RICH LEPPING

The USA Curling Recognition Committee and the Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Rich Lepping will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the sport’s National Governing Body. Lepping has served the sport and USA Curling in many capacities. In addition to being a member of the Board of Directors, he served two terms as Chair, and in 2019, he stepped in to serve the organization as Interim CEO. He was also a World Curling representative for several years and was on the Finance Committee of that organization, building important relationships that helped the standing of the United States in the sport’s international community.

After enjoying his own experience on the Scot Tour in 2012, Lepping joined forces with Peter Inch of Canada to create a North American version—the Can-Am Tour. The first tour in 2019 featured a team of American curlers traveled throughout the Maritime provinces competing against Canadian teams at clubs in the region. In a thrilling final day finish, the American side rallied to win the first Chairmans’ Cup, named for Lepping and Inch. Five years later, a team of Canadian curlers is traveling through the Midwest, competing against teams at USA Curling Member Clubs, and many American curlers are already hoping to be a part of the next tour of Canada in 2029.

Lepping and his wife Beth were introduced to the sport of curling while living in Madison, WI, and quickly fell in love with both the spirited competition and the social aspects of the game. In addition to his work on behalf of USA Curling, Lepping served as the President of the Madison Curling Club and the Wisconsin State Curling Association. Beth Lepping has been active as a builder of the game as well, and is a Past President of the United States Women’s Curling Association.

A longtime Rotarian, Lepping enjoyed a very successful business career as a franchisee, operating Taco Bell restaurants throughout the state of Wisconsin, along with other restaurant brands. After selling his stores in 2019, Rich and Beth retired to their lake home in Manitowish Waters, WI. Today, Lepping maintains a keen interest in antique boats, along with golf, skiiing, and, of course, curling.

Lepping noted, “I am truly honored to be selected for the Hall of Fame. During my adult life, the sport of curling has been such a rewarding, energizing pursuit. Through my participation in the game at many different levels, I have forged lasting friendships and enjoyed incredible experiences across the country and throughout the world.”