The duo from Minnesota won a silver in mixed doubles curling, the first time Team USA has ever gotten a medal in that event.
“They’re just amazing athletes,” said Todd Birr from Fogerty Arena in Blaine..
The Cory’s Olympic success was joyous news at Fogerty. The curling tandem is part of the venue’s Four Seasons Curling Club.
“Both Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse play here,” Birr said. “Practice here over the years. We’re one of the two clubs in the country that are open year-round. There is the availability of the ice – so they spend a lot of time here.”
According to Birr, they both have solid character.
“Cory and Korey are really great people,” Birr said. They’re just really down-to-earth. They’re happy to help. If someone walks up to them and says hey can I get a few pointers from you, they’ll do that.”
Go-to spot
Fogerty has become a go-to spot for people who play curling.
“We’re 12 years old,” Birr said. “When we were built there was only one curling facility in the Twin Cities. There are now five dedicated facilities in the last 12 years. I think that’s just amazing growth. You’re seeing that nationwide and it’s going to continue.”
When the Winter games are staged, Fogarty gets an Olympic bounce.
Said Birr: “We’re actually seeing a ton of interest.”
Everyone at Fogarty is excited about the arena’s curling connection.
“It’s just another feather in our cap,” Birr said. “We’ve had a lot of top athletes train here over the years. We’re really excited to be able to participate and contribute to the success in USA curling in our own little way.”
There will be live watch parties at Fogerty on Saturday and Sunday at 12 pm for the four-person round robin curling games involving Team USA.
