Featured Curling Athlete: Scott Seabrook

Scott Seabrook clinched his third trip to the Tim Hortons Brier in grand style on February 11 in his home town of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The lead for Brad Jacobs’s team from the host club in the Soo for The Dominion Northern Ontario men’s championship got to make history during the provincial semifinal that day against Tim Phillips. Holding a 6-3 lead going into the sixth end, Seabrook got the end started in style, and a few minutes later, his skip made a takeout with his final rock to nail down a stunning eight-ender — the rarest feat in curling, especially at the competitive level. A few hours later, Seabrook, Jacobs and teammates third E.J. Harnden and second Ryan Harnden clinched their third straight Northern Ontario title by beating Mike Jakubo in the final. Seabrook’s first Brier appearance was in 2009 in Calgary as an alternate for Jakubo, but he joined the Jacobs team for the 2010-11 curling season, and played at last year’s Brier in London, Ont. Seabrook and Jacobs have a history; they were teammates for a long time, winning an Ontario college title together in 2004 and, a year later, capturing the 2005 Northern Ontario junior championship and going on to post an 8-4 record to finish just out of the playoffs at the Canadian junior championship in Fredericton, N.B. Off the ice, Seabrook has been active at his home club, the Soo Curlers Association, helping with the ice and working with junior curlers. Birthplace: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. Curling Club: Soo Curlers Association Current Team: Team Brad Jacobs Position: Lead Delivery: Right Nickname: Little C Quick Hits with Scott Seabrook Do you have any superstitions? “Our team always goes through the same routines while we are on a winning streak — same spots in the vehicles, same spots in the hotel room, even the same restaurant over and over if things are going well. Aside from that? Black cats.” Three people, living or not, whom you would invite to a dinner party. “Johnny Cash, Wayne Gretzky and Robert Downey Jr.” If you could be a star any other sport, what would it be, and why? “I would love to be a star in Major League Baseball; those guys make loads of money playing one of the greatest sports in the world. I think it would be amazing to get paid to play baseball in places like Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and all the other venues that have so much history.” If you could change any rule in curling, which one would it be, and why? “I would actually love to see some type of self-operated timeclocks used for regular club and bonspiel play to keep things moving. I have no idea how you would implement it fairly for everyone, though.” What music, if any, do you like to listen to before a game? “I don’t usually listen to music before games, but I probably should so I don’t end up with Celine Dion or Cher stuck in my head. Great. Now I have Cher stuck in my head.” Favourite: — Website? “www.teambradjacobs.com, www.wikipedia.org, www.tsn.ca.” — Order from Tim Hortons? “Large coffee, regular.” — Vacation destination? “Las Vegas.” — Junk food? “Chips or candy; love ’em both.” Do you have any pet peeves? “I’m usually pretty laid back, but bad drivers can get on my nerves (like everyone else).” Person who had the most influence on your curling career. And why? “I can think of quite a few different people here; my parents who introduced me to the sport; my brother Matt, who I’ve curled with or against for many years; and my various coaches through the years — Tom Coulterman, Eric Harnden and Ross Boston, all of whom helped me become a better curler.” First thing on your Bucket List? “Bungee jumping.” Favourite pastime between draws at cashspiels? “I get to room with Brad when we’re out of town, so between games I let E.J. (Harnden) and Ryan (Harnden) into the room so they can get into Brad’s bed with him. Then we ask Brad lots of pointless questions because he loves to answer them. Then, once we’re all out of questions it’s time for a quick nap to recharge.” “Mixed doubles in the Olympics — thumbs up? Thumbs down? And why? “I think I have mixed feelings on this one (no pun intended). I think anything that we can do to grow the sport or increase general interest is good, but it’s a bit gimmicky and just not the same as traditional curling.” One thing most people don’t know about you? “I have a black cat named Jack.” Your ideal shot to win an Olympic gold medal: “Wide open hit, out-turn, just make contact . . . with another stone to come just in case.”