd 24-25

// BroWn, craiG 26-27

// clark, Brady 28-29

// FarBeloW, mike 30-31

// Fenson, PeTe 32-33

// GeorGe, Tyler 34-35

// lemke, ryan 36-37

// mccormick, heaTh 38-39

// PersinGer, GreG 40-41

// shusTer, john 42-43

COnTenTs

spOnsOrs

// usa curlinG sPonsors 44-45

evenTs

// nBc coveraGe 46

// 2014 conTinenTal cuP 46

// 2014 olymPic Trials 47

// 2014 olymPic WinTer Games 48

// 2014 ParalymPic WinTer Games 49

//2014 naTional chamPionshiPs 50

// 2013 arena naTionals 50

// 2012-13 evenT schedule 51

misCellaneOus

// FasT FacTs 52-56

// smarT BuG/aPP/social media 57

// did you knoW? 58

// olymPic hisTory 59

// media accrediTaTion Form 60

Media contact: Terry Kolesar, USA [email protected]: 608-338-9900Twitter: @terry_usacurlwww.usacurl.org

TV & Webstreaming Schedule:

In partnership with the 12th End Sports Network, live webstreaming will be featured throughout the event. Games on Sheet 3 of the schedule at right will be the feature games. NBC Sports will air the semifinals and finals live. See Page 46.

U S A C U R L I N G M E D I A K I T | 3Day/date Game time

(all times CST)Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5

Saturday, 2/9 4:30 p.m Carlson v. Kinney

Pottinger v. Lank

Anderson v. George

Roessler v. Clark Brown v. Hamilton

Saturday, 2/9 8:30 p.m. McCormick v. Birr

Brown v. Fenson George v. Clark Lemke v. Persinger

Farbelow v. Shuster

Sunday, 2/10 8 a.m. Hamilton v. George

Brown v. Kinney Clark v. Lank Anderson v. Pottinger

Roessler v. Carlson

Sunday, 2/10 12 p.m. Shuster v. Clark Farbelow v. Birr Persinger v. Fenson

George v. Brown

Lemke v. McCormick

Sunday, 2/10 4 p.m. Anderson v. Lank

George v. Roessler

Pottinger v. Hamilton

Brown v. Carlson

Clark v. Kinney

Sunday, 2/10 8 p.m. George v. Fenson

Clark v. Lemke Brown v. Shuster

Farbelow v. McCormick

Persinger v. Birr

Monday, 2/11 8 a.m. Kinney v. Pottinger

Carlson v. Clark Brown v. Roessler

George v. Lank Hamilton v. Anderson

Monday, 2/11 12 p.m. Birr v. Brown McCormick v. Persinger

Farbelow v. Lemke

Clark v. Fenson Shuster v. George

Monday, 2/11 4 p.m. Clark v. Anderson

Roessler v. Pottinger

George v. Carlson

Kinney v. Hamilton

Lank v. Brown

Monday, 2/11 8 p.m. Persinger v. George

Lemke v. Brown Clark v. McCormick

Birr v. Shuster Fenson v. Farbelow

Tuesday, 2/12 9 a.m. George v. Brown

Hamilton v. Carlson

Kinney v. Anderson

Lank v. Roessler Pottinger v. Clark

Tuesday, 2/12 2 p.m. Clark v. Farbelow

Shuster v. McCormick

Birr v. George Fenson v. Lemke Brown v. Persinger

Tuesday, 2/12 7 p.m. Lank v. Carlson Kinney v. George

Hamilton v. Clark

Pottinger v. Brown

Anderson v. Roessler

Wednesday, 2/13

8 a.m. Fenson v. McCormick

Birr v. Clark Shuster v. Persinger

Brown v. Farbelow

George v. Lemke

Wednesday, 2/13

12 p.m. Roessler v. Hamilton

Anderson v. Brown

Carlson v. Pottinger

Clark v. George Kinney v. Lank

Wednesday, 2/13

4 p.m. Lemke v. Shuster

George v. Farbelow

McCormick v. Brown

Persinger v. Clark

Birr v. Fenson

Wednesday, 2/13

8 p.m. Brown v. Clark Lank v. Hamilton

Roessler v. Kinney

Carlson v. Anderson

George v. Pottinger

Thursday, 2/14 8 a.m. Farbelow v. Persinger

Fenson v. Shuster

Lemke v. Birr McCormick v. George

Clark v. Brown

Playoff schedule:Tiebreakers, 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. Thursday, if neededWomen’s Page Playoffs: 8 p.m. Thursday (1 v. 2 and 3 v. 4). Semifinal: 2 p.m. Friday. Gold-medal final: 9 a.m. SaturdayMen’s Page playoffs: 9 a.m. Friday (1 v. 2 and 3 v. 4). Semifinal: 8 p.m. Friday. Gold-medal final: 3 p.m. Saturday

4 | U S A C U R L I N G M E D I A K I T

Dates Event Location Result

11/23-11/25 Molson Cashspiel Duluth, Minn. 2-3

12/14-12/16 Curl Mesabi Cashspiel Eveleth, Minn. 2-2

1/18-1/20 Women’s Challenge Round Seattle, Wash. 3-2, qualified to Nationals

1/26-2/2 2013 Junior Nationals Boston, MA 7-3, 4th place

Team Anderson (l-r): Katie Dubberstein, Taylor Anderson, Courtney Anderson Slata, and Sarah Anderson.

Team Anderson

The women’s field: 2013 National Championships

U S A C U R L I N G M E D I A K I T | 5

Team AndersonHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals:Challenge Round, 3-2, C winner

Sarah AndersonPosition: SkipAge: 17 Hometown: Broomall, Pa.Career: High school studentCurling start: Age 6Curling club: PhiladelphiaCurling highlights:• 2 appearances at U.S. Junior Nationals (2013, 2008)• First appearance at U.S. Women’s National Championship• Winter Youth Olympic Games: 2012 (5th)• U.S. Club National Championships: 2009 (8th)• Curtis Cup for Sportsmanship recipient at 2008 Junior Nationals

Courtney (Anderson) SlataPosition: Vice skipAge: Hometown: Aston, Pa.Career: TeacherCurling start: Curling club: PhiladelphiaCurling highlights:• 2 U.S. nationals appearances (2013, 2012)

Taylor AndersonPosition: Second Age: 17 Hometown: Broomall, Pa.Career: High school studentCurling start: Age 6Curling club: PhiladelphiaCurling highlights:• 2 appearances at U.S. Junior Nationals (2013, 2008)• First appearance at U.S. Women’s National Championship• Winter Youth Olympic Games: 2012 (5th)• U.S. Club National Championships: 2009 (8th)• Curtis Cup for Sportsmanship recipient at 2008 Junior Nationals

Katie DubbersteinPosition: LeadAge: 18Hometown: Portage, Wis. (born in Hong Kong)Career: Student at the University of Wisconsin-MadisonCurling start: 2007Curling club: PortageFamily: SingleCurling highlights:• Competing in her first women’s national championship• 2013 Junior National Championships

Leilani DubbersteinPosition: AlternateAge: 17 Hometown: Portage, Wis. (born in Hong Kong)Career: StudentCurling start: 2006Curling club: PortageFamily: SingleCurling highlights:• Competing in her first women’s national championship• 2013 Junior National Championships

http://www.usacurl.org/curlingrocks//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1331&Itemid=39



8/17-8/19 Fort Wayne Cashspiel Fort Wayne, Ind. 5-1, semifinals

9/7-9/9 OCT Oakville Oakville, Ontario 7-0, champion

9/21-9/23 KW Fall Classic Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario 6-1, champion

11/9-11/12 Colonial Square Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 1-3

11/14-11/18 The Masters Grand Slam Brantford, Ontario 2-3

11/30-12/2 Laphroaig Scotch Cup Madison, Wis. 6-0, champion

1/11-1/13 International Bernese Cup Bern, Switzerland 7-2, 3rd place

Team E. Brown

Team Brown (l-r): Erika Brown, Debbie McCormick, Jessica Schultz, and Ann Swisshelm.


Team Brown6th place, 2012 NationalsHow they qualified to the 2013 Nationals: Order of Merit points

Team Brown is off to a hot start to the 2012-13 season with two significant wins on the World Curling Tour and Ontario Curling Tour. 1998 Olympian Erika Brown (Oakville, Ontario) is teamed up with three-time Olympian and 2003 world champion Debbie McCormick (Rio, Wis.), 2006 Olympian Jessica Schultz (Minne-apolis, Minn.) and 2002 Olympian Ann Swisshelm (Chicago), who is seeking her 19th straight appearance at the Nationals.

Erika BrownPosition: SkipAge: 40Hometown: Madison, Wis. Resides: Oakville, OntarioCareer: Physician’s assistant with McMaster Family Health TeamEducation: University of Wisconsin-Madison; Finch University of Health SciencesCurling start: 1980Curling club: Oakville (Ontario)Family: Married; three sonsCurling highlights:• 1998 Olympian (also on 1988 Olympic team at age 15 when

curling was a demonstration sport)• 6-time U.S. national champion (2010, 2004, 2002, 1999,

1996, 1995)• 2-time world silver medalist (1999, 1996)• 2000 U.S. mixed national champion• 6-time U.S. junior national champion (1994, 1993, 1992,

1991, 1989, 1988)• 2-time world junior silver medalist (1994, 1992)• 1993 world junior bronze medalist• USA Curling Athlete of the Year: 2004, 1994, 1989• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2004, 1999• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 4th place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2nd place• 1998 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st place

Debbie McCormickPosition: Vice skipAge: 39Hometown: Rio, Wis.Career: Curling supplies distributor with GoldlineEducation: Madison Area Technical CollegeCurling start: Age 14Curling club: Madison (Wis.)Family: MarriedCurling highlights:• 3-time Olympian (2010, 2002, 1998)• 7-time U.S. national champion (2009, 2008, 2007, 2006,

2003, 1002, 1996)• 2003 world gold medalist

• 2-time world silver medalist (2006, 1996)• 4-time U.S. junior national champion (1994, 1993, 1992, 1991)• 2-time world junior silver medalist (1994, 1992)• 1993 world junior bronze medalist• USA Curling Athlete of the Year: 2006, 2003• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2003• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2nd place• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st place• 1998 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st place

Jessica SchultzPosition: SecondAge: 28Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska (resides in Minneapolis, Minn.)Career: Physical therapy assistantEducation: Lake Superior CollegeCurling start: Age 13Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2006 Olympian• 2-time U.S. national champion (2011, 2005)• 2005 world silver medalist• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2005• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 5th place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st place

Ann SwisshelmPosition: LeadAge: 42Hometown: ChicagoCareer:Education: Drake UniversityCurling start: Age 12Curling club: Exmoor (Ill.)Family: MarriedCurling highlights:• 2002 Olympian• 4-time U.S. national champion (2010, 2003, 2001, 1998)• 2003 world gold medalist• Frances Brodie Sportsmanship Award recipient at 2001

World Championships• Ann Brown Sportsmanship Award recipient at 2008 Nationals) • USA Curling Team of the Year: 2003• USA Curling Athlete of the Year: 2001• Ann will appear in her 19th straight national championship

in 2013• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2nd place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2nd place• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st place• 1998 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place

Coach: Bill Todhunter




8/17-8/19 Fort Wayne Cashspiel Fort Wayne, Ind. 2-3, quarterfinals

9/14-9/16 Cloverdale Cashspiel Surrey, British Columbia 2-3, quarterfinals

10/12-14 St. Paul Cashspiel St. Paul, Minn. 3-2

11/1-11/4 Royal LePage Women’s Fall Classic Kemptville, Ontario 2-3

11/8-11/11 Colonial Square Classic Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 0-3

11/30-12/2 Laphroaig Scotch Cup Madison, Wis. 2-2

12/14-16 Curl Mesabi Cashspiel Eveleth, Minn. 3-2, semifinals


Team Carlson (l-r): Jordan Moulton, Kendall Behm, Monica Walker, and Alex Carlson.

