In The Spotlight

Team Anderson (l-r): Katie Dub- The Daily Pebble berstein, , Court- ney Anderson Slata, Sarah Ander- son. Volume 1, Issue 1 Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 Find us online: www.usacurl.org * www.2013usacurlingnationals.com

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

By Terry Kolesar, Daily Pebble Editor schedule, go to http://www.tesn.us/2013-usa- -mens-and-womens-- Career: High wenty of the nation’s best curling teams championship.html. You’ll also be able to watch the school student Wisconsin-Madison will take to the ice Saturday as the 2013 webstream on the jumbo screen in the arena and rink Curling start: Age 6 Curling start: 2007 USA Curling National Championships listen in via a SmartBug (for purchase at the mer- Curling club: Philadelphia Curling club: Portage T presented by Brooms Up Curling Supplies takes chandise stand). Sarah Anderson ent at 2013 & 2008 Junior Nationals Curling highlights: Curling highlights: center stage at the Resch Olympic Ice Pavilion at NBC Sports Position: Courtney (Anderson) Slata • 2 appearances at U.S. Junior Nation- • Competing in her first women’s Saturday’s Schedule: the Cornerstone Community Ice Center in Green Network will air Age: 17 Position: Vice skip als (2013, 2008) national championship 2:30 p.m. Opening ceremony Bay, Wis. 12 hours of live Hometown: Broomall, Pa. Age: 27 • First appearance at U.S. Women’s  2013 Junior National Champion- The weeklong competition kicks off with the curling action. On Career: High school student Hometown: Aston, Pa. National Championship & team introductions ships opening ceremony at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday fol- Friday, Feb. 15, Curling start: Age 6 Career: Project manager for a software • Winter Youth : 2012  Curtis Cup for Sportsmanship 4:30 p.m., Women’s Draw 1 lowed by the first round of games at 4:30 p.m. with Universal Sports Curling club: Philadelphia company (5th) recipient at 2013 Junior Nation- women’s curling. The men take the ice at 8:30 p.m. will air both the Curling highlights: Curling club: Philadelphia • U.S. Club National Championships: Carlson v. Kinney als Teams will compete in a nine-game round robin in women’s semifi- • 2 appearances at U.S. Junior Nation- Curling highlights: 2009 (8th) Leilani Dubberstein Pottinger v. Lank their respective divisions, followed by the Page nal and the als (2013, 2008) • Curtis Cup for Sportsmanship recipi-  2 U.S. Nationals appearances Position: Alternate playoffs starting on Feb. 14. men’s semifinal games live. The women’s game is • First appearance at U.S. Women’s ent at 2013 & 2008 Junior Nationals *Anderson v. George (2013, 2012) Age: 17 At stake for the two teams who win the champi- set for 3 p.m. ET with the men's game following at 9 National Championship Katie Dubberstein  3 U.S. Junior Nationals appear- Hometown: Portage, Wis. (born in onships on Feb. 16 is the right to represent the p.m. ET. On Saturday, Feb. 16, the championship • Winter Youth Olympic Games: 2012 Position: Lead Roessler v. Clark ances Hong Kong) (5th) Age: 18 United States at the upcoming world champion- finals will be staged. NBC Sports Network will air Taylor Anderson Career: Student Brown v. Hamilton • U.S. Club National Championships: Hometown: Portage, Wis. (born in ships. The 2013 Women’s World Championship will the women’s gold-medal match at 10 a.m. ET fol- Position: Second Curling start: 2006 2009 (8th) Hong Kong) take place March 16-24 in Riga, Latvia, while the lowed by the men’s gold-medal final at 4 p.m. ET. Age: 17 Curling club: Portage • Curtis Cup for Sportsmanship