Paul Pustovar
Encyclopedia
Paul Pustovar (born December 17, 1951 in Chisholm, Minnesota
) is an American
curler from Hibbing, Minnesota
. He is one of the most prolific curlers from the United States, with over thirty years of experience under his belt. He has earned two bronze medals at the World Curling Championships
and has earned five gold medals, four silver medals, and one bronze medal in the twenty-two national championships that he has participated in. He is also the former world senior champion
.
and earned his bachelor's degree in education. He earned his master's degree from Mankato State University in curriculum and instruction. After college, he taught a biology course at the Hibbing Community College
and created and taught a curling course at the community college.
, where the Americans placed fourth. Pustovar was named the All-Star Vice Skip at the 1977 Air Canada Silver Broom. He continued to be a major force in Minnesota, winning the state championships in 1980, 1982, and 1987. He became the national champion in 1980 and finished fourth in the 1980
World Championship. He made appearances at the 1985 United States Mixed Nationals and the 1982 and 1987 United States National Championships.
and won, among others, the St. Paul Cash Spiel
in 2003 and 2005 and the Duluth Cash Spiel in 2005. He continued to participate in the United States National Championships, finishing in the semifinals in 1990, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, and 2001 and finishing as runner-up in 1992, 1995, and 2000. He won the championship in 1991 and 2002, and placed third and fourth, respectively. He and his team participated in the inaugural
Continental Cup of Curling
and helped North America defeat Europe by a small margin. He and his team also participated in the 2001 United States Olympic Curling Trials
, but failed to win the trials. He also represented the United States at the Karuizawa International Curling Championship
, where he won the bonspiel title.
. He medalled in both years, earning a silver medal after a loss to Canada in 2009 and earning a gold medal after a win over Canada in 2010. Pustovar continued to participate in national events as well. He participated in the 2006 and 2007 national championships, but was not as successful as in previous years, placing 7th and 6th, respectively. He participated in the 2010 Olympic Trials
with Todd Birr
, but did not get a chance to represent the United States, finishing third. He also participated in the 2010 national championships
. In 2011, he teamed up with Matt Hamilton in an attempt to win the nationals. He and his team participated in the Medford Qualifier and finished sixth, barely earning a spot in the Challenge Round. There, he and his team finished third, earning them a berth in the nationals. However, Pustovar was not able to participate in the nationals, so he sat out as the alternate while Hamilton took over skipping duties. They finished seventh with a 3–6 win-loss record.
rink at the 2007 Ford World Men's Curling Championship
, where the United States won a bronze medal.
. He is married to Carole and has two sons, Scott and Ryan, and three grandchildren, Alex, Taylor, and Tanner. Pustovar is an avid bicycler and has led bicycle tours in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He also enjoys fishing and traveling.
Chisholm, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,960 people, 2,178 households, and 1,287 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,129 people per square mile . There were 2,375 housing units at an average density of 540/sq mi...
) is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
curler from Hibbing, Minnesota
Hibbing, Minnesota
Hibbing is a city in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 16,361 at the 2010 census. The city was built on the rich iron ore of the Mesabi Iron Range. At the edge of town is the largest open-pit iron mine in the world. U.S...
. He is one of the most prolific curlers from the United States, with over thirty years of experience under his belt. He has earned two bronze medals at the World Curling Championships
World Curling Championships
The World Curling Championships are annual curling events which showcase the world's best curlers, organized by the World Curling Federation. There are men's, women's and mixed championships. The men's championship started in 1959, while the women's in 1979...
and has earned five gold medals, four silver medals, and one bronze medal in the twenty-two national championships that he has participated in. He is also the former world senior champion
World Senior Curling Championships
The World Senior Curling Championships is an annual curling tournament featuring curlers from around the world who are at least 50 years old. Senior curling is quite similar to curling, with the exception of having only 8 ends played instead of 10....
.
