Throwing rocks down a sheet of ice may not seem exciting to most, but at the St. Paul Curling Club it’s all the rage.

Joe “Splash” Cloutier explains that curling is a really friendly game. The loser usually buys the winner the first round after the match, and they talk about the game over a few drinks.

Sitting at the bar upstairs, the rest of the group introduces themselves. There’s M.O., Blue, Big Al, Scott, a pitcher of beer and a bottle of whiskey.

“Everyone has a nickname here,” says Blue aka John Carey. Everyone except Scott anyway, and they try to come up with a nickname on the spot, but nothing sticks, indicating why he’s never had a nickname.

The club has the feel of a north woods cabin with fireplaces upstairs and downstairs, thick Minnesotan accents, wood floors, outdoor decor and moustaches, but this is St. Paul.

Splash says the game is like horseshoes because the team with the rock closest to the center wins the point. From there the game becomes more complicated.

“It’s chess on ice,” says Big Al.

Each team consists of four players: a lead, second, third and a skip, the strategist. All players shoot a rock, but the skip typically shoots the last two of the match. The match consists of eight ends with eight rocks per team. At each end, each team shoots two rocks and then switches ends. A point is scored for the team with the rock closet to the tee, or the middle.

The skip calls shots from the other end of the ice and decides which shot the team will play according to the placement of the rocks. As the rock is delivered two sweepers brush the ice to create a Zamboni effect that allows the rock to travel farther and straighter. The team will either attempt to knock out the opponent’s rocks or place their rock near the tee.

“The rock goes its own way so you need to turn it one way or the other to get it where you want,” Splash says.

Curling started during the 16th century in Scotland. Eventually immigrants brought the game to North America, where it first appeared in Canada in 1759. In 1832 the game surfaced in America, and there are now over 125 curling clubs in the U.S.

The sport has been growing in popularity since it first appeared as a full medal game at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

The St. Paul club has existed since 1888, and the building has been there since 1912. It is the largest club in North America, with over 1100 members. “Ten years ago we had 600-800 members and struggled for members at times, but the last five years we’ve seen an explosion,” says Mike “M. O.” O’Neil, club president.

Carey, the young guy of the group, says he picked up the game after watching it during the Olympics with friends. “It takes about a year not to look like an idiot,” he says.

The club offers clinics geared towards new people where they learn the basics, etiquette and strategy. From there the new players can begin playing in novice leagues on Sundays, or if they know a member they can become part of a team. In the metro area two clubs have recently sprouted due to the popularity: one in Edina and one in Burnsville.

A huge part of the curling experience is found in the tournaments, or bonspiels. Club teams from around the nation travel to compete against other clubs, and players get to meet new people and form new friendships across the country.

“Bonspiels are a huge part of curling because it’s where you meet other players and get to reconnect every year,” says O’Neil.

“One-third of the game is drinking and hanging out,” adds Carey. He says there is a team from San Diego that hasn’t won a game ever, but comes to experience the camaraderie. “Every game begins and ends with a handshake,” says Splash.

“There’s a tremendous cross-mix of people here, from blue-collar guys to corporate executives,” says O’Neil. The blue-collar guys and other members of the club volunteer during the off-season to help with the upkeep of the club. “Tuesday nights a crew comes down and fixes whatever needs fixing,” says Scott.

The club received national media attention this past Vikings season during Monday Night Football. The Vikings played the New England Patriots and Monday Night Football aired a 21-second clip of some people curling at the club.

“It’s a game you can only play, you can’t beat it,” says Big Al.

The St. Paul Curling Club is located at 470 Selby Ave. in St. Paul. Membership is currently at capacity.

The blood in his mouth stuck to his teeth
like hot caramel, bubbling
with each heavy, humid breath.
Drying flesh turned to wax
over his fingertips in the
blaring moon’s siren.

“Maybe I am the Jackal”
Squatting, he scooped up
a hand full of sand and
let the grains trickle
between his digits.
Smells like wet leaves
and blue sky, he thought.
Looking over the dunes,
the muses smiled.
The body of his lust
remained twitching in the sand
stinking with liquid morals.

