(Dec 6, 2008) -- Olympic, world and U.S. champion curlers, 32 men's and women's teams in all, will be making their way to Eveleth, MN in one week, December 19-21, to participate in one of the largest cash payout spiels in the United States. The Super One Shoot Out, with a $20,000 purse, will be a terrific opportunity for spectators to see some of the greatest curlers in the world, including some homegrown talent, as they prepare for the 2010 Olympic playdowns later this year.
It is the fourth year for the event, and organizer and coach Phill Drobnick is thrilled with the team roster. I met up with him while he was catching his breath between coaching and working."We have a great facility (Range Recreation Civic Center) and great ice and this is a really good opportunity for exposure for the club and the Iron Range," said Drobnick. "(The event) is growing. The first year we had 24 teams and this year we have 32. And thanks to our sponsors - Super One, Starkovich Distributing, and many others - we have the largest cash payout in the nation."
The event's major sponsor, Super One Foods of Virginia, stepped up to the plate to help make sure the event would draw the high-powered teams. "We decided as a company to take the lead role in this event because we believe in the (Curl Mesabi) club, and we believe it's good for the Iron Range," said John Babich of Super One. "We are really proud to be participants in this event. Many of the greatest shooters in the country will be there."
There will be 11 Olympians at the spiel, and 24 of the 32 teams will participate in the 2010 Olympic playdown process. "It's a great event for these teams to prepare for the playdowns," said Drobnick. "They like playing here because we have great ice. Teams like to play on Jim's ice."
Jim Wainio's ice, that is. "Jim's done the ice since 2001-2002, and the last couple of years he has perfected it," said Drobnick. Ideal ice is 'fast and swingy' according to Drobnick, meaning it can make a rock curl around. "Jim's been able to achieve that. When we hosted the 2007 World Championships the curlers really enjoyed it. Jim works hard at it and gets good results."
The field includes many notable US names including 2006 Olympic Bronze medalist Pete Fenson, 2008 World Jr. Champion Chris Plys, 2004 World Silver Medalist Patti Lank, 2006 Us Olympic Team Cassie Potter, 2007 World Bronze Medalist Todd Birr, 2007 World University games champion John Shuster, 2007 US Jr Champion Aileen Sormunen, and Past US Champions Craig Disher & Eric Fenson.
The Super One Shoot Out spiel will have the same format as last year. It will be a 32 team Modified Double Knock-out with a consolation bracket. There will be 4 teams that qualify out of the A- Bracket and 4 teams that qualify out of the B- Bracket. All games will be 8 ends. Draws will start on Friday at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Play will continue through Sunday.
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