Early Life
Pustovar studied at the University of Minnesota DuluthUniversity of Minnesota Duluth
The University of Minnesota Duluth is a regional branch of the University of Minnesota system located in Duluth, Minnesota, USA. As Duluth's public research university, UMD offers 13 bachelor's degrees in 74 majors, graduate programs in 24 different fields, a two-year program at the School of...
and earned his bachelor's degree in education. He earned his master's degree from Mankato State University in curriculum and instruction. After college, he taught a biology course at the Hibbing Community College
Hibbing Community College
Hibbing Community College is a Community College located in Hibbing, Minnesota. It was founded in 1916 and has undergone several transformations. Originally housed in the historic Hibbing High School, it moved into its own campus in 1969....
and created and taught a curling course at the community college.
1970s-1980s
Pustovar began curling in 1969. As third under Bruce Roberts he became the Minnesota state men's champion in 1977, and went on to win the nationals and earn a spot in the 1977 Air Canada Silver Broom1977 Air Canada Silver Broom
The 1977 Air Canada Silver Broom was held at the Färjestads Ishall in Karlstad, Sweden from March 28 - April 3, 1977.-Teams:-Round Robin Standings:-Draw 1:-Draw 2:-Draw 3:-Draw 4:-Draw 5:-Draw 6:-Draw 7:...
, where the Americans placed fourth. Pustovar was named the All-Star Vice Skip at the 1977 Air Canada Silver Broom. He continued to be a major force in Minnesota, winning the state championships in 1980, 1982, and 1987. He became the national champion in 1980 and finished fourth in the 1980
1980 Air Canada Silver Broom
The 1980 Air Canada Silver Broom, the men's world curling championship, was held from March 24-29 at the Moncton Coliseum in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.-Teams:-Round Robin Standings:-Draw 1:-Draw 2:-Draw 3:-Draw 4:-Draw 5:...
World Championship. He made appearances at the 1985 United States Mixed Nationals and the 1982 and 1987 United States National Championships.
1990s-2005
Pustovar continued his success in curling through the end of the century. He participated in various national and international events and won many of those events. He was the Wisconsin state men's champion in 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, and 2001. He earned various trophies, including the Remo Trophy in 1991, the Wettinger Nokia Trophy in 1994 and 1996, and the Movado Trophy in 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2003. In the 2000–01 curling season, he won eight events, which was a major achievement for him. He participated in the World Curling TourWorld Curling Tour
The Asham World Curling Tour is a group of curling bonspiels featuring the best male curlers in the world. A Women's World Curling Tour also exists....
and won, among others, the St. Paul Cash Spiel
St. Paul Cash Spiel
The St. Paul Cash Spiel is an annual bonspiel, or curling tournament, that takes place at the St. Paul Curling Club in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is part of the World Curling Tour. The bonspiel takes place during the 6th/7th week of the Tour. In the past, the event has been held using a triple...
in 2003 and 2005 and the Duluth Cash Spiel in 2005. He continued to participate in the United States National Championships, finishing in the semifinals in 1990, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, and 2001 and finishing as runner-up in 1992, 1995, and 2000. He won the championship in 1991 and 2002, and placed third and fourth, respectively. He and his team participated in the inaugural
2002 Continental Cup of Curling
The Keg 2002 Continental Cup of Curling was held at the Agridome in Regina, Saskatchewan November 7-10. It was the very first edition of the event. North America defeated their European counterparts 207-193. Despite the fact that all the teams were from Europe, North America's opposition was known...
Continental Cup of Curling
Continental Cup of Curling
The Continental Cup of Curling is a curling tournament held annually between teams from North America against teams from the rest of the world. Each side is represented by six teams , and compete using a unique points system. The tournament is modeled after golf's Ryder Cup...
and helped North America defeat Europe by a small margin. He and his team also participated in the 2001 United States Olympic Curling Trials
United States Olympic Curling Trials
The United States Olympic Curling Trials take place to decide the curling team to represent the United States at each Winter Olympics.-Men:-Women:...