recipi- Career: Student at the University of 2013 Ford World Men’s Championship will be con- The last time curling was aired live nationally on TV Hometown: Broomall, Pa. Curling highlights: 8:30 p.m., Men’s Draw 1 tested March 30-April 7 in Victoria, British Colum- in the United States was during the 2010 Olympic bia. Winter Games on NBC’s networks. McCormick v. Birr Hometown: Regina, Saskatchewan • 2007 world bronze medalist In addition to representing the U.S. at the world Resides: Snohomish, Wash. • USA Curling Team of the Year: 2007 Brown v. Fenson championships, the winning teams will be qualified Todd Birr rink Career: Mechanical engineer • Competing in his 10th U.S. Men’s for the 2014 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Curling, *George v. Clark Curling start: 1984 Nationals Nov. 10-17 in Fargo, N.D. Todd Birr Resides: Eden Prairie, Minn. Curling club: Granite (Wash.) • Competed in 2010 Olympic Trials Lemke v. Persinger The defending champions are the Allison Pot- Position: Skip Career: General manager, Midwest Family: Married Tom O’Connor tinger and Heath McCormick rinks. Both teams Farbelow v. Shuster Age: 44 Independent Soil Samplers Curling highlights: Position: Alternate were members of Team North America, which won the 2013 World Financial Group Continental Cup Hometown: Mankato, Minn. Education: Bachelor’s degree from • 2001 U.S. national champion Age: 33 *live webstream game Resides: St. Paul, Minn. Brandon University; master’s • Competing in his eighth U.S. Men’s Hometown: Wausau, Wis. last month in Canada. The field features nine skips Career: Ice Manager at Four Seasons degree from Guelph University Nationals Resides: Minneapolis, Minn. Karaoke in the Fan Zone who have won the national championship previ- Curling Club Curling start: 1984 • Competed in 2010 Olympic Trials Career: Compensation analyst with US ously. (Bemidji, Minn.) leads the way Curling start: Age 16 Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.) Kevin Birr Bank on the men’s side with seven national titles, five as Curling club: Blaine (Minn.) Family: Married to 2010 Olympian Position: Lead Education: University of - skip. On the women’s side, Pottinger (Eden Prairie, Curling highlights: ; two daughters Age: 43 Twin Cities Minn.) has captured 10 national titles, with last year • 2007 U.S. national champion Curling highlights: Hometown: Mankato, Minn. Curling start: 1993 marking the first year she won as skip. The 2013 th • 2007 world bronze medalist • 2004 U.S. national champion Resides: St. Peter, Minn. Curling club: St. Paul (Minn.) Nationals also marks the 19 straight year that 2002 Olympian (Chicago), lead for • USA Curling Team of the Year: 2007 • Competing in his ninth U.S. Men’s Career: Catering manager at Gustavus Curling highlights: The 2012 champions (l-r) Allison Pottinger, Nicole • 2010 Club Nationals champion Nationals Adolphus College • Has competed at 7 men’s national Team , has competed in the Nationals. Joraanstad, , , • Competed in 2010 Olympic Trials • Competed in 2006 and 2002 Olympic Education: Minnesota State University championships Live webstream of the action will be featured , , , and Doug Pottinger Team Trials Curling start: 1984 throughout the event from USA Curling partner, the th Heath McCormick. Position: Vice skip Greg Romaniuk Curling club: Mankato (Minn.) 12 End Sports Network. To view the webstream Age: 39 Position: Second Curling highlights: Hometown: Brandon, Manitoba Age: 41 • 2007 U.S. national champion Page 2 The Daily Pebble, Volume 1, Issue 1 The Daily Pebble, Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 3

