Friday, January 18, 2002
Gunning for Oly glory
By JIM BENDER -- Winnipeg Sun
He's been one of the most dominant, if sometimes controversial, figures in U.S. men's curling since at least 1995.
Yet, Tim Somerville has chosen the Manitoba Curling Association's 114th Annual Bonspiel to prepare for his second trip to the Olympics in his home country.
The three-time American champion finished fourth at the last Olympics in Japan -- which is usually where Alberta men's teams end up on the international stage -- and Somerville is determined to get to the medal podium in Ogden, Utah, next month.
"The biggest thing for me is to see which direction I'm going in the future," Somerville, 41, said on his team's Web site. "Is third or fourth the best I can do, or can I do better?"
The temper that led to on-ice flare-ups with teammates has softened somewhat as Somerville has honed his obvious curling skills. And despite the partying that is characteristic of the world's biggest 'spiel, Somerville's squad is dead-serious here.
"I haven't heard about the partying," said Somerville, supported by third Mike Schneeberger, 39, second Myles Brundidge, 41 and John Gordon, 43. "I can imagine, with all the curlers here, there will be lots of partying.
"But we just hope to get a lot of games in and do very well. There are lots of competitive teams here and Winnipeg is the place to go to get the best competition."
Somerville has an added incentive to capture Olympic glory since any medal means some heavy coin to his squad. A gold medal is worth $125,000 US, a silver, $100,000 and a bronze, $70,000, he said.
"If we don't get a medal, we probably won't get anything," said Somerville, who opened with a 7-5 victory over West St. Paul's Craig Stibbs at the Assiniboine Memorial Curling Club last night.
Both Somerville and Gordon work at Home Depot as part of the Olympic Job Opportunity Program.
"They pay us for 40 hours work when we work 20 and they are very flexible with our schedule," said the son of Bud Somerville, the first American to win a world curling crown.
"The USCA gives us some funding, but not that much. But they did pay for $1,000 worth of equipment at Asham's (Curling Supplies) here."
Somerville will also compete in the Grand Slam's next event in Sault Ste. Marie as the final tune-up to the Olympics. And the heat will be on for his side to at least medal before a partisan U.S. crowd.
BITERS:
Cathy Overton-Clapham of Fort Rouge has been named the top seed for the Manitoba Scott Tournament of Hearts, to be played at the St. James Civic Centre next week. Rounding out the top five are: St. Vital's Jennifer Jones, St. Vital's defending champion Karen Young, Connie Laliberte of Fort Rouge and Brandon's Lois Fowler.
2002 Games Curling Coverage
