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Curling reigns

Accomplished curlers Darryl and Kate Horne are as dedicated to each other as they are to the sport of curling, itself.
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Dedication: Curling is central to the lives of Darryl and Kate Horne and they encourage others to try the sport they love.

Accomplished curlers Darryl and Kate Horne are as dedicated to each other as they are to the sport of curling, itself. In fact, their combined curling accomplishments and contributions as players, volunteers and coaches are too numerous to list.

The couple, who have been married for 35 years, have been to countless high-level competitions, from local to Olympic-level. Along with playing the game, the Horne’s enjoy volunteering and coaching all levels of curlers, from recreational to Olympic, junior to senior.

The active semi-retired couple agree that curling is a game for life. Indeed, the sport has filled many years of their lives with happy memories.

“It’s a sport for all ages, all levels. It’s a great game,” says Kate (formerly Kato), who as a young “basketball crazy” Jewels player growing up in Salmon Arm, thought curling was “boring.” Kate chuckles when she recalls that now.

After meeting Darryl at the University of Alberta, Kate began curling in her early 20s, soon advancing from recreational to competitive curling, even going to the nationals as a rookie player.

“We had no idea what an honour it was,” laughed Kate, who has since been to many prestigious regional, national and world competitions in both women’s and mixed leagues.

The Hornes have two grown daughters. They lived in Alberta until 2009, when they moved back to Salmon Arm, Kate’s hometown.

Now, Kate curls on a local senior women’s team with Olympian Sandra Jenkins.

Kate began coaching last year, taking a high school boys’ team to the 2012 provincials.

“It’s hard to be sitting on the other side of the glass,” chuckled Kate, who describes her love for “bringing the game to others, no matter what level they are at.”

Constant boosters for the Salmon Arm Curling Club, Kate encourages people to try the sport – simply call the club for information.

The Horne’s started an inter-city Okanagan junior league about three seasons ago that has grown to include 18 teams from across the Thompson, Okanagan and Shuswap regions.

Darryl, who was sidelined as a player due to numerous back surgeries, has dedicated himself to coaching, something he does every month of the year, even going on-ice in July.

“I never really have time off,” says Darryl. “I’ll drive to Edmonton where the team practices, for ice time.”

Coaching, said Darryl, “is a way to stay involved in the game.”

Darryl, who comes from a curling family, coached Alberta’s Nedohin Team to bronze at the 2012 World Women’s Curling Championships.

Despite moving to the Shuswap, Darryl continues to coach Team Nedohin, who qualified for the November 2014 Olympic trials. Team Nedohin also has direct entry into the 2013 Scotties to be held in Kingston, Ont.

Team Nedohin, said Darryl, is aiming for 2014 Winter Olympics gold.

When asked what he loves about curling, Darryl’s answer echoes Kate’s.

“It’s a lifetime sport. Kids can curl from age five to...We have members in Salmon Arm who are over 90. You can curl at any level, socially or competitively.”

Darryl enjoys the challenge of coaching.

“There’s a lot to it: strategy, people management, logistics, sports psychology. You never quit learning.”

As the couple recall many curling activities and accomplishments, it’s clear that the awards are not why they compete and coach. Their combined love for the game can be heard in their voices. Clearly, they deeply love the sport and sharing it with other people, as much as they love one another.

“Darryl’s my best friend,” said Kate fondly. “Curling is something we share together.”