Strathmore Curling Club seeing improvements

Posted on: Staff Writer

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore Curling Club recently received through renovations a new center divider and new carpet, just in time for the new season, where the club already experienced an influx in curlers.
The upgrades were done in time for being rewarded with an event from Southern Alberta Curling Association (SACA) in a few months’ time.
The club was awarded the Southern Alberta Men’s District play downs in December, and Strathmore Curling Club president Craig Koch thinks this is a great opportunity for exposure.
“At the end of the day it’s about the ice,” said Koch. “If you have great ice, that attracts people to come to bonspiels and attracts people to play in leagues. With a four-sheet rink, we can only host certain events and fortunate enough to secure that one. Our ice technicians are pretty connected. They put the word out.”
Koch said the kids program this year is pretty full, particularly in the age 6-12 category, and hopes to see more participation at that level. For $80, he said, you will not find an activity running for two hours that inexpensive.
Additionally, the increase in players has been felt in the other divisions: the men’s league is up four teams, bringing the total to 16; the mixed league is up two teams, bringing the total to 22; the ladies have 12 teams and the seniors teams go anywhere between 12 and 16 teams who play three sessions a week.
He credits much of the growth in numbers to his staff.
“Our sponsors are a big part of what helps us grow there,” said Koch. “We have a great working relationship with the Town of Strathmore. I have excellent people on my board of directors that all work tirelessly and volunteer a lot of hours on. All my league reps coordinate set schedules, organize the bonspiels.”
He hopes for not only this season but also the future that the club only improves their leagues more and has more champions come out of it at big events.
For more information on leagues and bonspiels, you can log onto www.strathmorecurling.ca.