One Duluthian makes his mark on the 2025 USA Curling National Championships
Duluth played host to the United States Curling National Championships, bringing the best of the best in curling to the Northland.
“We were super excited to do it, to bring it to a city that has a big curling history, a great curling club, and bring it to a state with a curling history,” said CEO of USA Curling, Dean Gemmell.
The weeklong tournament not only brought in top players to Duluth, but the highest level of play for all to see.
“The men’s team that just won, and the same for the women’s team that’s about to play, they’ll go to the World Championship. If they finish sixth or higher, they’re automatically in our Olympic Trials, which are next year in Sioux Falls, South Dakota next November,” said Gemmel.
For USA curler and Duluth resident Korey Dropkin, being able to play front of his own curling community made the championships extra special.
“It’s a blessing to be able to play in front of the Duluth community here, in front of all my friends, my family that showed up. It’s a pretty darn awesome atmosphere here. And, I don’t know, it’s just amazing to have a championship event here,” said Dropkin.
Dropkin moved to Duluth 12 years ago after high school, and felt welcomed from the first moment he stepped into the Duluth Curling Club.
“They kind of took me in wholeheartedly and, you know, made me feel like I was a Duluthian or that I belonged. It was easy to build friendships. It was easy to get practice ice. Everyone was super friendly. The icemakers were great. Honestly, just the whole community here has been super welcoming,” said Dropkin.
Winning a national championship in the home Dropkin built for himself, an extra bonus.
“I’m feeling grateful just to have this opportunity and be here. Kind of at a loss of words, just, you know, I’m so proud of my team for sticking through it this whole week,” said Dropkin.
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