Sunday, March 12, 2006

2006 Tim Horton's Brier

I know it is early to be expressing disappointment in the Pat Simmons team representing Saskatchewan at the Tim Horton’s Brier here in Saskatchewan. They have only played two games and the first was up against the always-tough Mark Dacey from Nova Scotia and a strong team from Quebec. Regardless, you have to be good to win the honour to represent Saskatchewan. This province is loaded with some of the finest curlers in the world.

The Simmons team lost both their opening games and was never a threat to either Nova Scotia or Quebec. In their game against Quebec they gave up an unforgivable four points in the first end and quit after the seventh. Maybe they should have stayed on the ice for the full ten ends just for practice and to give the fans their money’s worth. How does that happen against a team with the supposed talent of the Simmons team? It must be disappointing for the front end of the Simmons team as they are as good a lead and second as you can find in the game.

Yes, I know, we can all say they are doing their best, but is that what Canadians said about Team Canada’s hockey team at the Olympics? Goodness, hockey and curling goes on almost 24-7 in this province all winter. We must accept that losing is a large part of every sport, but must it be our destiny to play that role most of the time?

I just think it is time we stepped it up a bit. Do we have to bring Rick Folk back to give us a shot at a curling title? Quite frankly, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring him back as motivation for all the curlers who are attempting to compete at the national or world level. He is one of the finest curlers out of Saskatchewan, along with the legendary Richardson’s and Campbell’s, and he is one of the finest people you could ever hope to meet. He is right up there with the legendary Saskatchewan football coach, Gordon Currie as one of Saskatchewan’s finest and most accomplished people. It is upon these legends of sport that young aspiring curlers must look to if they truly want to learn what it takes to be champions of great character.

Please excuse me for being disappointed, but I expect more from the curling talent we have in Saskatchewan. I wish the Simmons team all the best and I feel bad for them, but damn it I feel bad too or I wouldn’t be writing this letter. If the Simmons team should rebound from two opening losses and go on to make the play offs it will be nothing short of a miracle. I will pray for that!