Watch out for U.S. curlers

The U.S. women’s curling team doesn’t have an endless pipeline of players, like Canada. It lacks the Olympic success of Sweden and Switzerland. Its training facilities are limited, making quick jaunts to Canada and long trips to Europe a monthly ritual.

All signs indicate the Americans shouldn’t be winning. Yet they’re doing just that, on the international stage, against the world’s top teams, in a tune-up for the Olympics.

Two-time Olympian Debbie McCormick, the skip of a resilient rink that has claimed the past four national titles, led the U.S. to a victory Sunday at a World Curling Tour event in Ontario and two top-four finishes last month in Switzerland.

It’s a great way to build momentum for the 2010 Vancouver Games, where Canada hopes to return atop the podium for the first time since 1998, when curling was brought back as an Olympic sport. Sweden is the defending Olympic champion, while Switzerland carries the bitter taste of back-to-back silver medals.

The U.S. took eighth in 2006 behind Cassandra Johnson, losing ground from 2002, when it finished fourth, and 1998, when it was fifth. Since then, McCormick has spearheaded a turnaround, with a refined strategy, better communication and enhanced teamwork.

“We’ve been improving,” McCormick said. “I’m happy about where we are, and I know we’re going to continue to work hard.”

Wrestlers on mat
Olympic Training Center wrestlers Bryce Hasseman and Stephany Lee won Saturday at the Hargobind International in Surrey, British Columbia. Other OTC residents in action — Lindsey Durlacher at a dual Friday in Long Branch, N.J., and Andy Hrovat on Sunday at the Chicago Cup. Hasseman competes Wednesday at a dual in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

Skaters in action
Broadmoor Skating Club ice dancers Jane Summersett and Todd Gilles took 10th Sunday at the NHK Trophy in Nagano, Japan. Broadmoor members Ryan Bradley, Rachael Flatt, Alexe Gilles and Brandon Mroz start action Friday at Skate America in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Etc.
OTC judo player Jacob Larsen suffered a first-round loss Sunday at the Finnish Open in Vantaa. … OTC bobsledder Steven Holcomb starts competition Friday at a World Cup in Park City, Utah. … Sand Creek High School sophomore Taylor Proctor departs Saturday for the Silesia Cup, a junior handball tournament in Szczyrk, Poland. … Brian Fleischmann leads five Colorado Springs triathletes Saturday at the Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Fla. … Jim Johnson replaced Pam Hixon as USA Field Hockey chairman. … USA Boxing named Ed Weichers volunteer national coach. … U.S. Olympic Committee chairman Larry Probst was appointed a provisional member of the Pan American Sports Organization. … A USA Cycling promoters’ summit begins Friday in Colorado Springs.