THANK YOU, WAUSAU
At the beginning of the season, there was much uncertainty about what the curling season would hold.
Behind the scenes, conversations were continuous as commitment to host the 2021 U.S. National Championships for Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles was at an all-time high as the Championships were to serve as Olympic Trials qualifiers, but health and safety remained paramount.
USA Curling would like to thank the following parties, because if not for their efforts and careful consideration, the 2021 National Championships would not have been feasible.
Thank you to the medical professionals at the USOPC and Twin Cities Orthopedics who worked tirelessly to draft a COVID-19 mitigation plan.
Thank you to the broadcast team, commentators, and volunteers who produced coverage of three National Championships that was delivered into the homes of thousands of curling fans. While we desperately missed seeing fans in the stands, the connectivity and engagement created through the high-quality broadcast is something that will not soon be forgotten.
Thank you to the athletes for trusting in the COVID-19 mitigation plan and for upholding its guidelines to ensure safe competition not only for themselves, but for their counterparts and volunteers. Thank you for remaining committed to the sport of curling amid uncertainty. Their dedication was on full display through the excellence and sportsmanship demonstrated on and off the ice over the last two weeks.
Thank you to the ice crew. A team who showed up to Wausau long before anyone else arrived and left long after the final stone was thrown. Making ice has its challenges and making ice in the heat and humidity of Wisconsin summer is a nearly incomprehensible feat that they pulled off. Thank you for creating the most meaningful stage our athletes have competed on in over a year.
Finally, thank you to the Wausau Curling Club, a club that proved to be more than just a backdrop. Over the last 14 days, Wausau Curling Club became home. Its members welcomed us into their pristine facility with (figuratively speaking) open arms and could be found volunteering throughout the duration of the 2021 U.S. National Championships. Thank you for sharing your club and hospitality with USA Curling.
Because of this commitment, 41 teams were able to safely compete over a 14-day period for National Championship titles and berths to the 2022 U.S. Olympic Trials.
USA Curling is sponsored by Toyota, Goldline, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., 12th End Sports Network, Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People, and United Airlines.
