Racine Junior Curlers pictured prior to a bonspiel game at Kettle Moraine Curling Club.
Racine Junior Curlers pictured prior to a bonspiel game at Kettle Moraine Curling Club.
Racine Juniors play a card game in between curling games.
Racine Juniors play a card game in between curling games.
Two curlers participate in practice drills at the Racine Curling Club (2024).
Two curlers participate in practice drills at the Racine Curling Club (2024).

Welcome...

to the Racine Junior Curling Program landing page!

The only program where you'll see your kids sweep the house and where yelling is encouraged. Remember, the hardest thing about curling is the ice.

Mission Statement

The Racine Junior Curling Program provides junior curlers as young as age 8 through age 21 opportunities for growth, including: development of independence/confidence, leadership skills, social skills, and positive team-based experiences on and off the ice. The Racine Junior Curling Program will meet your child where they are, and encourages participation from all abilities, learning styles, and previous athletic experiences. There are no special athletic or physical skills needed. The Racine Junior Curling Program promotes learning in small group and individual instruction environments, with trained curling club coaches and peer mentors.

 

Junior curling program includes/encourages:

  • Attending bonspiels/scrimmages
  • Hosting bonspiels/scrimmages
  • Volunteerism
  • Off-ice activities including: 4th of July parade, team-building activities, community outreach (expos), attending club/board meetings

 

 

 

About the Program:

  • 12-2pm on Saturdays (check calendar of events)
    • Arrive by 11:45 and get ready to step on the ice
  • Group instruction, 1:1 instruction, opportunities for drilled and functional game play & practice
  • 2 sheets of ice reserved exclusively
  • $51.50 per half season per junior curler
    • (2 half seasons/year, scholarships available)
    • Current CC families- free for current members' children to drop in!
  • All equipment necessary to participate is provided

Clothing/shoe requirements:

  • Carrying in a pair of relatively clean, flat shoes (no
    boots/high tops, street shoes are not allowed on the
    ice)
  • Flexible clothing (leggings, joggers, sweatpants, etc.)
  • Warm clothing- dress in layers for exercising in 20 degrees F
  • Gloves, hats, thick/multiple socks

Meet Your Coaches

 

Coach Stephen Kalmar

Stephen Kalmar
SafeSport Certified

Stephen Kalmar has been curling (off and on) since 4th grade when he lived in Canada. He participated in the Racine Junior Curling Program for several years in the later part of the last century. Stephen has coached kids in soccer and baseball for decades, and in curling since 2004 (off and on). Like Alyson, he continues to be Safe Sport Certified in a few sports. Stephen's day job is working with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, so be extra nice to children when he is around.

You can email Stephen with questions: skalmar (at) wi.rr.com

Coach Alyson Wiedenbeck

Alyson Wiedenbeck
SafeSport Certified

Alyson has been curling for 14 years, discovering her love for the sport at St. Rita School in Racine, WI. Like Stephen, Alyson was active in the Racine Junior Curling Program until she moved away to college, where she began coaching junior curlers across the state. Alyson eventually found her way back to her hometown to coach the same junior curling program she started in. By day, Alyson works in a school as a speech-language pathologist, and to keep work and play separate- no, she is not diagnosing you.

You can email Alyson with questions: alygwiedenbeck (at) gmail.com