Featured Curling Athlete: Bronwen Webster

Long considered one of the bright talents on the Calgary curling scene, it’s no wonder the services of Bronwen Webster have been sought after by the city’s top teams. Webster captured the 1998 Alberta junior title, and three years later, when Heather Rankin needed a new player in time for the 2001 Canadian Curling Trials, Webster got the call and was one of the top-performing seconds at that event. After a few years of skipping successful teams on her own, Shannon Kleibrink, fresh off an Olympic bronze medal in 2006, was looking for a new front-ender. Webster was the perfect candidate, and since then, she has been one of the country’s most consistent second-rock throwers, rounding out a unit that includes Chelsey Bell at lead, Amy Nixon at third and Kleibrink. That team has had some close calls, finishing second at the 2008 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Regina to Jennifer Jones, and second against the 2009 Tim Hortons Canadian Curling Trials in Edmonton to Cheryl Bernard. The Kleibrink outfit also has won a pile of Asham World Curling Tour events, as well as the 2009 Canada Cup of Curling and the 2011 Alberta Scotties title. Off the ice, Webster is an active curling booster; she’s been part of the hosting committee for the Grand Slam Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Classic for 12 years, serving as co-chair for the past three. As well, she’s volunteered her services at the highly successful Alberta Rocks Junior Camps in Leduc, Alta. Birthplace: Calgary Hometown: Calgary Curling Club: Calgary Curling Club Current Team: Kleibrink Position: Second Delivery: Right Nickname: BWeb or B Quick Hits with Bronwen Webster Do you have any superstitions? “Not overly. I do have favourite socks and less-favourite socks depending on the game, though. Our team does get stuck on the seats we sit in for the drive to the rink — we don’t change seats until after a loss. Better make sure to take shotgun!” Three people, living or not, whom you would invite to a dinner party. “Oprah, Eminem and Roger Federer.” If you could be a star any other sport, what would it be, and why? “Golf — good money, good weather and someone else carries your bag!” What music, if any, do you like to listen to before a game? “I don’t always listen to music, but if I do, it would have to be hip hop or dance, and would most definitely have a few songs by Eminem.” Favourite: — Website? “www.tsn.com.” — Order from Tim Hortons? “Large coffee with milk and sugar, nine-grain bagel, toasted with light plain cream cheese.” — Vacation destination? “Hawaii.” — Junk food? “Wine Gums.” Do you have any pet peeves? “Slow drivers in the fast lane; when people are late; and people who use every last coin in their wallet to pay for something.” Person who had the most influence on your curling career. And why? “Bill Hans, my junior curling coach; he was so dedicated and passionate to seeing young people develop in the sport. Also, my mom, Linda Wagner — she’s a past Canadian champion and has stayed competitive in the game all way to the masters level — inspirational.” First thing on your Bucket List? “Trip to New York for a little shopping, see the sights, catch a few shows and watch a professional baseball or NFL game.” Favourite pastime between draws at cashspiels? “I’m always good for a nap! And our team plays quite a few games — dice, marbles and hearts to name a few.” Mixed doubles in the Olympics — thumbs up? Thumbs down? And why? “Thumbs up; the more exposure curling can get, the better.” One thing most people don’t know about you? “I’m expecting — due in March!” Your ideal shot to win an Olympic gold medal: “I’d take any shot to win a gold medal.”