Featured Curling Athlete: Tracy Horgan

It was supposed to be another coronation for Rachel Homan at the 2012 Ontario women’s curling championship in Kenora, but Tracy Horgan and her team from Sudbury had other ideas. After Homan went unbeaten through the round-robin, Horgan, third Jennifer Seabrook, second Jenna Enge and lead Amanda Gates had to go the long road after losing the Page one-two game to Homan, then beating Sherry Middaugh in the semifinal. And in the final, Horgan stole a stunning three in the 10th end for an 8-6 win to earn her first trip to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Red Deer, Alta., where Ontario posted a 4-7 record. While few were projecting Horgan to win the Ontario title, she had an impressive resume behind her. She captured three Northern Ontario junior women’s titles, making it to a tiebreaker in 2006 at Thunder Bay, Ont., and earning all-star skip honours. In addition to her junior victories, Horgan also played at two Canadian university championships, claiming a bronze in 2008 and earning another all-star skip award, and also played at the 2010 Canadian mixed championship in Burlington, Ont., throwing third rocks for Jordan Chandler. Off the ice, Horgan has volunteered her time in her home town, working with the Special Olympics curling program and also helping coach local bantam curlers. Birthplace: Sudbury, Ont. Hometown: Sudbury, Ont. Curling Club: Idylwylde Golf and Country Club Current Team: Team Horgan Position: Skip Delivery: Right Nickname: Trace Quick Hits with Tracy Horgan Do you have any superstitions? “Our lead Amanda Gates slaps my butt before every game we play. We can’t remember exactly how this started back in juniors but it’s eight years later and she still does it.” Three people, living or not, whom you would invite to a dinner party. “My teammates — we just can’t get enough of each other! We have a long-distance team this year so I miss them!” If you could be a star any other sport, what would it be, and why? “Tennis is my summer sport; I have been playing for 15 years and love it. It is great exercise and a good way to fill the curling void during the summer.” If you could change any rule in curling, which one would it be, and why? “I like the idea of the five-rock rule to generate more rocks in play and more interesting ends.” What music, if any, do you like to listen to before a game? “My teammates Jenna (Enge) and Amanda singing on the way to the club (they are really talented!)” Favourite: — Website? “www.curling.ca” — Order from Tim Hortons? “Half coffee/half French vanilla.” — Vacation destination? “Las Vegas.” — Junk food? “Ice cream.” Do you have any pet peeves? “When I get lost; it happens frequently, unfortunately. GPS has ruined my sense of direction.” Person who had the most influence on your curling career (former/current coach? Teammate? Relative?). And why? “My father Gerry Horgan. He started me in little rocks when I was five and coached me for over 10 years. He continues to be one of our biggest supporters. Also, my sister Jenn, with whom I have curled with for 20 years now. On and off the ice she is such a great person. We have lots of fun and over the years we have motivated each other to work hard and improve our game.” First thing on your Bucket List? “Travel to Europe.” Favourite pastime between draws at cashspiels? “Team dates with Team Farnell. Or playing cards, Crazy-8 Countdown — it gets pretty competitive.” Mixed doubles in the Olympics — thumbs up? Thumbs down? And why? “Thumbs up! The more exposure for curling the better and other sports have different categories so I don’t see why curling can’t as well.” One thing most people don’t know about you? “I have a new kitten named Button.” Your ideal shot to win an Olympic gold medal: “I would be so thrilled I would take any shot! But the easier the better I guess so I am not too stressed.”