In a captivating display of skill and strategic prowess, the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-M) curling team emerged as the champions of the 2024 College Curling National Championship. This highly anticipated final saw UW-M outmaneuver Princeton University in a thrilling contest. Hosted at the esteemed Rice Lake Curling Club in Rice Lake, WI, on March 11th, the championship underscored the competitive spirit and growing popularity of collegiate curling.
Competing teams included:
Arizona State University
Bowdoin College
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Michigan Technological University
University of Minnesota
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Penn State University
Princeton University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Syracuse University
University of Toledo
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Yale University
A Collaborative Championship
The event represented a partnership between USA College Curling and USA Curling, bringing together the elite college curling teams from across the nation. These teams had battled through a series of qualifying events throughout the season to earn their spot, making the championship a showcase of the top collegiate curling talent.
Game Highlights and Turning Points
The UW-M team, consisting of Mitchell Armstrong, Alex Ge, Colin Packard, and Emily Brost, showcased their resilience and strategic thinking throughout the championship game. Despite an early setback, they managed to secure a substantial lead by the sixth end. The Princeton team, made up of Nelson Rogers, Lara Katz, Brian Li, and Johnathan Lysgaard Dolce, ultimately conceded after a pivotal seventh end, marking a memorable victory for UW-M.
Bronze Medal Showdown
Equally compelling was the bronze medal match, which saw Michigan Technological University go head-to-head with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The match was fiercely competitive, with Michigan Tech pulling off a stunning final shot to clinch the bronze, further highlighting the high level of skill and competition at the event.
Celebrating the Growth of College Curling
Dean Gemmell, CEO of USA Curling, praised the championship and the season-long series for their role in promoting curling among college students. The event not only highlighted the sport's competitive aspect but also celebrated its expansion at the collegiate level, thanks in part to key contributors like Nancy Myers and Sam Futch of College Curling USA.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2024 College Curling National Championship at Rice Lake not only sets a high bar for future collegiate curling competitions but also highlights the sport's increasing appeal among college athletes. Fans and enthusiasts who missed the live action can revisit the excitement through the Rice Lake Curling Club's YouTube channel, which offers comprehensive coverage of the games.
As collegiate curling continues to grow, the achievements of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and all the teams that participated in the 2024 championship reflect the vibrant future of the sport at the college level. Congratulations to all for a display of passion, skill, and the true spirit of curling.
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