Team Carlson


Team Carlson4th place, 2012 NationalsHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals:Challenge Round berth (2-0 record, A qualifier)

Alexandra CarlsonPosition: SkipAge: 24 Hometown: Wayzata, Minn.Career: Quality engineer with Torax Medical Inc.Curling start: Age 5Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Education: Marquette UniversityCurling highlights:• 2-time U.S. junior national champion (2010, 2009)• 2010 world junior bronze medalist• Competing in her third women’s national championship

Monica WalkerPosition: Vice skipAge: 25 Hometown: Brighton, Mass.Career: Quality control associate with Biogen IdecEducation: Boston University graduate; MBA candidate at Simmons CollegeCurling start: Age 10Curling club: Broomstones (Mass.)Curling highlights:• 4 U.S. nationals appearances• 4 U.S. junior nationals appearances

Kendall BehmPosition: SecondAge: 22 Hometown: Highland Park, Ill.Resides: SeattleCareer:Curling start:Education:Curling club: Granite (Wash.)Family: MarriedCurling highlights:• Competing in her 2nd women’s national championship

Jordan MoultonPosition: LeadAge: 26Hometown: Highland Park, Ill.Resides: Minneapolis, Minn.Career: Director of operation, Magna Health & FitnessCurling start: 2002Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Education: Degrees in Russian, Spanish & economics from the University of MinnesotaFamily: SingleCurling highlights:• 2-time U.S. junior national champion (2007, 2006)• Recipient of the 2006 World Junior Sportsmanship Award• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place• Competing in her 5th women’s national championship


1 0 | U S A C U R L I N G M E D I A K I T



Team Clark (l-r) Cristin Clark, Patti Killins, Christina Pastula, and Christie Wilhelmy.

Team C. Clark

U S A C U R L I N G M E D I A K I T | 1 1

Team ClarkHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals:Challenge Round, 3-2, C winner

Crisin ClarkPosition: SkipAge: Hometown: Winnipeg, ManitobaResides: Lynnwood, Wash.Career:Education:Family: Married to Brady Clark; one sonCurling start: Age xxxCurling club: Granite (Seattle)Curling highlights:• U.S. National Championships: 2013, 2009 (8th), 2007 (6th),

2006 (5th), 2005 (5th), 2004 (7th), 2002 (8th)• Olympic Trials: 2010 (8th), 2006 (5th)• Nine-time U.S. Mixed National champion• Three-time U.S. Mixed Doubles National champion• Two-time USA Curling Team of the Year (2012, 2009)

Patti KillinsPosition: Vice skipAge: 38Hometown: Hamilton, OntarioResides: Seattle, Wash.Career: Manager, systems engineering, The Walt Disney Co.Family: Two childrenEducation: Bachelor’s degree in commerce from McMaster UniversityCurling start: 1980Curling club: Granite (Seattle)Curling highlights:• Making her first appearanace at the women’s national

championship• Competed in the 2001 U.S. Mixed National Championship

Christina PastulaPosition: SecondAge: 38Hometown: Duncan, British ColumbiaResides: Seattle, Wash.Career: Scientist with AmgenEducation: Bachelor of science degreeFamily: Married; one daughterCurling start: 1986Curling club: Granite (Seattle)Curling highlights:• Making her first appearance at the women’s national

championship• Competed in the 2007 U.S. Mixed Championship

Christie WilhelmyPosition: LeadAge: 28Hometown: Norwalk, Conn.Resides: Mukilteo, Wash.Career: Customer service representative with Filson and ski instructor at The Summit at SnoqualmieEducation: Purdue UniversityFamily: SingleCurling start: 2007Curling club: Granite (Seattle)Curling highlights:• Competing in her first women’s national championship

Christie has a twin sister named Kate. Their parents were curling in the 1984 Mixed National Championship while their mom was pregnant with the girls.




10/12-10/15 Atkins Curling Supplies Classic Winnipeg, Manitoba 1-4

11/1-11/4 Royal LePage Fall Classic Kemptville, Ontario 5-3, semifinals

11/23-11/25 Molson Cashspiel Duluth, Minn. 4-2, semifinals




Team C. George

Team George (l-r): Julie Lilla, Amanda McLean, Aileen Sormunen, and Courtney George.


Team C. George3rd place, 2012 NationalsHow they qualified to the 2013 Nationals: Challenge Round, 2-0, won A final

Courtney GeorgePosition: SkipAge: 26Hometown: Duluth, Minn.Resides: St. Paul, Minn.Career: Home health care assistantEducation: University of St. ThomasCurling start: Age 10Curling club: Madison (Wis.)Curling highlights:• 2006 Olympian (as alternate)• 2005 world silver medalist (as alternate)• 2-time U.S. junior national champion (2007, 2004)• 2002 world junior gold medalist (as alternate)• 2003 world junior silver medalist (as alternate)• 2010 Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place• 2006 Olympic Team Trials: 4th place

Aileen SormunenPosition: Vice skipAge: 25Hometown/resides: Duluth, Minn.Career: Insurance servicing agentEducation: University of Minnesota-DuluthCurling start: Age 11Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2-time U.S. junior national champion (2007, 2004)• 2010 Olympic Team Trials: 5th place• 2006 Olympic Team Trials: 4th place

Amanda McLeanPosition: SecondAge: 24Hometown/resides: Duluth, Minn.Career:Education: Curling start: Age 12Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2004 U.S. junior national champion• Member of Team USA at 2009 World University Games• 2006 Olympic Team Trials: 4th place

Julie LillaPosition: LeadAge: 21Hometown/resides: Trempealeau, Wis.Career: Student Curling start: Age 4Curling club: Centerville Curling ClubCurling highlights:• Competed at Junior Nationals five times (best finish, silver

in 2012 and 2011)

Amy WrightPosition: Alternate (injured)Age: 49Hometown/resides: Duluth, Minn.Curling start: Age 15Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Family: Married; two childrenCurling highlights:• 3-time national champion (2000, 1992, 1984)• 1992 women’s world silver medalist• USA Curling Athlete of the Year: 2000• Frances Brodie Sportsmanship Award recipient at 1992

Women’s World Championship• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 5th place• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials:• 1998 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2nd place

Coach: Tom George




10/12-14 St. Paul Cashspiel St. Paul, Minn. 4-2, semifinals

11/9-11/11 Courtesy Freight Superspiel Thunder Bay, Ontario 3-2, semifinals

11/23-11/25 Molson Cashspiel Duluth, Minn. 6-1, runner-up

11/30-12/2 Laphroaig Scotch Cup Madison, Wis. 4-2, semifinals


Team Hamilton (l-r): Tara Peterson, Becca Hamilton, Sophie Brorson, and Molly Bonner.

Team Hamilton


Team Hamilton6th place, 2012 NationalsHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals:Challenge Round, 4-1, B final winner

Becca HamiltonPosition: SkipAge: 22 Hometown/resides: McFarland, Wis.Career: Student at Edgewood CollegeCurling start:Curling club: Madison (Wis.)Curling highlights:• 2-time U.S. junior national champion (2011, 2008)

Molly BonnerPosition: Vice skipAge: 25 Hometown: Virginia, Minn.Resides: St. Louis Park, Minn.Career: Employed with United Health Care GroupEducation: Bachelor’s degreeCurling start: Age 12Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2007 U.S. junior national champion• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 5th place

Tara PetersonPosition: SecondAge: 21 Hometown/resides: Eagan, Minn.Career: StudentCurling start: Age 9Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 3-time U.S. junior national champion (2011, 2010, 2009)• 2010 world junior bronze medalist• 2012 recipient of the Ann Brown Sportsmanship Award at

the Nationals

Sophie BrorsonPosition: LeadAge: 21Hometown/resides: Duluth, Minn.Career: StudentCurling start: Age 10Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 3-time U.S. junior national champion (2011, 2010, 2009)• 2010 world junior bronze medalist• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 5th place

Coaches: Howard Restall & Kent Brorson




10/12-10/14 St. Paul Cashspiel St. Paul, Minn. 3-2

12/7-12/9 Cornerstone Credit Union Cashspiel Yorkton, Sask. 4-3



Team Kinney (l-r): Shelly Kinney, Amy Lou Anderson, �eresa Ho�oss, and Julie Smith.

