College Curling USA


College Curling USA is the governing body of collegiate Curling in the USA. The organization acts as the NCAA does in other college sports — setting game play, eligibility, and organizational rules. College Curling USA is affiliated with United States Curling Association, the organization responsible for organizing Olympic teams.

History

The idea of college curling in the USA began in the late 1980s when the Illinois State Curling Foundation began to look into college curling, filling a gap between junior and adult curling levels. The ISCF, along with curling clubs, began promoting the idea of curling to schools. National Tournament began in the early 1990s with only a few schools in Northern Illinois and Wisconsin. Since then, has boomed to more than 40 schools- mostly in the Northern tier of the US and Northeast US. New Programs are starting all over the US as new clubs are being established.
The Mission of the USA Curling College Championship is to promote the growth of college curling through the establishment of a national championship that encourages and rewards curlers attending a college or university who compete against their peers at other academic institutions throughout the school year
The Goal of the USA Curling College Championship is the promotion and development of on campus curling clubs and curling activities. While many college/university campuses have curlers who participate in curling activities at nearby community curling clubs, few have formally organized into campus clubs. There are many advantages to being a recognized on campus club including added student body exposure to curling activities and access to student organization funds that may help defray the costs of curling activities.
In the 2012-13 season, more than 200 curlers from 36 colleges or universities participated in College Curling USA sanctioned events.
For the 2014 Curling College Championship held in Blaine, MN, Taco Bell became an official corporate sponsor.

Format

College teams compete in regional categories:
Until 2013 the regions were:
For the 2013 and 2014 championships, the regions were:
Since 2014, the regions have been:
Invitations to the National Championship are awarded based on accumulated 'merit points'. Points are primarily earned by hosting and/or competing in a collegiate bonspiel. Points can also be collected through non bonspiel intercollegiate play or, for region 5 teams only, through other bonspiels and leagues. Team members must be members of the USCA in order to earn points.
At least one school from each region receives an invitation to the national tournament.
The national tournament is typically held in March.

Competing schools (not all are currently active)

The 2014 College Championship was the first to be officially recognized by the USCA.
The first place teams in each division:
The first place teams in each division
The first place teams in each division
The 2008 College Curling National Bonspiel was held in Chicago, IL in March at the Northshore Curling Club and Chicago Curling Club. 34 teams participated this year separated into 4 divisions separated by combined years of experience.
The first place teams in each division