Wheelchair curling trials underway

From News 10 Now in Syracuse, N.Y.:

WHITESBORO, N.Y. -- Ten athletes are hoping to earn a spot on Team U.S.A, but there are only five spots up for grabs, which is why tryouts are being held. Since Friday, the curlers have been competing in one on one matchups, strategy games, and skill tests to give coaches a look at what they can do.

"We get a chance to get a little flavor of how they handle the pressure of team games, or playing a game, but also testing their skills throughout the week," said Team U.S.A. Head Coach Steve Brown.

With four positions on the ice, and one position as an alternate, only the top players will earn a spot. Although the five members of last year’s team are hoping to regain their spots, no one is guaranteed a place on the
team.

"What we're trying to do is make sure that it's as fair and equitable for absolutely everybody, and we want to make sure that we're making, what we feel is the strongest selection to potentially get a gold medal for us in 2010," said Brown.

Gold is the goal. The 2008 team earned a bronze medal at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships, which was the first time the U.S. had ever medaled in the event.

With two more trial periods to go, the player selection committee will have its chance to ensure they have the right players.

"We'll get a chance to see them in games and evaluate. From there we will fine tune and take what we call the "top 5" that will be part of the world team and the Paralympics team," said Brown.

The coaching staff hopes to have the team finalized by mid December to get ready for the 2009 World Championships in February.

The next trial period will be held November 28th to the 30th in Ottawa, Canada. The final evaluation will take place at the U.S. Open International the first week of December in Whitesboro.