Team Kinney


Team KinneyHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals:Challenge Round, 4-1, B winner

Shelly KinneyPosition: Skip (throws second stones)Age: 38Hometown: Saltcoats, SaskatchewanResides: Champlin, Minn.Career: Certified athletic trainer with Sports and Orthopaedic Specialists/Allina HealthEducation: Master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in athletic training; master’s degree in psychologyFamily: Married; one son and currently 7 months pregnant with daughter (due April 1)Curling start: Age 11Curling club: St. PaulCurling highlights:• U.S. Club National Championships: 2012 (silver), 2011 (4th)• First appearance at U.S. National Championships

Amy Lou AndersonPosition: Vice skip (throws last rocks)Age: 39 Hometown: Plymouth, Minn.Career: Pediatric occupational therapistFamily: Married; three childrenCurling start: 1995Curling club: St. PaulCurling highlights:• U.S. Club National Championships: 2012 (silver)• First appearance at U.S. National Championships

Theresa HoffossPosition: Second (throws vice skip rocks)Age: 35Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.Career:Family: Married; one childCurling club: St. PaulCurling highlights:• 1996 U.S. junior national champion• Third appearance at Women’s Nationals• U.S. Club National Championships: 2012 (silver)

Julie SmithPosition: LeadAge: Hometown: Biwabik, Minn.Resides: St. Paul, Minn.Career: Data privacy specialist with CiberCurling start: 1999Curling club: St. PaulCurling highlights:• First appearance at U.S. National Championships

Megan DelaneyPosition: AlternateAge: 27Hometown: Born in CaliforniaResides: Minneapolis, Minn.Career: Fabric sourcing manager with TargetFamiy: MarriedCurling start: 2000Curling club: St. PaulCurling highlights:• Second appearance at U.S. National Championships• Competed at two U.S. Junior Nationals

Coach: Cam Delaney




10/12-14 St. Paul Cashspiel St. Paul, Minn. 7-1, champion

11/1-11/4 Royal LePage Women’s Fall Classic Kemptville, Ontario 3-2, quarterfinals

11/9-11/11 Guelph Women’s Cashspiel Guelph, Ontario 2-3


12/14-16 Curl Mesabi Cashspiel Eveleth, Minn. 3-2, quarterfinals

Team Lank (l-r): Patti Lank, Mackenzie Lank, Nina Spatola, and Caitlin Maroldo.

Team Lank


Team Lank8th place, 2012 NationalsHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals:Order of Merit Standings

Patti LankPosition: SkipAge: 48 Hometown: Midale, SaskatchewanResides: Lewiston, N.Y.Career: MomCurling start: Age 14Curling club: Rochester (N.Y.)Family: Married; two daughtersEducation: George Brown CollegeCurling highlights:• 5-time U.S. national champion (2011, 2004, 2002, 1999, 1997)• 1999 world silver medalist• Will compete in her 19th national championship in 2013• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2004, 1999• USA Curling Athlete of the Year: 2011, 1999• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2nd place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2nd place• 1998 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 4th place

Mackenzie LankPosition: Vice skipAge: 18 Hometown/resides: Lewiston, N.Y.Career: Aviation student Curling start:Curling club: Rochester (N.Y.)Curling highlights:• 2011 U.S. national champion

Nina SpatolaPosition: SecondAge: 24 Hometown: McFarland, Wis.Career: NurseCurling start: Age 10Education: Edgewood CollegeCurling club: Madison (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2-time U.S. junior national champion (2008, 2006)• 2010 U.S. women’s national champion • 2006 Club Nationals champion• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 4th place

Caitlin MaroldoPosition: LeadAge: 37Hometown: Utica, N.Y.Resides: Rochester, N.Y.Career: MomCurling start: Age 13Curling club: Rochester (N.Y.)Family: Married; one daughterEducation: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of RochesterCurling highlights:• 2011 national champion• 2006 world silver medalist as alternate• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2nd place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Tean Trials: 7th place

Phill DrobnickPosition: CoachAge: 32 Hometown/resides: Eveleth, Minn.Career: Probation officerCurling start: Age 6Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Education: University of Minnesota-DuluthCoaching highlights:• 2010 Olympic men’s coach• 2008 world juniors, gold medal• 2009 world juniors, bronze medal• USA Curling Coach of the Year: 2009, 2008Curling highlights:• 2000 U.S. junior national champion• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 8th place• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place




10/5-10/8 Autumn Gold Slam Calgary, Alberta 0-3

10/26-10/28 Bernick’s Miller Lite Open Bemidji, Minn. 1-4

11/9-11/12 Colonial Square Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 4-3


11/29-12/2 Laphroaig Scotch Cup Madison, Wis. 4-1, quarterfinals

12/14-12/16 Curl Mesabi Cashspiel Eveleth, Minn. 5-2, runner-up

1/13-1/16 Continental Cup Penticton, British Columbia Champion

Team Pottinger

Team Pottinger (l-r): Allison Pottinger, Nicole Joraanstad, Natalie Nicholson, and Tabitha Peterson.


Team Pottinger2012 national championsQualified for 2014 U.S. Olympic Team TrialsHow they qualified to the 2013 Nationals: Pre-qualified based on top two finish at 2012 Nationals

Allison Pottinger won her USA Curling record 11th national title in 2012 but first in the skip position. Pottinger led fellow 2010 Olympic teammates Nicole Joraanstad (Verona, Wis.) and Natalie Nicholson (Bemidji, Minn.) as well as 2010 world junior bronze medalist Tabitha Peterson (Eagan, Minn.) back from a near disastrous 0-4 start to the 2012 Women’s World Championship to seven straight wins to finish fifth and secure important quali-fication points for the U.S. for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Pottinger was named USA Curling’s Female Athlete of the Year for 2012. Joraanstad welcomed her first child – a girl – in early September.

Allison PottingerPosition: SkipAge: 39Hometown: Brampton, OntarioResides: Eden Prairie, Minn.Career: Marketing research analystEducation: University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeCurling start: Age 11Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Family: Married; two daughtersCurling highlights:• 2010 Olympian• 10-time U.S. national champion (USA Curling record)• 2003 world gold medalist• 3-time world silver medalist (2006, 1999, 1996)• 2-time U.S. mixed national champion• 1994 U.S. junior national champion• 1994 world junior silver medalist• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2003, 1999• USA Curling Athlete of the Year: 2012, 2008• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2nd place• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2nd place

Nicole JoraanstadPosition: Vice skipAge: 32Hometown: Kent, Wash.Resides: Verona, Wis.Career: Senior corporate recruiterEducation: University of Wisconsin-MadisonCurling start: Age 15Curling club: Madison (Wis.)Family: Married; one daughterCurling highlights:• 2010 Olympian• 7-time U.S. national champion (2012, 2009, 2008, 2007,

2006, 2004, 2002)

• 2006 world silver medalist• 2-time U.S. junior national champion (2001, 2000)• 2000 world junior bronze medalist• 2007 USA Curling Athlete of the Year• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2004, 2000• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 4th place

Natalie NicholsonPosition: SecondAge: 36Hometown/resides: Bemidji, Minn.Career: Nurse practitionerEducation: University of North Dakota-Grand Forks Curling start: Age 17Curling club: Bemidji (Minn.)Family: Married; two daughtersCurling highlights:• 2010 Olympian• 8-time U.S. national champion (2012, 2009, 2008, 2007,

2006, 2004, 2002, 2000)• 2006 world silver medalist• 2-time U.S. junior national chapmion (1997, 1995)• 2009 USA Curling Athlete of the Year• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2004, 1997• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 6th place• 1998 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 6th place

Tabitha PetersonPosition: LeadAge: 23Hometown/resides: Eagan, Minn.Career: Pharmacy graduate studentEducation: University of MinnesotaCurling start: Age 11Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2012 U.S. national champion• 2-time U.S. junior national champion (2010, 2009)• 2010 world junior bronze medalist




10/5-10/8 Autumn Gold Slam Calgary, Alberta 1-3

10/12-10/14 St. Paul Cashspiel St. Paul, Minn. 4-2, semifinals

11/2-11/8 Yichun Ladies International Yichun, China 3-4



Team Potter/Roessler (l-r, front) Jamie Haskell, Cassie Potter, Stephanie Sambor, (back, l-r) Jackie Lemke, and Laura Roessler.

Team Roessler


Team RoesslerRunner-up, 2012 national championshipQualified for 2014 U.S. Olympic Team TrialsHow they qualified to the 2013 Nationals: Pre-qualified based on top two finish at 2012 Nationals

2006 Olympian and 2002 world junior champion Cassie Potter (St. Paul, Minn.) improved from her team’s third-place finish in 2011 to second place in 2012. Potter is teamed up with fellow 2006 Olympian and world junior champion Jamie Haskell (Bemidji, Minn.), Jackie Lemke (Medford, Wis.), Stephanie Sambor (Minot, N.D.) and Laura Roessler (Centerville, Wis.). Potter, who is expecting her first child in February, will sit out the 2013 Nationals, which her team pre-qualified for by finishing second at the 2012 Nationals. Roessler, the 2000 U.S. junior champion, moves to the skip position for the season.

Laura RoesslerPosition: SkipAge: 33Hometown/Resides: Centerville, Wis.Career: Chemistry laboratory manager at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; winemaker at Elmaro WineryEducation: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and certificate in enology from the University of Wisconsin-La CrosseCurling start: Age 13Curling club: Centerville (Wis.)Family: Married; two childrenCurling highlights:• 2000 U.S. junior national champion• 2000 world junior bronze medalist• 2000 world junior All-Star • 2000 world junior sportsmanship award recipient• 2009 Ann Brown Sportsmanship Award at Nationals• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 7th place

Jamie HaskellPosition: Vice skipAge: 32Hometown/Resides: Bemidji, Minn.Career:Education: Bemidji State UniversityCurling start: Age 7Curling club: Bemidji (Minn.)Family: MarriedCurling highlights:• 2006 Olympian• 2005 U.S. national champion• 2005 world silver medalist• 2002 U.S. junior national champion• 2002 world junior gold medalist• 2008 U.S. mixed doubles national champion• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2005, 2002• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 7th place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st place

• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place

Jackie LemkePosition: SecondAge: 27Hometown/resides: Medford, Wis.Career: Substitute teacher & momEducation: Bachelor’s degree in English education and teaching English as a second languageCurling start: 1993Curling club: Medford (Wis.)Family: Married; one daughterCurling highlights:• 2006 U.S. junior national champion• Competing in her fourth women’s national championship

Stephanie SamborPosition: LeadAge: 28Hometown: Minot, N.D.Resides: St. Paul, Minn.Career: Physical therapistEducation: University of North DakotaCurling start: Age 18Curling club: Minot (N.D.)Curling highlights:• Team USA, 2007 World University Games• 2005 U.S. junior national champion

Cassie PotterPosition: Alternate/will return as skip in 2013-14 season (pregnancy)Age: 31Hometown: Bemidji, Minn. Resides: St. Paul, Minn.Career: Minnesota Historical SocietyEducation: Bemidji State UniversityCurling start: Age 6Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Family: Married; expecting first child in March 2013Curling highlights:• 2006 Olympian• 2005 U.S. national champion• 2005 world silver medalist• 2-time U.S. junior national champion (2002, 2003)• 2002 world junior gold medalist• 2003 world junior silver medalist• 2005 USA Curling Athlete of the Year• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2005, 2002• Frances Brodie Award for Sportsmanship at 2005 Women’s

World Championship• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 7th place• 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 1st place• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place

Coaches: Sandra McMakin




9/21-9/23 Point Optical Classic Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 1-3

10/12-14 St. Paul Cashspiel St. Paul, Minn. 7-1, runner-up

10/26-28 Bernick’s Miller Lite Open Bemidji, Minn. 4-2

11/1-11/4 Mount Lawn Gord Carroll Classic Whitby, Ontario 3-3

11/23-25 Seattle Cashspiel Seattle, Wash. 6-1, champion


12/14-16 Curl Mesabi Cashspiel Eveleth, Minn. 5-2, runner-up

1/2-1/6 Challenge Round Hibbing, Minn. 3-2, qualified to Nationals

Team Birr (l-r): Todd Birr, Doug Pottinger, Greg Romaniuk, Kevin Birr, and Tom O’Connor.

