USA Curling 2004-05 Athlete Biography

CURLING HIGHLIGHTS

• Junior Men's Nationals: 2000 (champion)
• Junior Worlds: 2000 (6th)
• U.S. National Men's Qualifier (for the Olympic Trials): 2001 (qualifier #2)
• Men's Second Chance: 2001, 1998
• U.S. Men's Nationals: 2003, 2001 (semifinalist)
• U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2001 (bronze medalist)
• 2001-02

Other highlights include:

• Minnesota State High School Championships runner-up (3 years)
• Minnesota State Junior Championships runner-up (2 years)
• Eveleth Men's Spring Bonspiel champion
• Curl Mesabi's Early Bird Bonspiel champion
• Bemidji's Paul Bunyan Bonspiel champion
• Eveleth Holiday Inn Mixed Bonspiel champion
• USCA Board of Directors representative as member of Athlete Advisory Council

PERSONAL FILE
First started curling: "I started curling at age 6 in the old Eveleth Curling Club. My parents, grandfathers, a few uncles, aunts, and cousins of mine curl also. As a matter of fact, I have curled in leagues and bonspiels with all of them over the years." 

Growing up with curling: "When growing up, I was always hanging out at the curling club. If I wasn't playing, I was practicing, watching, or just socializing. I have played in different leagues since the sixth grade."

Other involvement with curling: "When the new club - Curl Mesabi - was built, I helped make and clean the ice in our new eight-sheet facility. I also helped my parents with the Junior Curling Program instructions. When the new club opened, I served on Curl Mesabi's Board of Directors."  

Training regimen: "During the season I like to try to throw rocks and/or play a game every day."

Curling strengths: "For me, I feel my out-turn take-out is my strongest point."

What I enjoy about curling: "I think the two things I enjoy most about curling are the competition and socializing with all of the people I have met over the past 10 years. While playing at the Junior Worlds over in Germany, we were also able to meet a lot of people."

Curling goals: "My new goals in curling are to be able to compete and medal in either the Olympics or the World Championships someday."

Nickname: "Phillbert"

Hobbies: "Playing tennis, walking and hunting."

Other favorite sports: "In the summer I enjoy golfing. I played on the Eveleth High School team for six years and was fortunate enough to make it to the State Tourney two of those years."

More about golf: "When growing up, I also hung out at the Eveleth Golf Course. Most of my family golfs also. My grandparents ran the clubhouse for many years, so it was easy for me to catch a ride out there and play a few rounds every day. I also worked a year with the course grounds crew, and a year in the clubhouse and Pro Shop. I currently am the Eveleth Men's Golf Club President for the second year."

Travel: "While growing up, I have done a little traveling. I've been to Florida, we drove to New Mexico, New Jersey, Las Vegas ... I've also been to the Dominican Republic, and to Geising, Germany for World Junior Curling."