Curling is big in Wausau.
Besides having one of the largest and finest curling-specific facilities in the world, the history of the Wausau Curling Club – as well as the dedication of the club’s members – is impressive. I came to curling relatively late in life, having watched it during the 2010 Winter Olympics and then wanted to give it a try. Fortunately, I was able to be mentored by some of the better curlers at the Wausau Curling Club, who just happened to be friends outside the club. Over the past twelve years, I’ve been lucky to continue learning, and even play against coaches and players who now represent the United States on the world stage.
This is one of the reasons why I like to pay it forward when it comes to curling. I typically jump at the chance to volunteer at the club’s “learn to curl” opportunities, and each spring, I bring some friends from my hometown (who aren’t blessed with a curling club) to come to Wausau and learn the sport during a weekend of fun for new curlers.
Some Door County denizens try their hand at curling
I’m happy my coworkers have an interest too. For the past few months, there have been subtle and not so subtle hints that they want to learn as well. Last week, before Thanksgiving feasts weighed us all down, I thought it would be a good time to take the crew down to the Curling Club and teach them the basics. I can report that they all did well for their first time on the ice and seemed to enjoy the social aspects of the game including sportsmanship, honesty, and camaraderie.
Graphic Designer / Multimedia Specialist / underweight Santa Claus Daniel Knoedler prepares to throw a curling stone
Curator of Education Emily Fritz is in the “hack” ready to throw her stone
Although the subject of the day was curling, I felt it was a microcosm of my overall role as director of the Museum. Each day, I try to encourage and support them, providing whatever tools I can to help them succeed for the benefit of themselves and the Museum. Although we don’t often have to keep our balance on ice or sweep in front of a large stone at work, I’m confident that if we did, they would get the job done.