Team Birr

The men’s field: 2013 National Championships


Team Birr7th place, 2012 NationalsHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals:3-2, Challenge Round, C winner

Todd BirrPosition: SkipAge: 44 Hometown: Mankato, Minn.Resides: St. Paul, Minn.Career: Ice Manager at Four Seasons Curling ClubCurling start: Age 16Curling club: Blaine (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2007 U.S. national champion• 2007 world bronze medalist• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2007• 2010 Club Nationals champion• Competed in 2010 Olympic Trials

Doug PottingerPosition: Vice skipAge: 39 Hometown: Brandon, ManitobaResides: Eden Prairie, Minn.Career: General manager, Midwest Independent Soil SamplersEducation: Bachelor’s degree from Brandon University; master’s degree from Guelph UniversityCurling start: 1984Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Family: Married to 2010 Olympian Allison Pottinger; two daughtersCurling highlights:• 2004 U.S. national champion• Competing in his ninth U.S. Men’s Nationals• Competed in 2006 and 2002 Olympic Team Trials

Greg RomaniukPosition: SecondAge: 41 Hometown: Regina, SaskatchewanResides: Snohomish, Wash.Career: Mechanical engineerEducation: Curling start: 1984Curling club: Granite (Wash.)Family: MarriedCurling highlights:• 2001 U.S. national champion

• Competing in his eighth U.S. Men’s Nationals• Competed in 2010 Olympic Trials

Tom O’ConnorPosition: LeadAge: 33Hometown: Wausau, Wis.Resides: Minneapolis, Minn.Career: Compensation analyst with US BankEducation: University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesCurling start: 1993Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Curling highlights:• Has competed at 7 men’s national championships

Kevin BirrPosition: AlternateAge: 43Hometown: Mankato, Minn.Resides: St. Peter, Minn.Career: Catering manager at Gustavus Adolphus CollegeEducation: Minnesota State UniversityCurling start: 1984Curling club: Mankato (Minn.)Curling highlights:Curling highlights:• 2007 U.S. national champion• 2007 world bronze medalist• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2007• Competing in his 10th U.S. Men’s Nationals• Competed in 2010 Olympic Trials




9/7-9/9 Ontario Curling Tour Championships Oakville, Ontario 3-2

10/5-10/8 Stu Sells Toronto Tankard Toronto, Ontario 2-3

10/26-28 Challenge Chateau de Gatineau Gatineau, Quebec 3-3

11/23-11/25 Coors Light Cashspiel Duluth, Minn. 4-1, quarterfinals


12/14-16 Curl Mesabi Cashspiel Eveleth, Minn. 4-1, quarterfinals


Team Brown (l-r): Craig Brown, Kroy Nernberger, Matt Hamilton, and Jon Brunt.

Team Brown


Team Brown4th place, 2012 NationalsHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals:Challenge Round, 3-0, A qualifier

Craig BrownPosition: SkipAge: 37 Hometown/Resides: Madison, Wis.Career: Operates Steve’s Curling SuppliesCurling start: 1989Curling club: Madison (Wis.)Family: Married; one sonCurling highlights:• 2-time U.S. national champion (2008, 2000)• 3-time U.S. junior national champion (1997, 1995, 1994)• 1994 world junior bronze medalist• 2-time U.S. mixed national champion (2000, 1998)• USA Curling Athlete of the Year: 2000

Kroy NernbergerPosition: Vice skipAge: 28 Hometown: Medford, Wis.Resides: Madison, Wis.Career: EngineerEducation: Degrees from University of Wisconsin-Madison & University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireCurling start: In high schoolCurling club: Madison (Wis.)Curling highlights:• 2008 U.S. club nationals champion• 2002 Wisconsin high school champion• 2012 recipient of the Ann Brown Sportsmanship Award

presented at the national championships

Matt HamiltonPosition: SecondAge: 23 Hometown/Resides: McFarland, Wis.Career:Curling start:Curling club: Madison (Wis.)Curling highlights:• 2-time U.S. junior national champion (2009, 2008)• 2008 world junior gold medalist• 2009 world junior bronze medalist• 2008 world juniors sportsmanship award recipient• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2008

Jon BruntPosition: LeadAge: 38Hometown/Resides: Portage, Wis.Career: Works for Penda CorporationEducation: Family: Married; one son & one daughterCurling start: 1989Curling club: Portage (Wis.)Curling highlights:• 2000 U.S. National champion• 2000 U.S. Mixed National champion




9/13-9/16 Cloverdale Cashspiel Surrey, B.C. 3-2, quarterfinals

10/5-10/8 Westcoast Curling Classic New Westminster, B.C. 1-4

10/19-10/22 Kamloops Crown of Curling Kamloops, BC 1-3

11/9-11/12 Vancouver Island Shootout Victoria, BC 3-1. semifinals

11/23-11/25 Seattle Cashspiel Seattle, Wash. 5-3, runner-up


Team Clark (l-r): Brady Clark, Sean Beighton, Darren Lehto, and Philip Tilker.

Team Clark


Team B. Clark5th place, 2012 Nationals

How they qualified for the 2013 Nationals: Challenge Round (4-1 record)

Social media: • Twitter: @teamclark2013• Facebook (Search for Team Brady Clark)

Brady ClarkPosition: SkipAge: 35 Hometown: Grand Forks, N.D.Resides: Lynnwood, Wash.Career: Senior business analyst with Liberty MutualFamily: Married to Cristin; one son, SeanCurling start: Age 12Curling club: Granite (Seattle)Curling highlights:• Ninth men’s national championship appearance (best finish,

3rd, 2006 & 2005)• Nine-time U.S. Mixed National champion• Three-time U.S. Mixed Doubles National champion• Competed in 2010 and 2005 Olympic Team Trials• Competed in five U.S. Junior Nationals• Two-time USA Curling Team of the Year (2012, 2009)

Sean BeightonPosition: Vice skipAge: 24Hometown/Resides: SeattleCareer: Video co-producer/editor with BrashenomicsFamily: SingleCurling start:Curling club: Seattle (Granite)Curling highlights:• Second appearance at men’s national championship• 2010 U.S. junior national champion• Runner-up at the 2010 Mixed Doubles National Championship• 2012 U.S. Mixed National champion

Darren LehtoPosition: SecondAge: 48Hometown: Athabasca, AlbertaResides: Snohomish, Wash.Career: Area manager with Trus JoistEducation: Civil engineering technologist degreeCurling start: Age 24Family: MarriedCurling club: Granite (Seattle)Curling highlights:• Will make third national championship appearance (runner-

up in 2003)• 2005 U.S. Mixed National champion

Philip TilkerPosition: LeadAge: Hometown: Career:Education: Curling start:Curling club: Granite (Seattle)Curling highlights:• Competing in first men’s national championship• Two-time U.S. Mixed National champion

Alternate: Steve LundeenCoach: Ken Trask




10/12/-10/14 St. Paul Cashspiel St. Paul, Minn. 2-3




Team Farbelow (l-r): Mike Farbelow, Kevin Deeren, Kraig Deeren, and Mark Lazar.

Team Farbelow


Team Farbelow6th place, 2012 NationalsHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals: Challenge Round (8-2 record)

Mike FarbelowPosition: SkipAge: 49 Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.Resides: Minneapolis, Minn.Career:Curling start: 1977Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Curling highlights:• Has competed in 6 men’s national championship (best finish,

2nd, 2010)• 2007 U.S. Club Nationals champion• Recipient of the Ann Brown Sportsmanship Award at the

2009 Nationals

Kevin DeerenPosition: Vice skipAge: Hometown: Waunakee, Wis.Resides: ChicagoCareer: Police officerCurling start:Curling club: Madison (Wis.)Family: Married; one daughterCurling highlights:• 5 appearances at men’s national championship

Kraig DeerenPosition: SecondAge: 28Hometown: Waunakee, Wis.Resides: Deforest, Wis.Career: Account manager with Oxford InternationalEducation: Bachelor’s degree in economics/finanace from the University of Wisconsin-MadisonCurling start: 1990Curling club: Arlington (Wis.)Curling highlights:• Competed in 2010 Olympic Team Trials• Competing in his fifth U.S. Nationals• 2008 U.S. Club Nationals champion

Mark LazarPosition: LeadAge: 35Hometown: Toledo, OhioCareer: Employed with Medical Network One & Practice Trans-formation InstituteEducation: University of ToledoCurling start: 1996Curling club: Detroit (Mich.)Curling highlights:• Has competed at 7 men’s national championships

Alternate:Coach:



Team Fenson (l-r): Ryan Brunt, Joe Polo, Shawn Rojeski, Pete Fenson.


9/14-9/16 Shorty Jenkins Classic Brockville, Ontario 4-2, quarterfinals

9/28-10/1 Prestige Classic Vernon, British Columbia 4-2, quarterfinals

10/12-10/14 St. Paul Cashspiel St. Paul, Minn. 4-2, quarterfinals

10/26-10/28 Bernick’s Miller Lite Open Bemidji, Minn. 6-1, runner-up

11/9-11/11 Courtesy Freight Superspiel Thunder Bay, Ontario 5-2, semifinals


11/30-12/2 Laphroaig Scotch Cup Madison, Wis. 6-0, champions

12/14-12/16 Curl Mesabi Cashspiel Eveleth, Minn. 3-2, quarterfinals

1/3-1/6 Perth Masters Perth, Scotland 2-3

Team Fenson


Team FensonRunner-up, 2012 national championshipQualified for 2014 U.S. Olympic Team TrialsHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals: Pre-qualified based on top 2 finish at the 2012 Nationals

After winning back-to-back national titles in 2010 and 2011, Team Fenson lost to Team McCormick in the 2012 national championship final and look to get back on top of the national podium this season. Team Fenson had a successful season on the World Curling Tour this year so far, advancing to the playoffs at eight events.