, but failed to win the trials. He also represented the United States at the Karuizawa International Curling Championship
Karuizawa International Curling Championship
The Karuizawa International Curling Championship is a curling bonspiel held annually since the Olympic Games in Nagano at the SCAP Karuizawa Arena in Kariuzawa, Japan. The bonspiel is held to commemorate the curling event at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, the first official curling event in the Olympic...
, where he won the bonspiel title.
2006-present
In 2006, Pustovar turned 50 and was allowed to participate in senior curling events. He has participated in every senior national championships since 2005, winning in 2009 and 2010 and earning a spot in the World Senior Curling ChampionshipsWorld Senior Curling Championships
The World Senior Curling Championships is an annual curling tournament featuring curlers from around the world who are at least 50 years old. Senior curling is quite similar to curling, with the exception of having only 8 ends played instead of 10....
. He medalled in both years, earning a silver medal after a loss to Canada in 2009 and earning a gold medal after a win over Canada in 2010. Pustovar continued to participate in national events as well. He participated in the 2006 and 2007 national championships, but was not as successful as in previous years, placing 7th and 6th, respectively. He participated in the 2010 Olympic Trials
2010 United States Olympic Curling Trials
The 2010 United States Olympic Curling Team Trials/2009 U.S. Nationals were held February 21-28, 2009 at the Broomfield Event Center in Broomfield, Colorado...
with Todd Birr
Todd Birr
Todd Birr is an American curler.Birr relatively came out of nowhere when he skipped his team to a victory at the 2007 United States Curling Men's Championships beating out such teams as Olympic bronze medalist Pete Fenson and former national champion Jason Larway in the process...
, but did not get a chance to represent the United States, finishing third. He also participated in the 2010 national championships
2010 United States Men's Curling Championship
The 2010 United States Curling Men's Championships were held in Kalamazoo, Michigan from March 6 to March 13, 2010. The 54th edition of the United States Curling Men's Championships, it was held alongside the 2010 Women's Nationals. Teams could qualify through three different methods. John...
. In 2011, he teamed up with Matt Hamilton in an attempt to win the nationals. He and his team participated in the Medford Qualifier and finished sixth, barely earning a spot in the Challenge Round. There, he and his team finished third, earning them a berth in the nationals. However, Pustovar was not able to participate in the nationals, so he sat out as the alternate while Hamilton took over skipping duties. They finished seventh with a 3–6 win-loss record.
Coaching Career
Pustovar is a certified Level II curling instructor and coach. He has coached many curling teams throughout his career, including the 1979 Minnesota Junior Men's Champions at the Junior National Championships. He was the coach of the Todd BirrTodd Birr
Todd Birr is an American curler.Birr relatively came out of nowhere when he skipped his team to a victory at the 2007 United States Curling Men's Championships beating out such teams as Olympic bronze medalist Pete Fenson and former national champion Jason Larway in the process...
rink at the 2007 Ford World Men's Curling Championship
2007 Ford World Men's Curling Championship
-Draw 2:March 31, 18:00-Draw 3:April 1, 08:30-Draw 4:April 1, 13:00-Draw 5:April 1, 19:30-Draw 6:April 2, 08:30-Draw 7:April 2, 13:00-Draw 8:April 2, 18:00-Draw 9:April 3, 08:30...
, where the United States won a bronze medal.
Personal Life
Pustovar is a self-employed insurance agent with Country Financial Insurance ServicesCOUNTRY Financial
Country Financial is a group of US insurance and financial services companies. Its corporate headquarters are in Bloomington, Illinois.-History:...
. He is married to Carole and has two sons, Scott and Ryan, and three grandchildren, Alex, Taylor, and Tanner. Pustovar is an avid bicycler and has led bicycle tours in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He also enjoys fishing and traveling.
