USA Curling Men’s & Women’s National Championships Notebook

Note: USA Curling Men’s & Women’s National Championships Notebook is powered by Perrault Construction, the trusted roofing, siding and window company in Duluth.

Tickets are now available for the USA Curling Men’s & Women’s National Championships at Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center on January 27-February 2. The winners will represent the United States at the 2025 World Men’s and World Women’s Championships and will earn a berth in the 2026 Olympic Team Trials if they finish sixth or higher at those events.

“I’m so excited to finally get a chance to compete for a National Championship in Duluth," said Duluth native and Olympic Gold medalist John Shuster. "I know the history of curling in the DECC Arena and look forward to trying to add our team to that history. In addition to our team, there will be a lot of Duluth-based talent on the ice. It should be an amazing atmosphere both on and off the ice."

Team Shuster (John Shuster, Chris Plys, Colin Hufman, Matt Hamilton, John Landsteiner) is the defending men’s champion, while Team Peterson (Tabitha Peterson, Cory Thiesse, Vicky Persinger, Tara Peterson, Taylor Anderson-Heide) will look to capture the title they won in 2024.

Thiesse, a Duluth native, expressed her excitement about playing in her hometown: "We've had the good fortune to curl all over the country and around the world, but competing for a national title right here at home is something I have always wanted to do. I’m very excited for the opportunity.”

Thiesse also won the 2023 World Mixed Doubles Championship with Korey Dropkin, a UMD graduate who lives in Duluth. Dropkin led his four-person team (Korey Dropkin, Andrew Stopera, Mark Fenner, Thomas Howell) at the Nationals. They finished second to Team Shuster in 2024.

Duluth-based Team Benson (Aileen Geving, Courtney Benson, Lexi Daly, Sara Olson) earned their berth in the nationals at a qualifier event held last week in Saint Paul. They all bring strong curling resumes and extensive national championship experience.

“Not only will this event celebrate Duluth and its rich curling history, we’re working with the Minnesota Curling Association to make this a true Minnesota moment," said USA Curling CEO Dean Gemmell. "Fans throughout the state will join the many enthusiasts from across the country who travel to see our nation’s best compete. We’re excited to make Duluth the focus of sports fans and the curling community.”

Women’s Teams

Team Peterson— Tabitha Peterson, Cory Thiesse, Vicky Persinger, Tara Peterson, Taylor Anderson-Heide

Team Giroux— Allie Giroux, Tessa Thurlow, Ella Fleming, Brooke Giroux Team Strouse— Delaney Strouse, Sarah Anderson, Sydney Mullaney, Anne O’Hara

Team McMakin— Christine McMakin, Miranda Scheel, Jenna Burchesky, Rebecca Rodgers

Team Benson— Courtney Benson, Aileen Geving, Lexi Daly, Sara Olson

Team Cousins— Elizabeth Cousins, Annmarie Dubberstein, Allison Howell, Liz Janiak

Men’s Teams

Team Shuster— John Shuster, Chris Plys, Colin Hufman, Matt Hamilton, John Landsteiner

Team Wendling— Wes Wendling, Daniel Laufer, Nicholas Cenzalli, Shaheen Bassiri, Dylan Ciapka

Team Dropkin— Korey Dropkin, Andrew Stopera, Mark Fenner, Thomas Howell

Team Casper— Daniel Casper, Luc Violette, Ben Richardson, Aidan Oldenburg

Team Dunnam— Scott Dunnam, Cody Clouser, Lance Wheeler, Andy Dunnam

Team Sinnett— Chase Sinnett, Sam Strouse, Kevin Tuma, Connor Kauffman

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