UW Gazette, January 24, 1996
     
     "More people watch curling on TV than any other
sporting event," Patti Cook claims, and she's hoping that
widespread interest will translate into active participation
on the ice on March 9.
     Cook is among the organizers of this year's Hagey
Bonspiel - a traditional UW event, mostly for faculty and
staff, that skipped a year in 1995 but is back in 1996
promising "an inexpensive day full of laughter and fun".
     Cook notes that the bonspiel is "not intended as a
competition but as an event for the beginner or experienced
curler - a great way to meet faculty and staff from across
campus in a social atmosphere.
     "Now not only can you watch a terrific sport but you
can come out and try it - get some exercise and enjoy the
camaraderie.É You can invite your friends or family!"
     Cook, who is UW's waste management coordinator, is on
an organizing committee that also includes her husband,
Steve, of UW's purchasing department, as well as half a
dozen other enthusiasts. And more participants are welcome
as they help get the event together.
     The bonspiel "is a 26-year UW curling tradition", Cook
and Cook point out, and "has a prize for everyone", not to
mention the food. The $32-per-person fee includes both lunch
and a roast-beef dinner, as well as two 6-end games, each
running about an hour and a half. Between games there's time
for chat and card-playing, and the bar will be open.
     A $20 price is available for those who can't stay for
dinner, and there are extra dinner tickets at $16.
     Altogether the day runs from 9 a.m. to about 7 p.m. on
Saturday, March 9, at the Ayr Curling Club.
     "Brooms are supplied," organizers note. "Just dress
warmly and wear soft-soled shoes.
     "Team entries are not permitted - you will have
different teammates for each game but have the option of
choosing a teammate for each game."
     Meredith McGinnis in the development office (phone
ext. 2562) is accepting registrations now.