Team USA in Switzerland (left to right): Greg Gallagher, Tom Danielson, Jeff Baird, Fred Maxie, and Bob LeClair
Howie Tiger
Last month we reported that PebbleCreek resident Bob LeClair and his local curling team took the gold medal at the USA Senior Curling Championship. By doing so, they became Team USA and represented America in the World Championships held in Geneva, Switzerland, from April 23 through April 30. This 4-man team consists of Bob LeClair (Skip), Tom Danielson (Lead), Jeff Baird (2nd), and Fred Maxie (3rd), with Greg Gallagher as their alternate.
In Switzerland, Team USA competed against teams from 20 different countries. According to Bob, there was an “Olympic Village atmosphere” as teams stayed at one of three hotels all within a few blocks. Curlers from around the world had breakfast together and socialized between matches. All wore their country’s colors/insignia—a very patriotic feel.
The curling facility was first class. Bob said it was the best ice he’d ever seen. Spectators watched from a raised gallery (behind glass) overlooking the action. The fans were very knowledgeable and boisterous. The Scots were the loudest!
The 21 teams were separated into three “pools” (brackets). The first round was a round robin with seven teams playing each other. Many of the teams had competed on the world stage numerous times. This was the first time for Team LeClair (USA). Even so, Team USA played phenomenally and was undefeated through their first five matches, the highlight being an overtime win against Australia.
Through six “ends,” USA was down 5 points to 1 to Australia. USA secured 2 points in end #7, so they still trailed by 2 points going to the final end. Bob was successful in positioning his last rock to possibly score 3 points, but Australia’s skip was able to knock out one rock for a tie. In the Extra End, USA positioned itself to score 1 point protected by some guards. But, Australia had the “hammer” (last throw). Their skip’s throw was too “heavy” (fast) and USA took a point for the win!
Another highlight was the match against Italy. When they met, both teams had a record of 3-0 in the round robin. In end #4, Bob had the hammer, knocked out two Italian rocks, and scored 6 points. The match was over after only six ends!
USA’s last round-robin match was against undefeated Canada. They lost 10 points to 3, but their record of 5-1 qualified them for the quarter-finals where they played undefeated Germany.
Down 5 points to 4 in end #7 against Germany, USA had the hammer and managed 1 point to tie in regulation play. But Germany had the hammer in the Extra End and took 1 point for the win, ending USA’s terrific run!
Scores
Round Robin:
USA 7 Turkey 3
USA 6 Australia 5
USA 7 Finland 3
USA 12 Italy 2
USA 10 Slovakia 2
Canada 10 USA 3
Quarter Finals:
Germany 6 USA 5
Canada went on to beat Germany in the semi-finals and then beat Czech Republic in the finals. Team USA stayed and fully enjoyed the final matches.
The entire team played fabulously! They will have great memories forever. Bob said, “It was a journey of a lifetime.”
Congratulations to Bob, Tom, Jeff, Fred, and Greg on their worldly performance!