Jerome Larson

Jerome Larson is known by many as the “Johnny Appleseed” of curling. A native of North Dakota where he first learned curling techniques and strategy, Larson moved to California in 1968.

He was instrumental in the founding of the California Oregon Curling Association in 1978, which eventually grew to become the Mountain Pacific Curling Association (MoPac). Larson was one of the driving forces in bringing arena curling to the forefront of curling growth in the United States. Larson, along with counterparts in the MoPac region, traveled with curling stones to areas asking to be introduced to the sport. The growth was so significant that the MoPac region formed. He served on local, regional, and national curling boards for more than 35 years, including multiple terms on the USCA Board of Directors, and concluding with being the first arena curler named as a vice president. In addition to countless curling lessons and leadership roles on various boards, Larson served as an official at two Winter Olympic Games (2002, 2006) and several national, world and European championships.

Later in his curling career, he volunteered his gift of photography to the USCA. Larson’s “apple seedlings” in the western U.S. have grown to become the fastest-growing region in the United States. The above accomplishments and many more contributed to his induction into the Hall of Fame in the “Contributor” category.