Despite not reaching the result Team Chyz hoped for during the recent Alberta Scotties Tournament of Hearts provincials event, the rink overall had a good season, said former Sundre curler Rebecca Konschuh.
Despite not reaching the result Team Chyz hoped for during the recent Alberta Scotties Tournament of Hearts provincials event, the rink overall had a good season, said former Sundre curler Rebecca Konschuh.
"This was the first year all four of us played together," she told the Round Up during a phone interview last week.
Even so, the team — comprised of skip Nadine Chyz, second Konschuh, third Heather Jensen as well as lead Heather Rogers — seemed to work well together from the beginning, going on to compete in numerous World Curling Tour events and even finishing in first place several times.
Their season was so successful that Team Chyz got a bye for provincials and did not have to qualify through playdowns, said mom Bev Konschuh.
"They advanced on tour points," she said.
After starting the season ranked 44th in the World Curling Tour, the rink climbed a long way up to finish in 17th place. Team Chyz reached a lot of their goals this year, short of making it through to the championship rounds at provincials, she said.
Provincials were held Jan. 25-29 in St. Albert. Team Chyz played a total of five games, winning two and losing three.
"We did the best we could, but it wasn't in the cards for us," said Rebecca, adding they played against some top teams.
The former Sundre High School student who graduated in 2011 has since obtained a business degree and now works in Cochrane. Yet she remains passionate and committed to curling, which she discovered about 12 years ago through her parents and the local curling club.
"Ever since I started, the members at the club — and the community of Sundre — have always supported what I'm doing. The well wishes they offer is always super supportive when I'm going to competitions."
Additionally, Rebecca said she would not be able to continue curling at her level without the support of about half a dozen sponsors.
"We wouldn't be able to do what we do without our sponsors."
There are but two World Curling Tour events left this season, but those bonspiels are by invitation only, so unless Team Chyz receives an invite, their season is over, she said.
But Rebecca is already looking forward to getting back on the sheets again and said she plans to continue playing with her new team for the foreseeable future. Looking further down the proverbial road, she has every intention of remaining an active recreational curler.
"The beauty of the sport is you can play it until you're 80!"
