CURLING IS IN HIS BLOOD!
Our grandson, Gavin Rathgaber, has been part of the curling scene since he was 3 months old. His Uncle Brett was one of the entertainers when Balgonie, Sask. hosted the Provincial Scotties in 2013. Gavin sat perched on his uncle’s knee as he rocked it out at the arena. Randy and Shauna Dolter, Gavin’s grandparents, were part of the Host Committee for two Provincial Womens Scotties and a Provincial Men’s Tankard held in Balgonie. Grandad Randy is sort of a local legend himself-holding the title of Iron Man and Two time Super League Champ at the Balgonie Curling rink.
Gavin had patiently waited in the wings for his turn to curl with his family in the Annual Boxing Day Spiel in Indian Head, Sk. He got inspiration from Great-grandad Dolter’s curling broom and plaque displayed at the rink.
In the Winter of 2018, Gavin got a chance for some curling pointers from Grandad Dolter. Crokicurl was set up in Wascana Park in Regina during the Winter Festival. The same year, Regina hosted the 2018 Tim Horton’s Brier. Gavin loved meeeting Stu and the famous Socialbles in the Patch. Gavin even had a chance to try his curling skills while hanging out in the Patch. Uncle Brett and his band, The Rusty Howards, performing in the Patch made the event even more memorable.
Finally, at the ripe age of 6, Gavin was big enough to play in the Annual Boxing Day Spiel. He was part of Grandad’s team along with his mom Melissa, dad Joel and Uncle Brett. Gavin may have needed a steady foot or two behind him when he was in the hack but he was hooked on the game of curling! From then on, Gavin was part of the family team on Boxing Day.
Fast forward to 2024-Gavin was chosen as a “Future Star” at the 2024 Montana Brier held in Regina. He wore his jacket with pride as he walked down the ice with Team Gratten, NB. Gavin chose his grandparents, Randy and Shauna Dolter, as his honourary guests. You can imagine how excited they were to have front row seats at the Brier as they watched Gavin up on the big Jumbotron during the opening ceremonies.
In the fall of 2024, Gavin joined his first Junior curling team. They rotate games between the Callie and Highland Curling Clubs in Regina. Grandad Randy and Uncle Brett curl in the Men’s league at the Highland Curling Club. Grandad was bursting with pride when Gavin spared with his team and held the broom for his shots.
Grandma and Grandad Dolter have travelled far and wide to watch big curling events. Gavin finds inspiration for the his curling journey from his family’s love of the sport of curling. What an absolute dream it would be to win the 2026 Montana’s Brier closing weekend get-away for four!
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