The Waupaca Curling Club in Wisconsin seeks to expand its community through youth programs and open invitations. Longtime members emphasize the sport's strategy, skill, and social aspects. As the 2025/2026 season ends, the club looks to Olympic momentum for new participants.
In the small Wisconsin city of Waupaca, the Curling Club has been a winter staple, attracting players from multiple generations who value its communal spirit alongside competition. Kris Tessar, a third-generation curler who began in her 30s, described the local scene: “We’re a winter town with hockey, and curling is a big thing.” She noted initial perceptions that the sport was for older people but highlighted how it fosters new friendships: “You curl with your friends, and then you end up becoming friends with people you’ve never curled with before or you didn’t even know.”
Kelly Taylor, a skip with 53 years of experience, addressed the sport's learning curve. “If you’re just watching the game and not involved in curling, it could probably be pretty boring if you don’t know what’s going on out there,” he said. “There’s a lot of strategy; a lot of skill involved.” Yet he stressed its accessibility: “To try it and get going, it’s fairly easy and you get into the game and once you understand the game, it’s addictive. I mean, you want to curl, a lot!”
Efforts to engage youth include coaching by Neil Wenberg, who started at age 12 and is in his 37th season. He leads middle and high school teams and the 'Curling in the Gym' program, which introduces kids to floor curling before transitioning to ice. “It’s their favorite field trip because they’re out of school for the whole day, they’re encouraged to be loud and scream and playing on the ice,” Wenberg explained. He added, “It’s something you can do forever. Not everyone’s going to be a hockey player or a wrestler or a basketball player. Give kids another opportunity to do a different sport that they normally wouldn’t do.”
With the 2025/2026 season concluding, the club anticipates renewed interest from the recent Olympic and Paralympic games. Open ice sessions occur most Fridays absent tournaments, and members like Wenberg, Taylor, and Tessar invite newcomers: “If people haven’t curled before they should go out and try it. It’s a family sport,” said Taylor. Tessar emphasized the welcoming vibe: “There’s really no pressure. We make it fun and we want you to like curling.” More details are available on the Waupaca Curling Club website.