Teammates
| Season | Skip | Third | Second | Lead | Alternate | Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976–77 | Bruce Roberts | Paul Pustovar | Jerry Scott | Gary Kleffman | 1977 USNCC, WMCC 1977 Air Canada Silver Broom The 1977 Air Canada Silver Broom was held at the Färjestads Ishall in Karlstad, Sweden from March 28 - April 3, 1977.-Teams:-Round Robin Standings:-Draw 1:-Draw 2:-Draw 3:-Draw 4:-Draw 5:-Draw 6:-Draw 7:... |
|
| 1979–80 | Paul Pustovar | John Jankila | Gary Kleffman | Jerry Scott | 1980 USNCC, WMCC 1980 Air Canada Silver Broom The 1980 Air Canada Silver Broom, the men's world curling championship, was held from March 24-29 at the Moncton Coliseum in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.-Teams:-Round Robin Standings:-Draw 1:-Draw 2:-Draw 3:-Draw 4:-Draw 5:... |
|
| 1990–91 | Steve Brown | Paul Pustovar | George Godfrey | Wally Henry | Mike Fraboni | 1991 USNCC, WMCC 1991 Canada Safeway World Men's Curling Championship -Semifinals:-Final:... |
| 1996–97 | Steve Brown | Dave Violette | Richard Maskel | Paul Pustovar | ||
| 1997–98 | Paul Pustovar | Dave Violette | Greg Wilson | Cory Ward | Shawn Rojeski Shawn Rojeski Shawn Rojeski is an American curler from Chisholm, Minnesota and Olympic medalist. He was born and raised in Biwabik, Minnesota and attended Mesabi East High School. Under skip Pete Fenson, he received a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, playing as the third... |
1998 USNCC, WMCC 1998 Ford World Men's Curling Championship -Tie breaker:-Brackets:-Final:... |
| 1998–99 | Paul Pustovar | Dave Violette | Greg Wilson | Mike Peplinski | ||
| 1999–00 | Paul Pustovar | Dave Violette | Mike Peplinski | Cory Ward | ||
| 2001–02 | Paul Pustovar | Mike Fraboni | Geoff Goodland | Richard Maskel | 2002 USNCC | |
| 2008–09 | Paul Pustovar | Brian Simonson | Tom Harms | Don Mohawk | 2009 WSCC World Senior Curling Championships The World Senior Curling Championships is an annual curling tournament featuring curlers from around the world who are at least 50 years old. Senior curling is quite similar to curling, with the exception of having only 8 ends played instead of 10.... |
|
| 2009–10 | Paul Pustovar | Brian Simonson | Tom Harms | Don Mohawk | 2010 WSCC 2010 World Senior Curling Championships The 2010 World Senior Curling Championships were held April 18-24, 2010 at the Ural Lightning Ice Palace in Chelyabinsk, Russia. They were held in conjunction with the 2010 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship... |
|
| 2010–11 | Paul Pustovar | Jeremy Roe | Matt Hamilton | Patrick Roe | 2011 USNCC 2011 United States Men's Curling Championship -Draw 2:Sunday, February 13, 12:00 pm-Draw 3:Sunday, February 13, 8:00 pm-Draw 4:Monday, February 14, 12:00 pm-Draw 5:Monday, February 14, 8:00 pm-Draw 6:Tuesday, February 15, 2:30 pm-Draw 7:... |
|
| 2011–12 | Paul Pustovar | Nick Myers | Andy Jukich | Jeff Puleo |
Awards and Honors
- United States Curling AssociationUnited States Curling AssociationThe United States Curling Association is the national governing body of the sport of curling in the United States. The goal of the USCA is to grow the sport of curling in the United States and win medals in competitions both domestic and abroad. Curling’s recent popularity has swelled the USCA to...
and United States Olympic CommitteeUnited States Olympic CommitteeThe United States Olympic Committee is a non-profit organization that serves as the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States and coordinates the relationship between the United States Anti-Doping Agency and the World Anti-Doping Agency and various...
Male Curling Athlete of the Year: 2002, 1998 - United States Olympic Committee's Team of the Month: April 2010
- Inducted into the United States Curling Hall of Fame in 2009