From Waukesha to Nationals: Local curler rides Olympic buzz to big stage
CBS 58 HARTLAND, Wis. (CBS 58) - Earlier this week in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the United States won silver in mixed doubles curling, while the men’s and women’s teams continue vying for medals. That Olympic success is sparking excitement in our own backyard.
By day, Wes Cuomo works in logistics at Evans Transportation. By night, he’s on the ice.
“Curling is a big part of my life and I’m so excited to be representing Wisconsin,” he said.
Cuomo, a Waukesha native, recently won the Wisconsin State Curling Championship and is now heading to the U.S. Curling Club National Championships.
His love for the sport has been building since 2011, when he first discovered curling after watching a family friend compete. Not long after, he and his dad spotted a sign for an open house at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club.
“We were driving and saw a sign for an open house and we’re like there’s our chance let’s try it out,” he said.
That chance turned into a lifelong passion. Even when Cuomo moved to Colorado, he continued developing his skills on the ice. Three years ago, he returned home to Wisconsin and quickly rejoined the local curling community.
“Watching the Olympics the last couple days has been awesome there’s certainly a buzz about curling right now,” he said.
In January, that hard work paid off. Cuomo and his team captured the state title, punching their ticket to nationals.
“I was ecstatic. I was on cloud nine,” he said. “We have been working really hard practicing often and I’m really proud of the team for coming together we put together great ends. It means so much to me to be able to represent Wisconsin.”
For Cuomo, curling is about more than competition.
“It brings people together and it’s really fun to compete and make new friends on the ice,” he said.
He says the sport is also about focus.
“It’s easy to get in your head and be worried about the last shot you missed but it’s so important to stay dialed in and focused and take it one shot at a time,” he said.
As he prepares for nationals, Cuomo hopes his journey encourages young athletes to pursue their passions.
“I really enjoy working with younger athletes, coaching them, mentoring them and working with them,” he said. “I truly believe if you’re dedicated enough and stick to any passion, sky’s the limit.”
