Team Clendenan

Coming to terms with a death in the family is tough enough, but what would you do if the unexpected heartache arrived two days before heading into one of the five most important curling events of the year? For Team Clendenan, it was a painful reality that tested their fortitude and their love of the game and with the somewhat risky decision made to soldier ahead, the lumps in throats were briefly put aside for the task at hand.

The Elmira OJCT weekend is a multi-day bantam playoff and is a relatively new addition to the circuit which is growing in popularity. Landing in a pool with the home club team (Molenaar) two other rivals (Reimer and Kimele) plus a fourth competitor by the name of Snelgrove meant that Team Clendenan was in for some great curling and remembering that games are played one rock at a time would prove to be key. There were times when the girls were in survival mode and just trying to put one foot in front of the other and there were other glorious moments of brilliance that created enough momentum to chip away at their competitors and move them towards the finals. All of the games were close; often being decided by the last stone but when the dust settled the good guys finally exhaled with a 5-0 record, an event title was not only deserved but it was a reminder of what teams can accomplish when they face tough stuff as a bonded unit.

It’s been said that “Just because the stars can’t be seen during the day doesn’t mean they aren’t there” and it is possible that the dearly departed (self-professed #1 fan) sent a little luck from above when it was really needed. Whether you believe in angels or not, you never really know what you are capable of until you are tested, and without a doubt, Team Clendenan undeniably made everyone proud!

This “W” is for you Gran!