APPLETON, Wis. - Participation in the year-round sport of curling picks up every winter in Wisconsin, thanks to places like the Appleton Curling Club. Curling originated in Scotland. Curling is a team sport, played on ice, where two teams take turns sliding stones toward the center of a 12-foot-wide scoring circle.
Greg Johnson is a member of the Appleton Curling Club. He’s been curling for most of his life. “It was the first love of my life,” said Johnson. “I’ve curled with my brother since I was 14 years old. In fact, he drives from Waupaca to curl with me every Monday night here. When I was curling competitively, when we won the national championship, there were like seven people in the curling club watching us play,” said Johnson.
Kendall Behm is also a member of the Appleton Curling Club and a national curling champion. “There are people from all different walks of life doing the same as the young people,” Behm. “Some older people, you’re going to see families belong together for multiple generations. The building that houses the Appleton Curling Club was built over 60 years ago.”
“But the cost can be astronomical,” said Johnson. He said the building may be old, but that’s part of the charm. “Curling is very sociable, and all curlers are friendly and nice. Like, if you are a curler, it doesn't matter whether you're in Appleton, Wisconsin, or whether you're in California or New York or anywhere in between," said Johnson.
Why Appleton Curling Club Matters
The Appleton Curling Club demonstrates how curling brings people together across generations and backgrounds. From family involvement to lifelong friendships, the club embodies the sociable spirit of the sport. The century-old tradition of curling, grounded in teamwork and precision, continues to attract new players while honoring its regional roots in Wisconsin.
Community, Tradition, and Accessibility
Although the club building is more than 60 years old, its charm lies in its history and continued relevance. The sport’s accessibility allows participants to learn, compete, and socialize in a welcoming environment. Members like Johnson and Behm highlight that curling’s appeal lies not only in competition but in shared experiences that connect families and friends across generations.
As curling grows in popularity, the Appleton Curling Club remains a focal point for winter recreation in the region. Its legacy is kept alive by dedicated members who balance competitive aspirations with a strong sense of community and hospitality.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Curling originated in Scotland |
| Game basics | Two teams slide stones toward a center scoring circle on ice |
| Community | Generational participation; inclusivity across ages |
| Club building | Over 60 years old; charm in historic structure |