Male Athlete of the Week: Reid Carruthers

This week’s male Athlete of the Week is Reid Carruthers of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Birthdate: Dec. 30, 1984 Birthplace: Winnipeg Hometown: Winnipeg Curling Club: Charleswood CC Current Team: Team Stoughton Position: Second Delivery: Right Getting to know Reid Carruthers A season of adjustment for Reid Carruthers produced a new team, a new delivery and a long-awaited new Team Manitoba jacket, with a Purple Heart to go along with it. The life-long Winnipeger couldn’t resist the opportunity when he was asked following the 2009-10 curling season to join Jeff Stoughton’s Manitoba powerhouse team as a second. Carruthers was well-known as a back-end player, having won a provincial junior championship in 2003 and a provincial mixed title in 2007 as a skip, and reaching the final of the 2006 Manitoba men’s championship calling the shots. But when he accepted Stoughton’s offer, there was a proviso — Carruthers was facing knee surgery, and was going with a new delivery for the 2010-11 season, going from a traditional Manitoba toe-sliding tuck to a flat-footed style. It was no problem, as it turned out. Carruthers has been solid all season at second for the Stoughton team, which is rounded out by lead Steve Gould and third Jon Mead. The new lineup has produced runner-up finishes in two Grand Slam events this season, and a semifinal placing in another, to go along with the victory at the Manitoba men’s championship to earn a berth in the Tim Hortons Brier in London, Ont. It will actually be Carruthers’ second trip to the Brier; he was the alternate for Kerry Burtnyk’s team for the 2008 Brier in Winnipeg, and he appeared in one game. Carruthers has put in his time as a volunteer at various summer curling camps over the years, and also helped coach Holly Scott’s up-and-coming women’s team. Quick Hits with Reid Carruthers Do you have any superstitions? “I wear lucky socks on playoff Sunday.” Three people, living or not, whom you would invite to a dinner party. “Gandhi, Winston Churchill, Pam Anderson.” If you could be a star any other sport, what would it be, and why? “Golf. I love the game but wish I was better at it.” If you could change any rule in curling, which one would it be, and why? “No hitting until skip’s stones. It’s actually really exciting to play. I’ve done it before in an arena setting.” What music do you like to listen to before a game? “Rock.” Favourite: — Website? “Fantasy football.” — Order from Tim Hortons? “Jam buster.” — Vacation destination? “Mexico.” — Junk food? “Taco chips.” Three things you always travel with? “Computer, razor, toothbrush.” First thing on your Bucket List? “Win the Brier.” Favourite pastime between draws at cashspiels? “Playing poker or crib.” One thing most people don’t know about you? “I am a school teacher.” What is the biggest misconception about curlers? “That curlers are not athletes.” Your ideal shot to win an Olympic gold medal: “Draw to the button.”