WHEELCHAIR NATIONAL TEAM TRAINING CAMP
© WCF / Richard Gray
Next week, the Wheelchair National Curling Team will arrive in Stevens Point, Wis. for training camp. The camp, scheduled for Feb. 22-24, will be the penultimate camp in preparation for the World Wheelchair Curling-B Championship.
Within the three days of camp, the Team will be put to work, as they are scheduled to play five scrimmage games, partake in off-ice workshops, and even carve out a little time for some on-ice fun, as they’ll face off against Ki Mobility, a Stevens Point, Wis. based company dedicated to developing innovative seating and mobility products.
While the pandemic has thrown a wrench in a typical season’s training, the Team continues to find ways to work together and develop.
“The athletes have ramped up their personal training and we have weekly team meetings where we work on situational analysis,” said Rusty Schieber, Wheelchair National Team Coach. “The Team’s weekly calls have provided a way for us to continue to work on game simulation and a forum for athlete communication and discussions.”
With a strong commitment to communication and training in their time apart, the Team has also committed to following Covid protocols and trains together on a monthly basis.
“The newly completed Sentry Curling Center in the Village of Plover is the perfect facility to provide us the ice time needed, quality teams to compete against, and a high-quality ice surface,” said Schieber. “Not to mention, the venue is absolutely beautiful.”
With 15 games scheduled from January – March, the Wheelchair National Curling Team and Coaching Staff has confidence that their hard work is creating something special.
“I have been most impressed with the Team’s ability to adapt to the Covid-related restrictions throughout the season,” said Marc DePerno, Wheelchair National Team Leader. “Their on and off-ice preparation, coupled with an ever-positive mindset has resulted in a team dynamic that is hard to match.”
Also joining the team for next week’s training camp will be Pete Annis, Wheelchair National Team Director.
“Pete has assimilated almost seamlessly into the program,” said Schieber. “His experience is valued, greatly appreciated, and making our team and program stronger.”
The 2021 World Wheelchair-B Curling Championship is currently scheduled to take place in Lohja, Finland from April 10-15, 2021 and will allow teams the opportunity to qualify for the World Wheelchair Curling Championship.