Pete FensonPosition: SkipAge: 42 Hometown/Resides: Bemidji, Minn.Career: Owner/operator, Dave’s PizzaEducation: Bemidji State UniversityCurling start: 1982Curling club: Bemidji (Minn.)Family: Married; two sonsCurling highlights:• 2006 Olympic bronze medalist• 7-time national champion (2011, 2010, 2006, 2005, 2003,

1994, 1993)• 1993 world bronze medalist• 3-time USA Curling Athlete of the Year (2011, 2005, 2003)• 2006 U.S. Olympic Committee Team of the Year• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2006• Competing in his 20th men’s national championship

Shawn RojeskiPosition: Vice skipAge: 41Hometown/Resides: Chisholm, Minn.Career: Corporate quality manager with Lakehead ConstructorsEducation: Bemidji State UniversityCurling start: 1984Curling club: Hibbing (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2006 Olympic bronze medalist• 5-time national champion (2011, 2010, 2006, 2005, 2003)• 2006 USA Curling Athlete of the Year• 2006 U.S. Olympic Committee Team of the Year• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2006• 2-time U.S. junior champion• 1991 world junior bronze medalist

Joe PoloPosition: SecondAge: 30Hometown: Bemidji, Minn.Resides: Duluth, Minn.Career: Project manager with Lakehead ConstructorsEducation: University of North Dakota-Grand ForksCurling start: 1992Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Family: MarriedCurling highlights:• 2006 Olympic bronze medalist• 4-time national champion (2011, 2010, 2006, 2005, 2003)• 2010 USA Curling Athlete of the Year• 2006 U.S. Olympic Committee Team of the Year• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2006

Ryan BruntPosition: LeadAge: 27Hometown: Portage, Wis. Resides: Bemidji, Minn.Career: Substitute teacherEducation: University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireCurling start: 1992Curling club: Bemidji (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2011 national champion




9/7-9/9 Ontario Curling Tour Championships Oakville, Ontario 3-2

9/21-9/23 Point Optical Classic Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 1-3

10/5-10/8 Stu Sells Toronto Tankard Toronto, Ontario 4-3

10/12/-10/14 St. Paul Cashspiel St. Paul, Minn. 6-1, semifinals

11/9-11/11 Courtesy Freight Northern Ontario Cashspiel Thunder Bay, Ontario 3-2

11/16-11/18 Wainwright Roaming Buffalo Classic Wainwright, Alberta 1-3

11/23-11/25 Coors Light Cashspiel Duluth, Minn. 5-1, semifinals


12/14-16 Curl Mesabi Cashspiel Eveleth, Minn. 7-0, champion

Team George (l-r): Colin Hufman, Rich Ruohonen, Chris Plys, and Tyler George.

Team George


Team George8th place, 2012 NationalsHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals: Order of Merit points

Tyler GeorgePosition: Skip, throws lead stonesAge: 30 Hometown/Resides: Duluth, Minn.Career: Real estate agentCurling start: 1994Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2010 U.S. national champion• 2001 world junior bronze medalist as alternate• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2nd place

Chris PlysPosition: Vice skip, throws last rocksAge: 25 Hometown/Resides: Duluth (Minn.)Career: Manages family food commodity businessCurling start: 1998Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2010 Olympian• 5-time U.S. junior national champion (2009, 2008, 2007,

2006, 2003)• 2008 world junior gold medalist• 2009 world junior bronze medalist• 2007 World University Games gold medalist• USA Curling Team of the Year: 2008• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 8th place

Rich RuohonenPosition: Second, throws vice skip stonesAge: 41 Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.Career: AttorneyCurling start: 1981Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.)Education: Hamline UniversityFamily: Married; two childrenCurling highlights:• 2008 U.S. national champion• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 5th place• 2006 U.S. Olympic team Trials: 5th place

Colin HufmanPosition: Lead, throws second stonesAge: 28Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska; Resides: Seattle, Wash.Career:Education: Curling start: 1995Curling club: Granite (Wash.)Curling highlights:• 2002 U.S. junior national champion• Making 10th appearance at Men’s Nationals• 2010 U.S. Olympic Trials runner-up• 2006 U.S. Olympic Trials runner-up• Competed for Team USA at 2002 World Juniors

Phill DrobnickPosition: CoachAge: 32 Hometown: Virginia, Minn.Resides: Eveleth, Minn.Career: Probation officerCurling start: 1986Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Education: University of Minnesota-DuluthCoaching highlights:• 2010 Olympic men’s coach• 2008 world juniors, gold medal• 2009 world juniors, bronze medal• USA Curling Coach of the Year: 2009, 2008Curling highlights:• 2000 U.S. junior national champion• 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 8th place• 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 3rd place





11/9-11/11 Courtesy Freight Cashspiel Thunder Bay, Ontario 0-5

11/30-12/2 Madison Cashspiel Madison, Wis. 2-3


1/2-1/6 Men’s Challenge Round Hibbing, Minn. 5-1, qualified to Nationals

Team Lemke (l-r) Ryan Lemke, Nate Gebert, John Lilla, Casey Konopacky

Team Lemke


Team Lemke2012 Nationals: Did not qualifyHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals: Challenge Round (5-1 record)

Ryan LemkePosition: SkipAge: 29 Hometown/Resides: Medford, Wis.Career: Owner/salesman, Medford MotorsCurling start: 1990Curling club: MedfordCurling highlights:• Second appearance at the Men’s National Championship • Competed at two Junior National Championships• Competed at three Mixed National Championships (runner-

up in 2009 and 2008; bronze in 2007)• Competed at 2006 U.S. Club National Championships

Nate GebertPosition: Vice skipAge: 35Hometown: Medford, Wis.Resides: Milwaukee, Wis.Career: Project manager with Gilbane Building Co.Education: Bachelor’s degree in construction managementCurling start: 1991Curling club: MilwaukeeFamily: SingleCurling highlights:• First appearance at Men’s National Championship• Competed at three U.S. Junior Championships• Competed at 2002 U.S. Olympic Team Trials

John LillaPosition: SecondAge: 25Hometown/Resides: Trempealeau, Wis.Career: Farmer and studentEducation: Mechanical engineering degreeCurling start: 1995Curling club: CentervilleEducation:Curling highlights:• First appearance at Men’s National Championship• Competed at two U.S. Junior Championships

Casey KonopackyPosition: LeadAge: 27Hometown/Resides: Stevens Point, Wis.Career: Laboratory manager with Wisconsin Institute of Sustain-able TechnologyEducation: Manufacturing engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin-StoutCurling start: 1995Curling club: Stevens PointCurling highlights:• First appearance at the Men’s National Championship• 2007 U.S. Junior Nationals (runner-up)

Alternate:Coach:




9/14-9/16 Shorty Jenkins Classic Brockville, Ontario 2-3

10/19-10/22 Prairie Classic Portage la Prairie, Manitoba 4-3

10/26-10/28 Huron ReproGraphics Oil Heritage Classic Sarnia, Ontario 5-2, runner-up

11/1-11/4 Mount Lawn Gord Caroll Classic Whitby, Ontario 1-3


11/29-12/2 Nissan Classic Brantford, Ontario 1-2

1/13-1/16 Continental Cup Penticton, British Columbia Champion

Team McCormick (l-r): Heath McCormick, Bill Stopera, Martin Sather, and Dean Gemmell.

Team McCormick


Team McCormick2012 national championsQualified for 2014 U.S. Olympic Team TrialsHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals: Pre-qualified based on top 2 finish at the 2012 Nationals

The defending national champions look to go back-to-back after running through the 2012 nationals undefeated. Michigan born Heath McCormick (Sarnia, Ontario) leads his team of Bill StoperaMartin Sather, Dean Gemmell and Matt Hames into a busy season on the World Curling Tour in preparation for the 2013 Nationals, which the team has already qualified for in addition to the 2014 Olympic Team Trials.

Heath McCormickPosition: SkipAge: 36 Hometown: Lansing, Mich.Resides: Sarnia, OntarioCareer: Insurance brokerEducation: University of Western OntarioCurling start: 1992Curling club: Sarnia CCFamily: Married; one daughterCurling highlights:• 2012 U.S. national champion• Competed in several national events in Canada (1996 Juniors,

2004 Mixed)

Bill StoperaPosition: Vice skipAge: 44Hometown: Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.Career: InsuranceEducation: Northeastern UniversityCurling start: 1977Curling club: Ardsley (N.Y.)Family: Married; one son, one daughterCurling highlights:• 2012 U.S. national champion

Martin SatherPosition: SecondAge: 29Hometown: Fairbanks, AlaskaResides: Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.Career: Jazz musicianEducation: Master’s degree in jazz studiesCurling start: 1992Curling club: ArdsleyCurling highlights:• 2012 U.S. national champion• 2002 U.S. junior national champion

Dean GemmellPosition: LeadAge: 45Hometown: North Vancouver, B.C.Resides: Short Hills, N.J.Career: WriterEducation: McGill UniversityCurling start: 1978Curling club: Plainfield (N.J.)Family: Two childrenCurling highlights:• 2012 U.S. national champion• Competed in 1988 Canadian National Championship (The Brier)• 2007 bronze medalist, U.S. Mixed National Championship

Matt HamesPosition: AlternateAge: 43 Hometown: Weston, OntarioResides: Hamilton, N.Y.Career: Manager of media communications at Colgate UniversityEducation: University of Toronto at MississauguaCurling start: 1985Curling club: Rochester (N.Y.)Family: Married; one son, one daughterCurling highlights:• 2012 U.S. national champion





11/30-12/2 Madison Cashspiel Madison, Wis. 1-3


Team Persinger (l-r): Greg Persinger, Nick Myers, Sean Murray, and Tim Gartner.

Team Persinger


Team Persinger2012 Nationals: Did not qualifyHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals: Challenge Round (4-0 record)

This is the first year Team Persinger has competed together but they roared through the Challenge Round with a perfect record to earn a spot in Green Bay.