Coach Glen Mason’s firing was a necessary move for the program after the embarrassing Insight Bowl loss against Texas Tech, but it put recruitment in jeopardy. The situation eerily resembles much of Mason’s tenure; as much success as there was, there were also failures.

National signing day is February 7 and the problem of recruiting young talent is pronounced. Minnesota has never appeared as a prestigious destination for top recruits due to the weather and the prospect of playing in the worst stadium in college football. Minnesota made a quick decision to hire Tim Brewster to salvage the recruitment class.

Little is known about Brewster outside of his accomplishments. He worked with Mack Brown at North Carolina and Texas, helping to attract recruits such as Vince Young. We know that Brewster will focus on luring in-state talent more vigorously than years past, but much remains to be known about how the team will look on the field.

The press conference offered little insight into what to expect on the field with gems like, “We’re going to run the football, I promise you. Minnesota has always run the football. We are going to run it, we’re going to throw it and we’re going to do whatever it takes to win.” It is expected that Brewster will run the ball having coached under Mack Brown, Marty Schottenheimer and Mike Shanahan, who have always shown a strong run offense.

Brewster filled the need for the Gophers as an experienced coach and highly regarded recruiter. What remains to be seen is how his leadership will affect the program. He stated his number one goal is to win the Big Ten conference, which is what everyone wanted to hear. How he will achieve that goal remains the most pressing concern for fans.

Fans will expect a lot from Brewster after years of mediocre Gopher football, and his ambiguity as to the design of the offense hasn’t exactly stymied concern. “People ask: ‘What do you do? Are you west coast? Right coast? Do you run the ball? Pass the ball?’ We’re going to do what we can to win, physically and with an element of toughness. What are we going to do on defense? We’re going to run real fast and dictate tempo to the offense.” His answers resembled another Minnesota head coach who has kept the media at bay and remained unclear about his team.

Although it was a press conference, it would be nice to see just what his design may look like. Brewster will be under great pressure to succeed and fans want to know his plan. There’s a lot of excitement building with Gopher football fans, because the Athletic Department stepped up and boldly decided mediocrity is not what they desire. With the firing of Mason and hiring of a revered recruiter, fans and the Athletic Department appear on the same page now.

With the building of a new stadium in 2009, a coach who can recruit the team could make some dynamic changes and transform the program into a powerhouse. It remains unclear what direction Brewster will take, but he will dictate what type of program the University wants. Football programs bring in millions of dollars to universities and Minnesota has not put itself on pace with the other Big Ten schools. With the prompt firing of Mason, it appears that the Athletic Department is taking steps in the right direction to turn the football program into a serious contender.

It would be nice for fans to have something to cheer for instead of craving the opportunity to chant “Fire Mason.”

Cooperstown is calling you and everyone else interested in seeing some of the greatest symbols of baseball history.

The Minnesota History Center is hosting the “Baseball As America” exhibition displaying artifacts from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The exhibit is on a nation-wide tour and currently in St. Paul until March 4.

This is a great opportunity for any baseball enthusiast to experience Cooperstown without having to travel there. It features over 500 items of baseball history including the bats of Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire from the home run race of 1998, along with Jackie Robinson’s jersey, expensive baseball cards and the “wonder boy” bat from the movie, “The Natural.”

In addition to the national artifacts, the exhibit contains memorabilia from the Minnesota Twins. Frank Viola’s hat from the 1987 World Series, Kirby Puckett’s bat from a 6 for 6 day at the plate in 1987, a ball from game 7 of the 1991 World Series autographed by Jack Morris, a 1991 World Series ring, a Harmon Killebrew jersey, and the glove Torii Hunter used to win his fourth consecutive Gold Glove award.

The Twin Cities have a long and storied history with baseball through the minor league teams of the St. Paul Saints and the Minneapolis Millers. Some of the game’s greats got their start in this area playing in the minors. Ted Williams and Willie Mays each played for the Minneapolis Millers before going on to star in the Big Leagues. Roy Campanella played for the St. Paul Saints before being called up to the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Then in 1961, the Twins came to town and Minnesota finally had its own major league club. The Twins found success quickly, reaching the World Series in 1965, but lost to a dominating Dodger squad.

