ANDERSON — Dennis Martin grew up playing hockey, but curling eventually became his pastime of choice.
For the Canadian, who moved to Indianapolis with his family more than a decade ago, the sport provides a way to relax.
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Martin serves on the facilities committee for the Circle City Curling Club in Anderson, one of two curling clubs in Indiana. He previously served on the organization’s board of directors.
He and his wife, Sharon, who serves as vice president of the board of directors, have been members of Circle City for nine years.
Both coached a learn-to-curling clinic Saturday at the club’s facility on 53rd Street in Anderson.
More than 20 people attended the two-hour practice, which outlined the basics of curling, including throwing a rock and sweeping it toward a bull’s-eye within the boundaries known as “houses.”
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“When you do it right, the stone rolls very slowly,” said Keith Passwater, who attended with his wife and children. “It’s not a fast movement like football. It’s exciting to see if it’s going to stop or hit something you want to hit.”
Curling will be in the spotlight next month when the Winter Olympics kick off in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. After trying his hand at curling, Passwater said he’s looking forward to watching competition at the highest level.
“It’s easy to do, but hard to do well,” he said. “It will be fun to watch the pros compete.”
During the Olympics, Team USA will compete in men’s, women’s and mixed doubles curling events. The men’s and women’s teams advanced at the last minute of qualifying in British Columbia.
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“We’re kind of on pins and needles,” Martin said. “We anticipate that curling will receive a lot of coverage and media attention this year because (the United States) has a team.”
Curling has been a Winter Olympic sport since 1924. Team USA has competed since 1998 and won its first gold medal in 2018.
Sharon hopes those attending Saturday’s curling camp will enjoy the competition.
“You can explain to your friends why everyone is screaming, what happened when they were sweeping the floor. You can understand the situation,” she said.
Circle City Curling Club offers multiple clinics and leagues throughout the year. Event information is available on their website.
The club was founded in 2007 at the Ellenberger Park Skate Academy in Indianapolis and has grown steadily throughout the region. The Anderson plant opens in 2022.