Family at the heart of curling

By Katie Arndt, Daily Pebble Writer However, there is a are conflicts, running joke of who though, I think the urling has long been known as the most talented decision somewhat a very family friendly sport, this George is. But no mat- depends on who C year’s 2013 USA Curling Na- ter what, they are needs the most tional Championships proves to be no always bouncing ideas support.” Their different. Tyler and Courtney George are off of each other, mother can often siblings, both hoping to lead their teams sharing experiences, be found “pacing in to win the National Championship and or just supporting one the hallway” during 2012 champs: Pottinger rink become Team USA while also trying to another. “I used to do championship Area attractions: qualify for the upcoming Olympic Trials; everything I could to events, Courtney certainly an exciting time for the entire keep from losing to said. Both parents Lambeau Field — Visit the place where legends are George family. my little sis when we enjoy the sport of made, 1265 Lombardi Ave Tyler and Courtney’s parents ran the were kids (which I hope helped push her curling as much as John Kram, icemaker extraordinaire, pebbling away. Duluth Curling Club when the two were but may just have been stubborn on my their children, so there is no doubt that Fuzzy’s #63 Bar & Grill, 2511 West Mason St Follow the event on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ younger, so they both got interested in part), but now I'm secretly happy when they will be there every step of the way. the sport that way. Courtney used to she takes it to me,” Tyler said. “Having an outlet to go to for support USACurlingNationalChampionships Green Bay Zoo, 4418 Reforestation Road watch Tyler play before she started her- Support from one another is very im- and having someone who understands Two day weather outlook for Green Bay: Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, 1660 East Shore Drive self; Courtney always assumed that she portant to both Courtney and Tyler, how- without any explanation, are necessary would become a curler as well. In fact, ever, their two biggest supporters are for an elite-level player. To have both in Saturday: 33 (high), 23 (low), partly cloudy Green Bay Distillery, 835 Potts Ave (near the Green the first curling event Courtney competed their parents. Courtney’s father is her one person like we have in each other is Bay Curling Club) in was the Mapleton Teen ’Spiel when she coach right now, which is very helpful invaluable. And, knowing that we want Sunday: 36 (high), 35 (low), showers & windy was about 10, making her teammate since she is new to the skipping position each other to succeed more than we want To find more to do, visit the Greater Green Bay brother Tyler about 14. and explains that her dad has an amazing it for ourselves is a good feeling, too. Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.greenbay.com. One might think that growing up rela- curling mind, so he is not only supportive, Family is family,” Tyler said to summarize. tively close in age that Tyler and Courtney but invaluable as well. There is something special to be said might have a little running competition “Our parents … Oh my goodness. You about the family orientation in the sport between the two of them. “Oddly, I don’t could not find two more supportive par- of curling, it creates unbreakable bonds, think that Tyler and I have ever been ents and fans,” Courtney said. “Luckily, and gives families memories that can Great entertainment planned all week competitive with one another. Sometimes they don't need to decide who to watch never be erased – just ask the Georges. Daily Pebble: I think Tyler would rather see me succeed when it comes to Nationals since the than succeed himself,” Courtney said. men’s and women's draws rotate. If there  Terry Kolesar, Editor  Rich Harmer, By Shannon Krein, 2013 Nationals Publicity Tuesday is, “Salute to Servicemen Night.” Photography Chairwoman All current and former military personnel, fire-  Contributing writers: reat curling isn’t the only thing that men, and policemen, will receive free admis- Thank you to our sponsors: Katie Arndt, James will be happening. The Fan Zone sion with proper identification. Wednesday is, will be throughout the entire Taylor, Harry Maier, G “Oneida Nations Night,” and all members will event, with Wii Curling, karaoke nights, give- Claire Skuble receive free admission with proper identifica- aways, an Ariens Snow blower, and Presenting sponsor: Brooms Up Curling Supplies, www.broomsupcurling.com  Rick Patzke, Leinenkugel Canoe raffle, and much more! tion. Wednesday and Thursday nights will be Assistant Editor Beer and merchandise will also be available for Schneider National IT nights. Schneider IT purchase. employees will get $1 off tickets with their ID. The Daily Pebble can be Theme days will be happening throughout Children 12 and under get in free throughout found online as well: the week as well. Sunday is, “Lambeau Field the entire week. www.usacurl.org/ Appreciation.” All fans that wear their Packers curlingrocks Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are the gear will get discounted beers and soda. Mon- semifinals and finals. NBC will be covering Ideas? Send an e-mail to day is, “Bellin Health and Student Night.” Bel- these events, and the closing ceremony will Terry Kolesar at lin employees get free admission with proper take place immediately following the final draw on Feb. 16. Please check out [email protected] identification, and students will get in for $4 www.2013usacurlingnationals.com to learn and receive discounted drinks. more about this weeklong event!