UNO’s Curling Club Competes at its First National Championship Tournament

When the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Curling Club took the ice at College Nationals in Schenectady, New York, it marked a milestone three years in the making: the program’s first trip to the national tournament.

In their first appearance, they made it to the quarterfinals, winning two out of their three games over that took place over UNO’s spring break.

The trip to New York was more than a weekend of competition for the team of five. It was a chance to represent UNO, spotlight a club sport on campus with growing popularity, and show that curling is more than an Olympic curiosity that resurfaces every four years.

“It’s really cool to have this opportunity now,” Heger said.

A native of North Dakota, the trip carried extra meaning because he came to UNO after competing in curling back home, where the sport is more popular. Joining a college team that had been “really gearing for nationals,” he said, made the moment feel even bigger — not only for the club, but also for teammates who have never competed on that stage before.

The national tournament included teams from across the country. For UNO’s curling team, which is only three years old, taking part at this level is an incredible accomplishment.

Even more impressive, the team reached nationals while playing primarily on Baxter Arena’s Holland Ice, which is not dedicated to curling. That distinction matters.

Unlike a dedicated curling facility, where the ice is kept perfectly level, Baxter’s surface is also used for hockey and resurfaced by Zambonis, a process that can create subtle unevenness. For a team built in a nontraditional curling environment, adapting quickly was part of the challenge.

Still, Jacobsen saw the trip as a breakthrough moment for the club. Along with nationals, the club has been hosting beginner classes for students to raise interest and hopefully add to their ranks. They raised the point that many college curlers start later in their life, as opposed to many in team sports who play throughout their youth.

“That’s the reason why I’m doing it,” he said. “I go from playing sports all throughout high school, there’s just nothing, and you kind of need somewhere to outlet that competitive energy and be part of a community.”

Heger said that a sense of belonging has become central to the club’s mission. Many students enjoy the sport the first time they try it, and they hope students keep coming back for more lessons as they learn more about the sport.

The team also hopes to change misconceptions about the sport itself. Curling may look lighthearted from the stands, but both players said it is far more technical and physical than many people expect. Sweeping requires strength, communication, and strategy, especially over multiple games.

At the same time, Jacobsen believes curling’s greatest strength is how welcoming it can be.

“It’s one of those sports where you can learn in 15 minutes and play a game in 15 minutes, and it takes a lifetime to master,” he said.

For a club still chasing more competitions, its welcoming nature is helping curling grow at UNO.