Mark Kerkowich is a true sports fanatic, living and breathing every moment of action!
Seven years ago, he picked up curling and joined a men's league team with three of his best friends in his hometown of Neepawa. Little did Mark know, that decision would set off a wild ride leading to the biggest stage in Manitoba curling.
When Neepawa hosted the West qualifier for the Viterra Championships – Manitoba's premier men's curling event – Mark had an idea. He told his team they should enter. At first, they were skeptical, but before they knew it, the team was all in.
With four spots up for grabs in the provincial championships, the odds were long, and Mark never imagined they would make it to the big show. But that's why it's always important to believe in yourself. His team, led by skip Sean Boyle, third Brent Boyle, and second Scott Newton, found their rhythm and caught fire, earning one of those spots!
Now, as the Viterra Championships approach on February 5 at Stride Place, home of the Portage Terriers, Neepawa is buzzing with excitement. Mark and his team are heading to the Manitoba men’s provincial championships, ready to compete under the brightest lights of Manitoba curling. It’s a dream come true, and it’s just the beginning.
"The guys kind of laughed at me when I mentioned playing in the qualifier because we hosted it," said Kerkowich. "I thought if we lose two games, we're done, and we move ahead. But we got onto a nice roll, won a few games and pulled it out at the end. It was pretty neat to know we earned a spot."
The Viterra Championship features the top 32 men's teams in the province, except for Team Matt Dunstone as their team has already qualified for the 2025 Montana's Brier from February 28 to March 9.
Team Jordan McDonald enters next week's event ranked second, Team Braden Calvert is third, Team Jacques Gauthier is fourth, and Team Brett Walter rounds out the top five. Kerkowich and his team will go up against the top-ranked and 25th-ranked team in the world as Team Boyle battles Team Reid Carruthers in the Round of 32.
Reid won the 2011 Tim Hortons Brier and World Championship and a gold medal at the 2017 Canadian mixed doubles championship. He's won two Grand Slam of Curling titles and has appeared in 12 Briers. He's widely regarded as a legend in the Manitoba curling scene and his team recently welcomed BJ Neufeld to the fold after he and Team Dunstone parted ways earlier this season.
For Kerkowich, going up against one of the best in the world is an opportunity of a lifetime.
"He could retire and be in the hall of fame tomorrow and they improved adding BJ," said Kerkowich. "It'll be pretty cool, a slice of humble pie. It's going to be neat watching the big boys play and hopefully, we can make them play more than six ends. It's going to be a very neat experience and we're looking forward to making the most of it, you don't get to play a team of that calibre every day."
You can get a complete schedule for the Viterra Championships here. The provincial final will be on February 9 at 3:00 p.m. The winner advances to the Montana's Brier later in the month.
Curling Rock For Riding Mower:
In a few short months, Mark's focus will solely shift to his duties at the golf course and working on his game. Kerkowich spent five years at the Clear Lake Golf Course before getting a call from Landon Cameron.
Cameron, the general manager at the Neepawa Golf and Country Club knew that his course needed a Superintendent, and Kerkowich was the perfect fit. So Mark went in for an interview and one thing led to another. In the end, Mark was homebound after being born and raised in Neepawa.
Kerkowich accepted the position and is heading into his 10th season as superintendent at the course.
"It was pretty cool to come home and a great feeling to get headhunted by Cameron," said Kerkowich. "To be back around so many familiar faces and back home, it's very special to me. It's where I grew up and it was great to be back."
While Kerkowich came up short of saying golf means everything to him, he has had a deep passion for the sport for many years and that love continues to grow.
"Sports have always been my thing, they keep my interest," continued Kerkowich. "Whether it's working or playing a round, it doesn't get much better than that. It's what I'm interested in most. I'm lucky that I get to play and even luckier that I get to work at this course."
Kerkowich says some of his fondest memories include spending time with the many superintendents across the province.
"It's a great industry to work in. As much as golf courses compete against each other for golfers and whatnot, we're a very tight-knit group," continued Kerkowich. "I've talked to so many who are always ready to listen and answer any questions I might have. There are so many smart people in the industry that I'm trying to keep up with."
If you're a golfer and have yet to play the Neepawa Golf & Country Club, make it a must-play when the season comes around. It truly is one of the nicest courses in the province and with a great staff to boot and a top-notch superintendent, you're in for a treat.
"I may be a bit biased because I'm from and work here, but it's a very special track," continued Kerkowich. "It's one of my favourite courses and I've played a lot of beautiful ones."
Mark also takes immense pride in assuring the course is in great shape.
"It's like every superintendent, you put your name on it, so you work hard to please everyone you can," ended Kerkowich. "You're not always going to, but it's about doing everything you can. Day in and day out, move things in the right direction."
When he's not working, which isn't often, Mark is on the course playing and making birdies. He's one of the top golfers in Neepawa and won his sixth Rose Bowl title last year.
