FOR GCG
The Winter Olympics occur every four years. We get to watch our favourite winter sports at the highest level. Skiing, Bobsled, Hockey, and Figure Skating are just some of the most popular events. There is one sport that tops them all for many Fox Cities citizens. Curling reigns supreme for members of The Appleton Curling Club. All eyes will be glued to the TV when the USA, Canada and other great teams are pitted against each other.
Curling is an ice sport where 42 lb. handled granite stones are delivered down the ice sheet towards the target area of concentric circles called the house. The stones will curl as they approach the house from a combination of rotation imparted to the stone on release and the assistance from sweeper teammates who clean the ice in front of the sliding stone to influence the distance and curl.
Each team has four players throwing two stones each. Each position: First, Second, Vice-Skip and Skip have different responsibilities throughout the match. Once all the stones are thrown in an end (like a baseball inning) the teams determine who has the closest stone(s). That team is awarded one point for each stone closer than any opponent’s stones. Matches are typically eight or ten ends. The team with the most points wins. Each match starts and ends with handshakes and a hearty ‘Good Curling’!
It sounds easy but each new stone changes the strategy. Another variable is the ice itself. The ice sheet is prepared for a match by scraping it smooth before spraying water droplets onto the ice. Once these ‘pebbles’ are frozen, there is a second scraping to even out the height of the pebbles. The pebbles help the stone slide consistently and farther like the dimples on a golf ball. During the matc,h these pebbles can get worn down, affecting the stone’s paths, again affecting strategy.
After the match, the losing team cleans the ice, and the winners buy the beer as part of Broomstacking. Broomstacking is the post-match gathering at the Club where you share a drink, talk about the game and any other subject that might come up. Sounds like fun, right?
This happens six nights a week from Sunday through Friday at the Appleton Curling Club right here in Grand Chute. We are located at 307 N Westhill Blvd-just south of Woodman’s. The club was formed in 1939 outdoors at Pierce Park and has been at its current location since 1960. There is a different league each night with varying levels of expertise and skill so everyone can find a league that suits them the best. The club also hosts several Bonspiels (tournaments) a year and is a favourite spot in the Midwest for our location and hospitality.
If interested, you can rent our ice with member instruction for your small group. It is a great opportunity for company team building or friends and family fun. Check out our website for more information and registration at www.appleoncurling.com
We have two more upcoming opportunities to try curling now that you caught the Olympics bug. Saturday, February 14th we are hosting a one-day’ Learn to Curl’ session from 10 to noon. This is the perfect first date! In March, we are hosting a 3-session ‘Learn to Curl’ League ending with your very own Bonspiel. More session and registration information can be found also on our website: www.appletoncurling.com
Hope to see you soon and Good Curling!
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