As spring works its way across the nation, I decided to honor the end of winter with a column on curling — easily one of the more unusual sports of my northern kinfolk. Little did I know, however, how close I was actually coming to my own roots.
Through my research of curling on the United States Curling Association Web site (usacurl.org), I found that the association’s headquarters are located in my home state of Wisconsin. In addition, the upcoming National Tournament for mixed teams will be held in Medford, Wis.
And I wonder why people make fun of my state.
Curling is a centuries-old ice sport, begun in Scotland. The modern game stays true to its roots by using only 42-lb. stones or rocks.
The game is played with four players per side, each attempting to deliver the rock down a 125-foot lane to the scoring area. One player delivers the rock while two sweep the ice with brooms, creating a thin layer of water on the ice, facilitating the movement of the rock. The fourth player is the skip — he shouts directions to the others.
Now, far be it from me to question over 750 years of curling history, but I have to wonder what thought process led to putting 42 pounds of polished stone on a frozen lake and rubbing a broom in front of it.
It’s 1300, we’re in Scotland, and I’m shining a 42-pound stone. I then decide to put it on a lake. Honestly, what thought takes you there? And how do you test the lake to make sure it’s frozen enough to support a 42-pound stone?
And now, back in the present, I must go one question further: Why the hell does NBC feel the need to air such a sport?
That’s exactly what it’s going to do. According to the USCA Web site, at 1 p.m. tomorrow, for one hour, a national audience can be thrilled by the fast-paced excitement of curling.
The USCA is urging all fans to watch, in order to improve ratings so that NBC will air more curling events in the future.
“Make your plans, have a party, tell all of your friends… Whether or not spring is in the air, CURLING IS ON THE AIR,” they urge curlers everywhere.
The true “spirit of curling,” as published in the U.S. Curling Association’s “Etiquette and Safety” pamphlet, says that curling is a game of skill and traditions. A shot well executed is a delight to see, it says.
The oldest continuously operating curling club in the United States is — you guessed it — the Milwaukee, Wis., club founded in 1845.
Curling debuted as a medal sport in the 1998 Winter Olympics.
I would really have loved to have been in the conversation that led to that.
I could understand this being an Olympic sport if it had been for years, as a nod to tradition. But it was included less than five years ago. I don’t even know how to understand that.
Maybe they are in cahoots with those ballroom dancing zealots.