Greg PersingerPosition: SkipAge: 34 Hometown/Resides: Fairbanks, AlaskaCareer: Owner, Cold Stone Creamery, FairbanksFamily: Married; three childrenCurling start: 1992Curling club: FairbanksCurling highlights:• Fourth men’s national championship appearance (best

finish, 3rd, 2008)• Competed in 2006 Olympic Team Trials• Competed in six U.S. Junior Championships• Competed twice in U.S. Mixed National Championship• Competed in 1997 World Junior Championships (alternate)

Nick MyersPosition: Vice skipAge: xxHometown: Resides: Mansfield, TexasCareer: Construction project coordinator with the University of Texas at ArlingtonFamily: SingleCurling start:Curling club: Seattle (Granite)Curling highlights:• Fourth appearance at men’s national championship (best

finish, 5th, 2006)• Competed in 2010 and 2006 Olympic Team Trials• 2007 U.S. Club National champion• Competed in 2000 U.S. Junior Nationals

Sean MurrayPosition: SecondAge: 31Hometown: Silver Spring, Md.Resides: Watertown, Wis.Career: Driver/warehouse worker with Holt Electric SupplyEducation: Associate’s degreeCurling start: 2002Family: SingleCurling club: Madison & Kettle MoraineCurling highlights:• Will make first national championship appearance• Competed at 5 U.S. Mixed National Championship events

Tim GartnerPosition: LeadAge: 36Hometown: Mankato, Minn.Resides: Eagan, Minn.Career: Revenue analyst with CSM Corp.Education: University of Wisconsin-StoutCurling start: 1986Curling club: St. PaulCurling highlights:• Competing in third men’s national championship• Competed in two U.S. Junior Championships• Competed in 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Trials• 2007 U.S. Club National champion

Alternate:Coach: Leland Rich




9/28-10/1 Prestige Classic Vernon, British Columbia 4-2, quarterfinals

10/12-14 St. Paul Cashspiel St. Paul, Minn. 7-1, champion

10/26-28 Bernick’s Miller Lite Open Bemidji, Minn. 5-2, semifinals

11/9-11/12 Whites Drug Store Classic Swan River, Manitoba 1-3

11/23-25 Coors Light Cashspiel Duluth, Minn. 5-2, runner-up

11/30-12/2 Laphroaig Scotch Cup Madison, Wis. 5-1, runner-up

12/14-16 Curl Mesabi Cashspiel Eveleth, Minn. 2-2

Team Shuster (l-r): John Landsteiner, Jared Zezel, Je� Isaacson, and John Shuster.

Team Shuster


Team ShusterBronze medal, 2012 NationalsHow they qualified for the 2013 Nationals: Order of Merit points

Two-time Olympian John Shuster (Duluth, Minn.) looks to move up from his team’s bronze-medal finish at the 2012 Nationals. Shuster won Olympic bronze as lead for Team Fenson (above) and has since found success as skip of his own team. Longtime friend and fellow 2010 Olympian Jeff Isaacson (Gilbert, Minn.) is Team Shuster’s new vice skip. They join 2011 junior national champion Jared Zezel and John Landsteiner (both of Duluth). The team has seven World Curling Tour events on their schedule as they prepare for the 2013 Nationals.

John ShusterPosition: SkipAge: 30 Hometown/Resides: Duluth, Minn.Career:Education: University of Minnesota-DuluthCurling start: 1997Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Family: MarriedCurling highlights:• Member of 2010 and 2006 Olympic teams• 2006 Olympic bronze medalist• 4-time national champion (2009, 2006, 2005, 2003)• 2009 USA Curling Athlete of the Year• 2007 World University Games gold medalist• 2006 U.S. Olympic Committee Team of the Year• 2006 USA Curling Team of the Year• 2004 U.S. junior national champion

Jeff IsaacsonPosition: Vice skipAge: 29 Hometown/Resides: Gilbert, Minn.Career: Substitute teacherEducation: Bemidji State UniversityCurling start: 1996Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Curling highlights:• Member of 2010 Olympic team• 2009 U.S. national champion• 2007 World University Games gold medalist• 2005 U.S. junior national champion

Jared ZezelPosition: SecondAge: 21 Hometown: Hibbing, Minn.Resides: Duluth, Minn.Career: StudentEducation: University of Minnesota-DuluthCurling start:Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Curling highlights:• 2011 U.S. junior national champion

John LandsteinerPosition: LeadAge: 22Hometown: Mapleton, Minn.Resides: Duluth, Minn.Career: StudentEducation: University of Minnesota-DuluthCurling start: 2000Curling club: Duluth (Minn.)Family: MarriedCurling highlights:• 3-time Minnesota state high school champion• Played for Team USA at 2011 World Juniors (alternate)

Alternate:Coach: Tim Muller



Our sponsors & partnersAtomAmpdWe are extremely pleased to have AtomAmpd, USA Curling’s longest running sponsor at 10 years and counting, serves all of the organizations information technology needs.

Sitrin Health CareUSA Curling and the National Wheelchair Program have benefitted from a strong relationship with Sitrin Health Care for many years. Sitrin is thee leading provider of sponsorship support for our National Wheelchair Team.

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United AirlinesUnited Airlines is the preferred travel partner of USA Curling, as a long-time sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC). United has been “Flying America’s Team for 30 Years,” and offers discounted domestic and international fares to the USA Curling athletes, staff, organization/club members and their families attending USOC recognized events and other official team business. Visit www.united.com.

Hilton WorldwideHilton Worldwide is the preferred hotel partner/supplier of USA Curling. Whether booking for curling events, business or vacation travel, all USA Curling members can receive 15% off the best avail-able rates at any of Hilton Worldwide’s 3,600 hotels. And yes, that includes Hawaii!

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The 2013 USA Curling National Championships presented by Brooms Up Curling Supplies will feature the top 10 men’s and top 10 women’s teams in the country. At stake for the winners is a spot on the U.S. Team that will compete at the World Curling Championships held March 16-24, in Riga, Latvia, and March 30-April 7, in Victoria, Canada, for women and men, respectively. The winners will also qualify for a berth to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, to be held in Fargo, N.D., in November 2013.

Sports anchor Andrew Catalon will provide the play-by-play commentary with assistance from Canadian Olympic silver medalist in curling Mike Harris who will fill the analyst spot. Catalon has done play-by-play announcing for three Olympic Games, including curling at the Vancouver 2010 Games.

NBC Coverage

Date NBC Sports Network Universal Sports

Friday, Feb. 15 – Women’s semifinal: 3-6 p.m. (LIVE)Men’s semifinal, 9 p.m.-midnight (LIVE)

Saturday, Feb. 16 Women’s final: 10 a.m.-1p.m. (LIVE)Men’s final: 4-7 p.m. (LIVE)

–

The 2014 World Financial Group Continental Cup will be staged in Las Vegas Jan. 16-19, 2014, at the 9,500-seat Orleans Arena, home to hockey’s Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL.

This is the first time the event will be held outside of Canada, and first time that Las Vegas will host a curling event of this magnitude.

The Orleans Arena will host the 10th edition of this unique international curling competition, which is similar to golf’s Ryder Cup, and will take place just 19 days before the start of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

The teams representing the United States will likely be those that will compete for the U.S. at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

The Cup features six teams from North America competing against six teams representing Team World in traditional team competition, mixed doubles, singles and skins competitions during the four-day event. The inaugural event took place in 2002 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Since then, Canada has hosted all nine editions of the Cup. The 2013 Cup is set to take place Jan. 10-13 in Penticton, British Columbia.

Get your tickets today! Go to www.usacurl.org and look for the 2014 Continental Cup logo.

2014 Continental Cup, Las Vegas


The city of Fargo will host the 2014

U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Curling

on Nov. 10-17, 2013, at Scheels

Arena, which hosted the 2011

National Championships. Four teams

have qualifield so far based on last

year’s results at the Nationals in

Philadelphia. Here is a look at the

qualification process:

Men’s field – maximum field of 5 teams:• Team Heath McCormick, 2012 national champions• Team Pete Fenson, 2012 national championship runner-up• Top two teams from 2013 national championships• If results of the 2012 and 2013 Nationals only creates two qualified teams (i.e., the same teams are first and second place),

USA Curling’s High Performance Program Selection Committee will select two teams to compete, taking the number to four.• If there are three direct qualifiers via the 2012 and 2013 Nationals (if one team has placed in the top two in both 2012 and

2013), the HPP Selection Committee will select one team to compete in the Trials, bringing the total number to four.• If there are four direct qualifiers via the 2012 and 2013 Nationals, the HPP Selection Committee will select one team to compete

in the Trials, taking the total number to five.• Teams qualified for the Trials must have a minimum of 3 of 4 or 4 of 5 original team members to be eligible to compete.

Women - maximum field of four teams:• Team Allison Pottinger, 2012 national champions• Team Cassie Potter, 2012 national championship runner-up• The first-place team from the 2013 Nationals will qualify for the Trials. If the first-place team has already qualified via the 2012

Nationals, the second-place team in 2013 will qualify for the Trials.• If there is no direct qualifier via the 2013 Nationals (if the same two teams place in the top two in both 2012 and 2013), the

HPP Selection Committee would select two teams to bring the total to four.• If there are three direct qualifiers, one team will be selected to compete in the Trials by the HPP Selection Committee. Strong

consideration will be given to athlete and/or team successs at world championships, Order of Merit, World Curling Tour events and Nationals over the previous three years (2011, 2012, 2013).

• Teams qualified for the Trials must have a minimum of 3 of 4 or 4 of 5 original team members to be eligible to compete.

The Trials

http://www.sochi2014.com/en/


Country 2012 2013 Total

Canada 14 14

Scotland 12 12

Sweden 10 10

Norway 9 9

New Zealand** 8 8

China 7 7

Denmark 6 6

USA 5 5

Switzerland 4 4

France 3 3

Germany 2 2

Czech Republic 1 1

*Russia 0 0

*automatic

berth

**not

qualified for

2013 Worlds

2014 Olympic Winter Games Qualification Points Standings – Men2014 Olympic Winter Games Qualification Points Standings – Women

Country 2012 2013 Total

Switzerland 14 14

Sweden 12 12

Canada 10 10

Korea** 9 9

USA 8 8

Scotland 7 7

Germany 6 6

Denmark 5 5

*Russia 4 4

Italy 3 3

China 2 2

Czech Republic 1 1

*automatic

berth

**not

qualified for

2013 Worlds

The U.S. will get its second chance to secure berths for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games at this year’s world championships. Points are accumulated based on overall final ranking at the 2012 and 2013 world championship events. The top seven nations, plus Russia as host (automatic berth), will qualify. The remaining two berths will be determined at the World Curling Federation’s Challenge Event Dec. 11-14, 2013 (site TBA).

The American women earned eight points after finishing fifth at the 2012 world championship while the men picked up five points with an eighth-place finish. The U.S. teams for the world championships will be decided at the 2013 Nationals in February in Green Bay.

The Olympic Games

http://www.sochi2014.com/en/


The Paralympic Games

Country 2011 2012 2013 Total

Russia* 7 12 19

Canada 12 4 16

Korea 5 10 15

China 6 8 14

Great Britain** 10 3 13

USA 4 6 10

Norway 8 2 10

Sweden 3 5 8

Slovakia 0 7 7

Germany 2 0 2

Italy 0 1 1

Czech Rep. 1 0 1

*automatic berth

as host

**Points for Great

Britain are gained

by Scotland

Team USA is in very good position to clinch its spot in the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games after earning 10 points in the past Wheelchair Curling Championship events. Countries accumulate points based on final placement at the 2011, 2012 and 2013 world events. The Americans are currently ranked sixth. The top 10 countries with the most qualification points at the conclusion of the 2013 event will earn spots for the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia, March 7-16, 2014. After the retirement of three members of the 2010 Paralympic wheelchair curling team, which finished fourth in Vancouver, a lot of newcomers to the sport have started training in the national program.

