Warren Hansen loves curling. Growing up in Namao, Alberta, it was a passion rivaled only by football. Warren played and coached for several years with the Edmonton Huskies of the Canadian Junior Football league, but eventually curling took centre stage. It became more than just a seasonal endeavour as a player, it became a path for his life's purpose. From Brier winner with Hector Gervais, to coaching, event management, media relations and Olympic training and development, Warren has covered it all. Frustration with his experience at the 1974 World's along with a constant rejection of new ideas (such as pre-game practice, uniforms and officiating) drove him to help transform an eccentric winter pastime into an Olympic medal sport that could be respected and admired by a wider audience.
In Part 1, Warren shares his thoughts on Hector Gervais and the circumstances that moved him from a player to a builder. He'll explain why, in the early days of teaching, flat foot was promoted over the tuck slide. He'll provide an insiders view into the 1980 Labatt Brier and the transition from its original sponsor, the Macdonald Tobacco Company.
For more information on Warren Hansen, "The Brier" by Bob Weeks is essential, along with Jean Sonmor's "Burned by the Rock". Warren authored his own book, "Curling: The History, The Players, The Game" in 1999. You can also check out Warren's interview with Gerry Geurts from a few years back.
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