Mike McEwen: Off-season, is it time for a break?
By Mike McEwen
Ahhh … summer and the off-season for curlers — rest and relax time? Well, not likely.
Okay, well how about this quote then: “All I want to do is drink beer and train like an animal.” (Rod Dixon — Marathoner, Olympic bronze medallist 1500m)
Perfect mesh for curling, right? Haha!
My best guess is that the answer to the first question is a resounding “No” for most of us. It just doesn’t quite work like that anymore. I’m not exactly sure when it happened, but curling has come full circle like the other high performance winter sports involved in the Olympics. The Winter Games has pushed our sport to new heights of athletic achievement and it’s showing in how we look and perform on the ice and on the beach.
I remember when it used to be pretty much a total shutdown — hit the lights, turn off the water, and flip the “see you next season” sign before locking the door. But heck, I have to (want to) keep up with the times! No slacking allowed for skips. Generally, a short break after the Players’ Championship in April is needed, but by the end of May curling has crept in again like a cold draft in an old home that reminds you to constantly keep turning the heat up. Okay, okay, I probably tried too hard on that metaphor!
Along with the normal day-to-day life responsibilities of work and family, my summer (and for my teammates) has consisted of endless gym sessions, sponsorship searching, team meetings, schedule planning, etc. All this self and team improvement takes a huge bite out of the time clock. Is it time for a break yet? Just let me practice and compete!
So, now that I’ve acclaimed I can’t wait to get on the ice and take “a break,” let’s have a quick look at what’s happening and coming up:
– Just a mere few days away from the World Curling Tour official start, which takes place this weekend in Baden, Switzerland.
– The WCPA (World Curling Players’ Association) is going through board elections as we speak.
– I’ve noticed Sportsnet has had their people on the ground here in Manitoba in preparation for the first Grand Slam event: the Masters of Curling in Selkirk at the end of October. Very excited for this event on home soil!
– On the team front there are lots of new combos to watch with some of your favourite vets and young guns needing early wins to qualify for an exciting Grand Slam series lineup.
Lastly, congrats to the multitude of curlers who have taken part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Second nature I guess, if it’s not under our feet on our heads is just fine. Don’t forget to donate!