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Klobuchar Congratulates 2006 Men's Olympic Curling Team from Minnesota

Minnesotans honored as 2006 Team of the Year for winning first Olympic medal for U.S. Curling

May 3, 2007

(Washington, D.C.) Today U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar met with the 2006 U.S. Men's Olympic Curling Team at a ceremony honoring them as the U.S. Olympic Committee's (USOC) 2006 Team of the Year. The team, comprised of all Minnesotans, entered the world spotlight during the 2006 Winter Games with its best finish ever, securing the bronze medal and the first Olympic medal ever for U.S. curling. Last fall, Klobuchar visited the Bemidji Curling Club where the team practiced.

"To say that I am honored this team comes from my home state would be an understatement. I am humbled by their achievement," commented Klobuchar. "Today is about the hard work and dedication this team had to win the United States' first medal in curling. It wasn't just their outstanding performance that was so captivating—it was the spirit and energy they brought to the sport."

This is the first time the sport of curling has been selected as the USOC's Team of the Year. The team members include: Pete Fenson (Bemidji); Shawn Rojeski (Chisholm); Joe Polo (Bemidji); John Shuster (Chisholm); and Scott Baird (Bemidji).

Shawn Rojeski commented on the award stating, "There are numerous teams that are as deserving, and it really surprised us to come out here and get presented with the award and have a Senator from our own state come by to see us. This day makes our Olympic experience that much more memorable."

"We worked really hard, and we always to do as well as we can when we compete. To win this type of award really says a lot about what we've done," said Joe Polo. "It is a great honor to be out here and be honored the same day as all these other great athletes."

Today's ceremony capped a year of notable finishes for the team which included, gold at the 2006 U.S. National Championships, fourth at the 2006 World Curling Championships, quarterfinalist at the World Curling Tour Players' Championship, gold at the Korbel Cashspiel (World Curling Tour) and silver at the Strauss Crown of Curling (World Curling Tour). The team was also named USA Curling's team of the year.

The USOC awards ceremony was held as part of National Olympic Week and also honored the Paralympian of the Year, Jessica Long; Sportsman of the Year, Joey Cheek; and Sportswoman of the Year, Hannah Teter.

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