And he’s off

BY SARA KEDDY

Kings County Register

Curt Palmer says it’s not everyday a 50-year-old man can go from being the “grizzled old-timer to the youngest, most nubile one on the team.”

The Coldbrook curler has done that with huge success this season: last year, he won the provincial Tankard with the Mark Kehoe team. This year, he’s part of both the Tankard and provincial senior men’s winning Brian Rafuse team.

The men headed out March 5 for a three week national test of their curling skill - and stamina.

“We’re going to be tired, and there’s so much going on at these national events. Hopefully, we’ll act responsibly - we certainly have enough years under our belt.”

Palmer was sent off with an in-house party February 23 at the Berwick Curling Club. As he came off the ice and down one stairway from club competitive mixed play, his parents, the town mayor, family and well-wishers came up the back stairs with food, a cake and banners that will be in the crowd at both the national Brier, underway March 8, and the Canadian senior men’s event, starting March 22 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

“I really appreciate this gesture - it means a lot. For years, I’ve taken pride in my affiliation with this club and tell everyone where I’m from. It’s been a real treat over the years,” he said.

Club president Michelle Larsen said many locals were in Wolfville to see Palmer win the Tankard, and were thrilled again when the Rafuse team won the provincial senior title.

“This year marks an historic event in Nova Scotia curling - the first time ever a single team has captured the prized Tankard and the senior men’s,” she said. “We’re very proud to have one of our own going down in history.

“If you looked up ‘gentleman’ in the dictionary, Curt’s picture would be right there beside it. You can be guaranteed we’ll be sitting here watching the TV and sending all the best vibes we can to help you.”

Berwick Mayor John Prall said he recalls Palmer as a young athlete putting in extra running time to get ahead.

“I know how hard he works, and this is well-deserved. We’re very proud of you.”

Prall turned back to the lighter side of the road ahead of Palmer with reference to the physical strength the rafuse team is going to need. Palmer responded they’re all “hoping there’s something left of us at the end of March.

“We’ve curled off and on together for 25 years, and it’s been 12 years since we went to a Brier together, 18 years since Alan Darragh went and almost 30 years since he won his first - so we do span a few decades.”

Rafuse, Palmer, Darragh, Dave Slauenwhite and Glenn Josephson make up the team for the Brier and senior men’s nationals; coached by Peter MacPhee. Palmer didn’t play with the men through the 2006/ 2007 senior men’s season - he hadn’t turned 50 yet.