The exhibit explains how baseball truly is the national pastime and what it has meant to this country throughout the years. Reaching the major leagues resembles the American Dream because both are attainable through hard work and determination. Yes, the finer points of those ideas are debatable, but repeatedly we encounter people who embody those tenets. We see the ball player drafted in the 60th round of the draft persevere to reach the “The Show” and we see people who start with so little in life achieve success.

America maintains certain peculiarities that the rest of the world does not seem to understand and baseball has always been one of them.

Jacques Barzun, a French historian, once said, “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.” Baseball remains the one sport the whole family can enjoy together, where quality time can be spent. No other sport offers the tranquility and camaraderie that baseball brings.

The support for baseball may wane from time to time, but when the support is there, there is no greater unifying effect. The home run race of 1998 reminded us of the greatness of the game and created a common sentiment for fans watching every night to see if McGwire hit one or if Sammy slammed another.

Baseball has acted as a healer to America in the past by allowing us to focus on the dramatics of pennant races, hit streaks, home run records and pitching performances. The World Series in 2001 offered us a distraction from the terrible events occurring in the world. That series proved to be one of the best in the history of baseball with an unexpected game winning hit that decided the series.

America rose up by defeating a heavy favorite and baseball lets us remember that by giving us great moments through one event. The Boston Massacre, the Tea Party, the Stamp Act, the Declaration of Independence were all single acts that led to greater victory. A runner on first base steals second, the batter hits a run-scoring single, the game is tied, then the slugger for your team hits the game-winning home run. These individual events lead to a World Series championship. Baseball resembles the struggles the country has faced and through this game, we gain a glimpse of a country. Baseball is America.

The exhibit runs through March 4th and the hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students.

This fall, the Minnesota rugby team, which competes on the club level, tore through opponents. They ended their fall season 10-2. The two losses came against the Chicago Lions Men’s Club and the East Side Banshees. The loss to the East Side Banshees was a result of the U of M squad pulling its starters to rest for the Midwest Final Four the next weekend. At the Midwest Final Four, Minnesota beat Ohio State 47-0 before taking down Purdue in the championship game. At stake was a trip to nationals.

The Wake had the opportunity to interview captain and treasurer, Peter Kobliska, as well as president of the rugby team, Andy Belling. Kobliska is a junior who was on the 2004-05 team that made it to nationals. Belling, currently a senior at the U, was also on the 2004-05 team that competed at nationals in California.

The Wake: Describe your role on the team as a flanker.

Kobliska: As a flanker I roam the field to make it to every play possible. A flanker’s role is comparable to that of a linebacker and running back combined. On defense you have to read the play and make or support the tackle. On offense you must be ready to run the ball and support the pass every time.

The Wake: How did it feel to take down Ohio State 47-0 on their home field considering they ranked in the top 15 in the nation?

Kobliska: Our whole season was focused with the intent of beating number 15-ranked Ohio State. We worked extremely hard as a team to make sure we preformed at our best. Beating Ohio State 47-0 was incredible. After the first score it gave every player on the team an amazing amount of energy that continually increased throughout the match. We just kept getting better as the game progressed.

The Wake: What does making it to nationals mean to the rugby team?

Kobliska: Minnesota is a national-caliber rugby club. This is where we belong and we are very pleased to be going to the national tournament. Everyone is pumped to play the West Coast teams and make a name for the Midwest, but more importantly, make Minnesota a nationally recognized powerhouse.

The Wake: How does this year’s rugby team compare with the 2004-05 team that went to nationals?

Kobliska: Our program continues to grow and get better. Our 2004-05 team was great and this year’s team is much more fine-tuned, thanks to the coaching of Loren Lemke and Aaron Schroeder. Everything we have done this year has been more precise and faster than our 2004-05 team. Watching the level of play from the veterans inspires new players to be just that much better. This year’s team has a lot of experience and heart. We will continue to improve with each year.

The Wake: In terms of fundraising, what does making it nationals mean?

Kobliska: Funds are always tight, and a trip to California means we will work just that much harder to get there. We currently run multiple fundraisers through the U and outside organizations. Raising funds is always difficult, but this year we have become more organized and efficient in increasing funding.

