Brian Preiss, a substitute/ agent, releases a stone.
taught us everything, and gave us equipment,” Boyd said. “We also found stones that the Spokane club had in storage, and we bor- rowed those.” The Coeur d’Alene Curling Club started in 2013, and since then, Boyd and other local curlers have tak- en part in tournaments throughout Canada, Washington and Montana as well as hosting local events. A few years ago, the Lilac City Club and the Coeur d’Alene Club merged into one Inland Northwest organization.
Another longtime area curler is Jer Swigart, who grew up playing hockey and then discovered curling in his 20s. “It looked like guys in their 40s mostly standing around,” he said. “I figured that since I was good at cornhole, I’d try it. It also meant that maybe my Olympic hopes and dreams could still be alive.” Originally, he lived in Bend, Ore., but looked for opportunities to curl around the country. Friends who curled in Spokane kept on telling him about the strong curling community here. “I told them, ‘If I ever move to the Spokane area, make sure there’s a spot on a team for me,’” Swigart said. He eventually made the move. In 2024, he and his teammates put
together a Pacific Northwest team to compete nationally. >> Opportunities ahead in 2026 Over the years, curling has waxed and waned in the Inland Northwest. Interest usually jumps during Olympic years, but there is always a core group eager to learn and compete, as well as welcome and teach newcomers. Those interested in checking out curling can visit the club’s website or Facebook page. The club plans to post informa- tion in early 2026 about spring curling. The first session is a chance for anyone to learn the ba- sics, and can be useful for anyone unsure about committing to the full eight-week schedule.
“It’s very addicting,” Boyd said. “It’s really like chess on ice.”
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