Led by 2010 Paralympian Patrick McDonald (Madison, Wis.), Team USA finished fifth at the 2012 world wheelchair championship to both qualify the Americans for the 2013 world event as well as grab six more Paralympic qualification points to put them in good standing. This year’s national squad will be selected at an individual tryout event Oct. 18-21 in Madison, Wis. The 2013 world championship take place Feb. 16-23 at the Ice Cube in Sochi – the official curling venue for both the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games Qualification Points Standings

http://www.sochi2014.com/en/games/sport/paralympic-games/


On the heels of hosting a very successful national championship in 2012, IceWorks Skating Complex, located in metro Philadelphia, will once again partner with the Philadelphia Sports Congress and Brandywine Visitor’s Bureau to host to host the 2014 USA Curling National Championships, March 1-8, 2014.

2014 Nationals

Arena NationalsThe United States Curling Association will launch a new champion-ship specifically for arena curlers in the summer of 2013. The Fort Wayne Curling Club will host the first annual United States Arena Curling Championship will be hosted by the Fort Wayne Curling Club, July 18 – 21, 2013.


2014 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Nov. 10-17, 2013 Scheels Arena, Fargo, N.D.

2014 U.S. Mixed Doubles National Championship Dec. 4-8, 2013 Site TBA

2013 Winter World University Games Dec. 11-21, 2013 Trentino, Italy

2014 Continental Cup of Curling Jan. 16-19, 2014 Orleans Arena, Las Vegas

2014 U.S. Senior National Championships Jan. 22-26, 2014 Site TBA

2014 U.S. Junior National Championships Jan. 25-Feb. 1, 2014 Seattle, Wash.

2014 Olympic Winter Games Feb. 7-23, 2014 Sochi, Russia

2014 U.S. Club National Championships Feb. 15-22, 2014 Site TBA

2014 World Junior Championships Feb. 26-March 5, 2014 Flims, Switzerland

2014 U.S. National Championships March 1-8, 2014IceWorks Skating Complex,

Aston, Pa.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games March 7-16, 2014 Sochi, Russia

2014 Ford World Women’s Championship March 15-23, 2014 St. John, New Brunswick

2014 U.S. Mixed National Championship March 15-23, 2014 Site TBA

2014 Men’s World Championship March 29-April 6, 2014 Beijing, China

2014 World Mixed Doubles Championship April 12-19, 2014 Site TBA

2014 World Senior Championships April 21-27, 2014 Site TBA

Events Dates Sites

U.S. National Championships presented by Brooms Up Curling Supplies Feb. 9-16 Green Bay, Wis.

2013 World Wheelchair Championship Feb. 16-23 Sochi, Russia

2013 World Junior Championships Feb. 28-March 10 Sochi, Russia

U.S. Club National Championships March 2-9 Highland Park, Ill.

U.S. College Championships March 8-10 Duluth, Minn.

U.S. Mixed National Championship March 16-23 Willmar, Minn.

2013 World Women’s Championship March 16-24 Riga, Latvia

2013 Ford World Men’s Championship March 30-April 7 Victoria, British Columbia

2013 World Senior Championships April 13-20 Fredericton, New Brunswick

2013 World Mixed Doubles Championship April 13-20 Fredericton, New Brunswick

2013 Winter World University Games Playdown May 1-5 Blaine, Minn.

2013 Arena Curling Championships July 18-21 Fort Wayne, Ind.


FAST FACTSThe 2013 Nationals marks Ann Swisshelm’s 19th straight appearance at the National Championships. Swisshelm plays lead for Team Erika Brown. In addition, this event marks Pete Fenson’s 20th overall appearance at the Nationals.

The last (and only) time the U.S. women won the world championship: 2003 (Debbie McCormick). The last time the U.S. won a world championship medal was in 2006 (silver, Debbie McCormick).

The last time the U.S. men won the world championship: 1978 (Bob Nichols). The last time the U.S. men won a world championship medal was in 2007 (bronze, Todd Birr).

It is good to be named John: Every U.S. men’s Olympic curling team since 1998 has included someone named John. (John Shuster, 2006 & 2010; John Gordon, 1998 & 2002; John Benton, 2010)

Allison Pottinger (skip, Team Pottinger) holds the record for most U.S. national titles – 10 (includes men’s and women’s Nationals only. Does not include other U.S. national events such as mixed, juniors, etc.)

Olympians in the field: 15 (Pete Fenson, 2006; John Shuster, 2010 & 2006; Shawn Rojeski, 2006; Joe Polo, 2006; Jeff Isaacson, 2010; Chris Plys, 2010; Allison Pottinger, 2010; Nicole Joraanstad, 2010; Natalie Nicholson, 2010; Erika Brown, 1998; Debbie McCormick, 1998, 2002, 2010; Ann Swisshelm, 2002; Jessica Schultz, 2006; Jamie Haskell, 2006; Courtney George, 2006)

World champions in the field: 3 (Debbie McCormick, Team Brown; Allison Pottinger, Team Pottinger; Ann Swisshelm, Team Brown)

World junior champions in the field (4): Jamie Haskell (2002), Team Roessler; Courtney George (2002), Team George; Chris Plys (2008), Team George; Matt Hamilton (2008), Team Brown


Skips in the field who have won national titles previously:• Pete Fenson (7): 2011, 2010, 2006, 2005, 2003 (as skip); 1994, 1993 (as vice skip)• John Shuster: (4) 2009 (as skip); 2006, 2005, 2003 (as lead)• Tyler George (1): 2010 (as lead)• Heath McCormick (1): 2012 (as skip)• Todd Birr (1): 2007 (as skip)• Craig Brown (2): 2008, 2000 (as skip)

Vice skips:• Shawn Rojeski, Team Fenson (5): 2011, 2010, 2006, 2005 (as vice skip); 2003 (as second)• Bill Stopera, Team McCormick (1): 2012 (as vice skip)• Jeff Isaacson, Team Shuster (1): 2009 (as vice skip)• Doug Pottinger, Team Birr (2): 2004 (as vice skip)

Seconds:• Joe Polo, Team Fenson (4): 2011, 2010, 2006, 2005 (as second)• Martin Sather, Team McCormick (1): 2012 (as second)• Rich Ruohonen, Team George (1): 2008 (as vice skip)• Greg Romaniuk, Team Birr (1): 2001 (as vice skip)

Leads:• Dean Gemmell, Team McCormick (1): 2012• Ryan Brunt, Team Fenson (1): 2011• Jon Brunt, Team Brown (1): 2000 (as second)• Kevin Birr, Team Birr (1): 2007 • Overall titles:1. Pete Fenson (Team Fenson), 72. Shawn Rojeski (Team Fenson), 53. John Shuster (Team Shuster) & Joe Polo (Team Fenson), 4

FAST FACTS


Skips in the field who have won national titles previously:• Allison Pottinger (10): 2012 (as skip); 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003 (as vice skip); 2002, 1999 (as second); 1996

(as lead); 1995 (as alternate)• Erika Brown (6): 2010 (as skip); 2004, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1995 (as vice skip)• Patti Lank (5): 2011, 2004, 2002, 1999, 1997 (as skip)

Vice skips:• Debbie McCormick, Team Brown (7): 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003 (as skip); 2001 (as vice skip); 1996 (as alternate)• Nicole Joraanstad, Team Pottinger (7): 2012 (as vice skip); 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004 (as second); 2002 (as

alternate)• Jamie Haskell, Team Roessler (1): 2005 (as vice skip)• Mackenzie Lank, Team Lank (1): 2011 (as lead)

Seconds:• Natalie Nicholson, Team Pottinger (8): 2012 (as second); 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2000 (as lead)• Nina Spatola, Team Lank (1): 2010 (as vice skip)• Jessica Schultz, Team Brown (2): 2011, 2005 (as second)

Leads:• Ann Swisshelm, Team Brown (4): 2010, 2003 (as second); 2001, 1998 (as lead)• Caitlin Maroldo, Team Lank (1): 2011• Tabitha Peterson, Team Pottinger (1): 2012

Alternates:• Amy Wright (3): 1984 (as skip), 1991 (as vice skip), 2000 (as skip)

Overall titles:1. Allison Pottinger (Team Pottinger), 102. Natalie Nicholson (Team Pottinger), 83. Debbie McCormick (Team Brown) & Nicole Joraanstad (Team Pottinger), 75. Erika Brown (Team Brown), 66. Patti Lank (Team Lank), 57. Ann Swisshelm (Team Brown), 48. Jessica Schultz (Team Brown), 2

FAST FACTS


Athletes in the field who won junior national titles (21 and under):• Chris Plys, Team George (5): 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 (as skip); 2003 (as alternate) • Craig Brown, Team Brown (3): 1997, 1995, 1994 (as vice skip)• Shawn Rojeski, Team Fenson (2): 1992, 1991 (as vice skip)• Colin Hufman, Team George (1): 2002 (as vice skip)• Martin Sather, Team McCormick (1): 2002 (as second)• John Shuster, Team Shuster (1): 2004 (as skip)• Jeff Isaacson, Team Shuster (1): 2005 (as second)• Jared Zezel, Team Shuster (1): 2011 (as second)• Matt Hamilton, Team Brown (2): 2009, 2008 (as lead)• Sean Beighton, Team Clark (1): 2010 (as skip)

Other national titles:• Brady Clark, mixed championship (9): 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002 (as skip); mixed

doubles championship (3): 2012, 2011, 2009 (as skip)• Craig Brown, mixed championship (2): 2000 (as skip); 1998 (as second)• Sean Beighton, mixed championship (1): 2012 (as second)• Todd Birr, club national championship (1): 2010 (as skip)• Kroy Nernberger, club national championship (1): 2008 (as second)• Mike Farbelow, club national championship (1): 2007 (as skip)• Kraig Deeren, club national championship (1): 2008 (as vice skip)• Nick Myers, club national championship (1): 2007 (as vice skip)• Tim Gartner, club national championship (1): 2001 (as lead)• Philip Tilker, mixed championship (3): 2011, 2010, 2011 (as second)• Darren Lehto, mixed championship (1): 2005 (as second)• Jon Brunt, mixed championship (1): 2000 (as second)

