Team Gardner’s on-the-button performance at the Junior Men’s Provincial Championships earlier this month won them the opportunity to represent British Columbia at the national level.
This weekend, the Vernon rink, consisting of skip Jonathan Gardner, third Michael Longworth, second Michael Hiram, lead Jonathan Hatten and coach Mark Longworth, will be playing in Calgary, Alberta at the Canadian Junior Championships. The event is being hosted by North Hill Curling Club and the Glencoe Club from January 29th to February 6th.
Before they left for the prairies, I caught up with the team’s third, Michael Longworth. “I think it was the great team dynamics,” he said of their success at the provincial championships, and hopes this continues in Calgary. When asked what excited him the most about playing in a national event, he responded with a smile, “Pretty much everything, especially the prospect of winning!” Of the challenges to come at the national championships, Longworth states that “The endurance part of it will be a challenge and focusing every game.” This season is the curler’s last as a junior, but this is his first major national event.
Team Gardner starts their quest to the national title on Sunday when they play the team from the Yukon Territory. The last British Columbian team to win the junior national title was the legendary Brad Kuhn rink in 2000, also from the Vernon Curling Club. Today, Kuhn sits at the top of the Baron Insurance Super League standings. Coincidentally, the Kuhn and Gardner rinks played each other shortly after my interview in Super League play. Gardner’s quartet won handily in a 9-7 decision.
Before getting on the ice, Michael Longworth also gave some advice to younger junior curlers and aspiring youth curling stars: “Never give up,” he beams, “I’ve been doing this for 10 years now, and if you want to do it, do it!”
January 29, 2011
January 6, 2011
Merk's rant
Happy New Year everyone… Well the season is half over and a lot is about to happen. First off we have a team going to a National Championship…YAHOO ! Jonathan Gardner and his team of Mike Longworth, Michael Hiram, Jonathan Hatten and coach Mark Longworth won the Junior Men’s Championship over the holiday. They are now off to Calgary for the M&M Junior Canadian Championship Jan 29-feb 5th . It will cost a lot of money for this team to participate so I think it would be really nice if each league could hold a 50/50 and give it to the kids. We just need to find a way to help offset their costs. I have a couple of other ideas that can help them out. They are also looking for corporate sponsors, so if anyone would be interested in supporting a junior team…feel free to contact Mark Longworth.
Men’s spiel starts today. We have 48 teams participating and as always it is a fun event. Saturday night we have the GOODS playing, they are an excellent band and all members are welcome to come and enjoy, bring your lady and fill the dance floor.
We are again hosting the Men’s Provincial Feb 7-13 at the curling club. If you would like to volunteer please email the club and we will get your name on the list. As we did last year, anyone that wants to volunteer is welcome to. We have picked out some really nice jackets with the Provincial logo on it. You can volunteer and get a jacket and a pass to the entire event for $50, or you can get free access on the draw that you are volunteering for but you will have to pay for those draws you want to attend to just watch. We also have a live band on the final weekend and anyone that has a pass gets free access. I really think it is worth the $50 for a weeklong pass and a real nice jacket. Email your jacket size to us if you want both.
I am off to St Albert this weekend for the Continental Cup…watch it next weekend on TSN and I will wave to all of you….Lets have a great finish to the year. The mixed spiel this year will be at the end of the season March 25-27 we will be having a live band on both the Friday and Saturday evenings, and a real nice meal Saturday night. It will be a great way to end the season. Cost is $220 email or sign up in the yellow book…
Cheers everyone and have a Happy New Year
Men’s spiel starts today. We have 48 teams participating and as always it is a fun event. Saturday night we have the GOODS playing, they are an excellent band and all members are welcome to come and enjoy, bring your lady and fill the dance floor.
We are again hosting the Men’s Provincial Feb 7-13 at the curling club. If you would like to volunteer please email the club and we will get your name on the list. As we did last year, anyone that wants to volunteer is welcome to. We have picked out some really nice jackets with the Provincial logo on it. You can volunteer and get a jacket and a pass to the entire event for $50, or you can get free access on the draw that you are volunteering for but you will have to pay for those draws you want to attend to just watch. We also have a live band on the final weekend and anyone that has a pass gets free access. I really think it is worth the $50 for a weeklong pass and a real nice jacket. Email your jacket size to us if you want both.
I am off to St Albert this weekend for the Continental Cup…watch it next weekend on TSN and I will wave to all of you….Lets have a great finish to the year. The mixed spiel this year will be at the end of the season March 25-27 we will be having a live band on both the Friday and Saturday evenings, and a real nice meal Saturday night. It will be a great way to end the season. Cost is $220 email or sign up in the yellow book…
Cheers everyone and have a Happy New Year
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