USA Curling 2004-05 Athlete Biography

CURLING HIGHLIGHTS

PERSONAL FILE

Curls out of: Milwaukee Curling Club

Curling start: "My parents curled when I was a baby, then took a 20-year break, and returned to curling a few years ago. I had just returned to the Midwest after several years in California, and they brought me over to the club to watch. I liked it right away and joined our men's league that week."

What he enjoys most about curling: "On the ice, I love that the game is always different. No matter how good you become at delivering the rock, there are always variables to consider. Is the ice keen or slow? Straight or swingy? How are the rocks? How does your opponent play? I'm also fascinated by the strategy. Since I haven't curled for very long, I love to listen to two experienced skips discuss a particular shot and how they think the end should have been played. It seems that, no matter how long you play, you will never have all the answers. Off the ice, I love the camaraderie among all curlers. Whether it's broomstacking after a league game or meeting new people at a bonspiel, the collective spirit of curling is something you don't find in most other sports played by adults. There is a much stronger feeling of community."

Curling family: "My father, David, and mother, Mary Beth, curl out of the Milwaukee Curling Club. We enjoyed playing together as a rink at our fall mixed bonspiel this year."

Other sports: "I think my comfort on the ice came from years of playing ice hockey. I also enjoy baseball, golf, Ultimate Frisbee, and tennis."

Training regimen: "I work out with weights and cardio almost every day. Just about the only thing that keeps me from the gym is when we go away on bonspiels."

Curling strengths: "Takeouts and sweeping. I'd like to think that I'm well rounded, but I know I still have a lot to learn about strategy, and my draw weight isn't as consistent as I'd like it to be."