Other facts:• Oldest athlete in the field: Steve Lundeen, 50 (Team Clark)• Youngest athlete in the field: Leilani Dubberstein, 17 (Team Anderson)• Youngest male skip: Ryan Lemke, 29• Youngest female skip: Sarah Anderson, 17• Oldest male skip: Mike Farbelow, 49• Oldest female skip: Patti Lank, 48• Oldest skip overall: Mike Farbelow, 49• Youngest skip overall: Sarah Anderson, 17• Average age of male skips in field: 37• Average age of female skips in field: 33

FAST FACTS


Athletes in the field who won junior national titles (21 and under):• Erika Brown, Team Brown (6): 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1989 (as skip); 1988 (as vice skip)• Debbie McCormick,Team Brown (4): 1994 (as vice skip); 1993, 1991 (as lead); 1992 (as alternate)• Natalie Nicholson, Team Pottinger (2): 1997, 1995 (as second)• Nicole Joraanstad, Team Pottinger (2): 2001 (as skip); 2000 (as vice skip)• Nina Spatola, Team Lank (2): 2008, 2006 (as skip)• Tabitha Peterson, Team Pottinger (2): 2010, 2009 (as vice skip)• Aileen Sormunen, Team George (2): 2007, 2004 (as skip)• Courtney George, Team George (2): 2007, 2004 (as vice skip) • Jordan Moulton, Team Carlson (2): 2007, 2006 (as lead)• Becca Hamilton, Team Hamilton (2): 2011 (as skip), 2008 (as vice skip)• Alex Carlson, Team Carlson (2): 2010, 2009 (as skip)• Jamie Haskell, Team Roessler (1): 2002 (as vice skip)• Stephanie Sambor, Team Roessler (1): 2005 (as lead)• Laura Roessler, Team Roessler (1): 2000 (as skip)• Jackie Lemke, Team Roessler (1): 2006 (as second)• Allison Pottinger, Team Pottinger (1): 1994 (as alternate)• Molly Bonner, Team Hamilton (1): 2007 (as second)• Amanda McLean, Team George (1): 2004 (as lead)• Theresa Hoffoss, Team Kinney (1): 1996 (as second)

Other national titles:• Cristin Clark, mixed championship (9): 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002 (as skip); mixed

doubles championship (3): 2012, 2011, 2009 (as skip)• Erika Brown, mixed championship (1): 2000 (as vice skip)• Allison Pottinger, mixed championship (2): 1998, 1995 (as vice skip)• Jamie Haskell, mixed doubles championship (1): 2008 (as skip)• Nina Spatola, club national championship (1): 2006 (as skip)

Family TiesSiblings:• Todd Birr and Kevin Birr (Team Birr)• Tyler George (Team T. George) and Courtney George (Team C. George)• Craig Brown (Team C. Brown) and Erika Brown (Team E. Brown)• Matt Hamilton (Team C. Brown) and Becca Hamilton (Team Hamilton)• John Lilla (Team Lemke) and Julie Lilla (Team C. George)• Kevin Deeren and Kraig Deeren (Team Farbelow)• Tabitha Peterson (Team Pottinger) and Tara Peterson (Team Hamilton)• Jamie Haskell and Cassie Potter (Team Roessler/Potter)• Kendall Behm and Jordan Moulton (Team Carlson)• Sarah Anderson, Taylor Anderson and Courtney Anderson Slata (Team Anderson)• Katie Dubberstein and Leilani Dubberstein (Team Anderson)

Husband-wife• Doug Pottinger (Team Birr) and Allison Pottinger (Team Pottinger)• Ryan Lemke (Team Lemke) and Jackie Lemke (Team Roessler)• Brady Clark (Team B. Clark) and Cristin Clark (Team C. Clark)

Mother-daughter:• Patti Lank and Mackenzie Lank (Team Lank)

Cousins:• Ryan Brunt (Team Fenson) & Jon Brunt (Team C. Brown)

• Sisters-in-law: Laura Roessler (Team Roessler) and Megan Delaney (Team Kinney)


Download the new U.S. Curling News app for iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire and Android. Visit your phone’s app store or grab the links from USA Curling’s website at www.usacurl.org.

Smart BugWant to listen to the live webstream while sitting in the stands at Corner-stone? Pick up a Smart Bug for $13 at the ticketing booth or merchan-dise table. The Smart Bugs were first used at curling events during the Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Connect with USA Curling via social media:

For all the latest curling news, follow USA Curling on Twitter (@terry_usacurl) and Facebook (search USA Curling).

Curling News App

Social Media


Did you know?

Curling opportunities exist for males and females of all age groups. Twenty-four-pound “junior stones” are available for younger children to use. The game has equal appeal as both a social outlet and a competitive sport.

Recreational curling competitions, called “bonspiels,” are organized for men, women, couples, seniors and juniors. Local clubs have regular leagues for these same constituencies. “Open” events feature curlers of all ages and both genders competing in one competition.

Curlers come from all walks of life, and value the special camaraderie integral to the sport.

Curling is played in 40 states across the United States. It is a winter sport, but it is being played more and more in warmer climates with the growth of indoor ice facilities.

There are approximately 16,000 curlers in the U.S., and 165 clubs across the U.S. Wisconsin has the largest concentration of curlers, with nearly 4,000, while the Grand National region along the East Coast now boasts close to 4,000 as well from its member clubs while Minnesota reports around 3,500. There also are substantial clubs in the Great Lakes region, Seattle and Fairbanks, Alaska, and even in Florida with the Panthers Curling Club in Coral Springs debuting in 2010, thanks to the TV expsoure the sport received on NBC during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The fastest growing areas in the past 10 years have been the Mountain Pacific region in the west and the Great Lakes region in the upper Midwest. California, a member of the MoPac region, now has five active curling clubs.

Curling is mostly concentrated in countries with colder climates. Canada has the most curlers of all, with nearly 1.2 million of the estimated 1.5 million in the world. Only four other countries have more than 10,000 curlers—Japan, Scotland, Switzerland and the USA. The 49 countries

USA Curling’s membership has grown 47 percent between 2002 and 2012 from 10,800 members to close to 16,000 with clubs now represented in 40 of 50 U.S. states:

Historical and Descriptive Notes:It is generally agreed that curling was developed in Scotland in the 16th century. The climate in Scotland was colder then, and curling took place on the many marshes (since drained). Scottish farmers curled on the frozen marshes using “channel stones,” which were naturally smoothed by the water’s action. The principles of the game were similar to the modern game, although there were many differences in rules and equipment.

The spirit of curling evolved in the early centuries in Scotland. It is this spirit of honorable competition followed by egalitarian sociality that made curling a special game in curlers’ minds. An excerpt from “The Spirit of Curling:”

“Curlers play to win but never to humble their opponents. A true curler would prefer to lose rather than win unfairly ... while the main object of the game is to determine the relative skill of the players, the spirit of the game demands good sportsmanship, kindly feeling, and honorable conduct.”

Scottish immigrants brought the game with them to North America, first to Canada around 1759, then to the United States around 1832. By 1855, curling clubs flourished in New York City, Detroit, Milwaukee and Portage, Wis. Curling in the rest of Europe devel-oped in the 20th century.


The United States Curling Association (doing business as USA Curling) is the National Governing Body of the sport of curling in the United States and has its national office in Stevens Point, Wis.

As the NGB for the sport of curling, the USCA strives to grow the sport and to win medals in world championships and Olympic Games. The USCA is a member of the World Curling Federation and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The USCA has six full-time staff members at its national office in Wisconsin and two full-time High Performance staff members as well as part-time High Performance coaches.

The first Olympic demonstration was in 1924, in Chamonix, France, where men’s teams from England, France and Sweden competed. England won the gold, and Sweden the silver. Games at this time were 18 ends long versus 10 today. This event was most recently recognized as the first time curling was an Olympic medal sport. However, the sport would not have full medal status again until the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

Curling was next a demonstration sport in 1932, in Lake Placid, N.Y. Eight men’s teams competed–four from Canada and four from the United States. The U.S. teams came from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan and New York. Canada won the round robin competition, taking 12 games to the USA’s four. Games were 16 ends long.

After a long absence, curling returned to the Olympics as an official demonstration in 1988, in Calgary, Canada. For the first time, a women’s competition was included. Canada won the women’s event, followed by Sweden and Norway. On the men’s side, Norway took the gold, followed by Switzerland and Canada. (Bronze medals were awarded to the team that lost in the playoffs to the eventual champion.) The U.S. men’s and women’s teams both finished fourth.

Curling was again part of the Olympic demonstration sport program in 1992, in Albertville, France. This time, Germany won the women’s gold, followed by Norway and Canada. A bronze medal game was held, with Canada defeating Denmark. Switzerland took the men’s championship, with Norway earning the silver medal and the USA defeating Canada for the bronze medal. The USA’s team included Bud Somerville, Mike Strum, Bill Strum and Tim Somerville, all from Superior, Wis. (The U.S. women failed to earn a berth in the Olympic competition in 1992.)

In Salt Lake City in 2002, curling was a medal sport on the Olympic program for the third time. The U.S. men, led by Tim Somerville, finished seventh, while the women’s team, skipped by Kari Erickson, missed a bronze medal by just a few rocks.The Pete Fenson rink based out of Bemidji, Minn., won U.S. curling’s first Olympic medal when the team defeated Great Britain to win the bronze medal at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy. The U.S. women’s team, led by Cassie Johnson, struggled in its opening games and finished eighth overall. Canada’s Brad Gushue rink would capture the men’s elusive gold medal defeating Finland, while the Anette Norberg team from Sweden added to its collection of medals by defeating Switzerland for the gold.

In 2010 at the Olympic Games in Vancouver, 2006 Olympic bronze medalist John Shuster and three-time Olympian Debbie McCor-mick (1998, 2002, 2010) skipped their teams at the 5,000-seat Vancouver Olympic Center. It was a tough week as the teams battled through the round robin. Unfortunately, both would finish in 10th place and out of playoff contention. Canada’s Kevin Martin rink would capture the men’s gold over Norway’s Thomas Ulsrud. On the women’s side, Sweden’s Anette Norberg rink came from behind to overtake Canada’s Cheryl Bernard to repeat as women’s Olympic champions. In the bronze-medal matches, Switzerland’s Ralph Stoeckli outlasted Sweden’s Niklas Edin in the men’s game while China won its first Olympic medal in curling when Bingyu Wang defeated Switzerland’s Mirjam Ott.

Curling was officially a demonstration sport three times, but there were also “domestic exhibitions” (host country participants only) in 1948 (St. Moritz, Switzerland) and 1964 (Innsbruck, Austria).

About USA Curling

Olympic History


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