Jeff Heck, member of the Circle City Curling Club, competed in his first bonspiel at the Bowling Green Curling Club.

Heck was a rookie bonspieler when he signed up to play in the Bowling Green Bonspiel with his experienced teammates of Doug Pearson and Rob Jennings, however, Nick Pearson, Doug’s son, was also a newbie!

Having played a lot of sports over the years, Jeff explained he had gotten used to scoping out the competition prior to the start of the game.

“In our first game of the spiel, we played a team comprised of two couples who were in their late 60s and early 70s,” said Heck. “Additionally, all four members of the team used sticks to deliver their stones!”

As soon as they hit the ice, the skillset of Heck’s opponents quickly became clear.

 “They whooped us,” exclaimed Heck. “It was then I learned that this sport is definitely for all ages and abilities. We had a great time playing against them and other teams.”

Despite a challenging opening game, Jeff Heck was able to classify his first ever bonspiel as a success.

“Bonspieling is so much fun and it’s relaxing,” said Heck. “You forget about your everyday troubles while playing. I hope to do more bonspieling soon!”

In partnership with Toyota, USA Curling is excited to present “Tuesdays With Toyota,” a campaign that features and celebrate stories within the USA Curling community.

In a year where so many have missed bonspieling, socializing, community, and a sense of curling normalcy, USA Curling looks forward to sharing the unique and memorable tales of bonspieling from members throughout the country. 

Through submitting your bonspiel story, you will be entered to win a monthly giveaway of a Toyota swag bag and a chance to be featured in USA Curling’s social media in a Toyota monthly spotlight. All submissions will also be entered to win the grand prize of your team’s next entry fee into the bonspiel you’ve highlighted!

The grand prize winner will be drawn following the closure of the submission window on August 1, 2021.

Good luck & good curling!

USA Curling is sponsored by Toyota, Goldline, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), Sitrin, Traveler’s Choice, and Volt, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., 12th End Sports Network, Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People, and United Airlines.