Hello,
Just a few more days until the first league of the 2023-2024 curling season kicks off! We can't wait for everything the next year will bring. We have a lot of updates, so please read through carefully. We'll see you on the ice soon!
Don't forget about new league times and broomstacking
Our fall 10-week league starts Tuesday, Sept. 19. To accomodate the arena, we have pushed the start of league back 15 minutes. We will now start at 6:45 p.m. and end at 9:15 p.m. To ensure we are off the ice on time, we ask that whatever end you are in at 9 p.m. be your last end.
One aspect of curling that is a large part of the sport is broomstacking. For those of you who may be newer, broomstacking is simply enjoying the company of your opponents after the game, usually with a cold beverage (but not required).
There are a number of Cedar Rapids Curling members who go to Union Station on 16th Avenue (two minutes from the arena) after league every week for food and drink.
We'd love to have some new faces join us and be able to get to know everyone better!
Ready to shop?
Cedar Rapids Curling has a temporary online shop set up with some great club clothing items (some old favorites and some new things).
The deadline to purchase items is Oct. 1.
Purchased items will be delivered to the arena during league in late October. Happy shopping!
Brush up on all things CRC
(Almost) everything you want to know about Cedar Rapids Curling can be found in the member handbook. Our mission statement, board member, office positions, policies, etiquette, league rules--it's all there.
Need a new nametag?
Have you lost your name badge? Have a name change? The club is ordering official nametags for those needing one. They will be the standard black and white with our logo etched on them and have a magnetic closure in the back. The cost is $8 per tag. Please order by Oct 1st. If you have any questions, contact Kari Kozak (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Seeking membership development coordinator
Do you remember when you were new to Cedar Rapids Curling? Do you want to help new curlers move through learn-to-curl events to instructional leagues to full membership?
The Cedar Rapids Curling Board is looking for a membership development coordinator. You don't need to have curled for a long time. Newer curlers could be great for this. The role won't take up much of your time. We ask that you email instructional league curlers before and after league to let them know what to expect and what they can do next to keep curling. You'll also be in charge of handing out our new member swag bags and letting them know about their membership perks!
If you have any questions or want to be considered, email Phil Burian (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Kari Kozak (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Want to sub? Need a sub?
Substitutes must be dues-paying members of Cedar Rapids Curling.
If you are wanting to sub on a team:
- Log in as a member on our website.
- Go to "Member Information" on left side; click "My Subbing Availablity."
- Change button from "Not avilable" to "Available; and leave comments on dates available.
If you are looking for a sub for your team:
- Log in as a member on our website.
- Go to "League Information" on the left side; click on "Sub List."
- Choose the "Fall 2023 League."
- Pick you who want to email or all; compose and send email.
- Note: All responses will be sent to the email address you have set up as your default email with CRC.
Watch a youtube video walking through the steps.
FREE bonspiels for CRC members
The Midwest Curling Association hosts several bonspiels throughout the year that are FREE for Cedar Rapids Curling members. These are great opportunities to play on dedicated ice.
The 10th annual Prairie State Challenge will be Nov. 4-5 at Exmoor Country Club and Chicago Curling Club. This is a great opportunity for curlers of all experience levels to get on the ice with old and new friends. Find more information.
The 78th annual Dar Curtis Bonspiel will be Dec. 16-17 at Exmoor Country Club. The Dar Curtis is meant for players to currently curl as leads or twos or newer vice skips to allow them a chance to curl with their peers and try out their own strategies in a fun environment. Find more information.
If you're looking for team members for either spiel, throw a thread on the Cedar Rapids CC Virtual Warm Room Facebook group page or chat with people at league!
Looking for a spiel? Check out the bulletin board
The bulletin boards inside the stone house contain all kinds of information -- upcoming bonspiels, information about events, reminders about this or that, selling your old equipment, etc.
Keep your eyes peeled and check it out regularly.
Curling tip of the month
We are reviving an old newsletter feature. Let Emily Nelson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) know if there are curling things you want to learn more about in a future newsletter. It could be anything from tips on play, etiquette, or whatever is on your mind.
Whether you're new to Cedar Rapids Curling or you've been around for awhile, everyone could always use a reminder about good curling etiquette, so the next few newsletters will focus on this area.
This month, let's talk a bit about sweeping.
- Be ready to sweep your teammate’s rock as soon as it is released.
- After sweeping, immediately return to the side of the sheet. Do not walk back in the middle of the sheet.
- Sweepers should stand on the sidelines between the hog lines when not sweeping.
- If your skip is throwing the next stone, prepare the stone for him or her.
- Do not clean your broom over the sheet. Go well behind the hack or off the ice entirely.