The Wake: Describe how the program has grown or evolved since you joined the team.

Kobliska: Each year, the new players see the level of play from the veterans and want to play at that level. We bring each other up in our level of play. Everything has become better—things are really starting to evolve and take shape. Our level of commitment, coaching, organization and dedication to the sport have all increased. Our membership has also been steadily increasing each year for the past four years. This season, we had enough players to make two whole teams that played every week of the season for the first time in U history. With the future in mind, we are ensuring the program’s growth and success with our actions today.

The Wake: What is it like to ride in a van for 12-plus hours with your teammates for a shot at playing at nationals?

Belling: The ride there is not bad. It seems to take longer than the ride home due to the anticipation of the game and a shot at nationals. It is definitely worth the 12-hour trip to play for nationals, yet it’s always nice to fly to places.

The Wake: After having two knee surgeries, what is it about rugby that makes you come back?

Belling: There are three main reasons why I came back. I am a very competitive person, and rugby is a competitive sport. Rugby gives me an opportunity to stay active and in good shape. And the camaraderie of being on a team, let alone being on a team that is ranked fifteenth in the nation.

The Wake: Do you feel that the U of M rugby team has a better shot at nationals compared to your team two years ago? Why or why not?

Belling: Yes, I think this year our team has a good chance of winning some games at the national tourney. Our team this year is more experienced than two years ago. We have 10 seniors on the team that contribute. Also, the younger players are coming into their own and developing skills to maintain the status of Minnesota rugby.

The Wake: What are the Rugby team’s spring break plans? Where are you playing and who are you playing against?

Belling: Spring break plans are to travel to Ireland for a week. We are scheduled to play three games against some of the local college teams there. Also, we are going to be training with the Ireland national coach for one or two sessions while we are over there. The games that we will play will be good preparation for nationals. Most European clubs are very talented and have very good skills.

The Wake: What are the team’s plans for spring to get ready for Nationals?

Belling: To prepare for nationals this coming spring, many of the players have been working out pretty regularly since our fall season [ended]. Practice does not start until beginning of second semester. We practice two times a week in the field house and three times [per week] once we are able to use the outdoor facilities. We may have an extra game or two earlier in the season (early March) to prepare. We are not quite sure. Our coach is still in the process of trying to set up matches in warmer climates. I know that he is trying to get in touch with University of Tennessee for a match. They are ranked in the top 15 as well, and the match would be good preparation for both teams before nationals.

The U of M rugby team has finished its fall season, but the team can be seen this spring at its home field on the St. Paul campus. Visit www.gopherugby.com for more information about the team and upcoming spring matches.

As off-field problems continue to come for the Cincinnati Bengals, Marvin Lewis has decided to hold the Bengals’ next week of practice at Stray Field. The field, usually littered with pop bottles, will be convenient for Chris Henry, Odell Thurman and Reggie McNeal.

Famous Hollywood actor Robin Williams denied a request to host a fundraising dinner for the Society for the Advancement of Evolution Research (SAER). Williams stated, “Because there will be other primates on hand that I might be confused with, I decided not to host the function.” Williams also went on to say that this will also give him more time to make horrible movies like Man of the Year and RV.

As health insurance costs rise and coverage gets more limited, new changes came late Tuesday evening from Blue Cross Blue Shield. The massive health insurance provider will not allow students whose studies focus on psychology to see psychologists. All expenses must be paid for out-of-pocket by the students. A spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield said, “If the kids would study more, they could treat themselves. Since they are too lazy to do that, we will not foot the bill any longer.”

Joseph Ketterling Jr., a sophomore from Burnsville, Minn., was rejected at Beauty and the Geek auditions. Ketterling, a self proclaimed “Warlord” and mathematician, tried out for MTV’s reality show after seeing other contestants kissing girls with ease.

Due to misunderstanding and complete ignorance, many fights happen to occur on Canada’s holiday which takes place on December 26. It seems ironic since the holiday’s meaning has nothing to do with the fist fighting. The holiday occurs one day after Christmas, which leaves experts to wonder if the fights happen because people didn’t receive the gifts they hoped for.