Why does Stratton produce so many champion curlers?

Bolen, Lee, Bonot, Shrumm.
If you take down a few photo albums from the shelf on the back wall of the Stratton curling club, it doesn’t take long to realize the community has an impressive history of producing champion curlers.
You might wonder why that is.
Many will tell you that it is because there aren’t a lot of other things to do in Stratton. There are no other organized winter sports.
Some will say that the curling rink also is the community centre—and that the people of Stratton support their community.
Still others will mention that the youngsters get lots of ice time, which is inexpensive and accessible to all. And many will say it’s because they start young.
“We have a four-year-old out on the ice for Friday night curling,” noted Marianne Haw.
Barb Miller thinks it is because there is such a great program for the young curlers.
“We have had some good clinics—the Guy Hemmings clinic and the coaches’ clinic,” she remarked. “The program has been re-organized according to age and you will see big improvements as the younger ones come up.
“Curling in Stratton has a rich history. Seeing others achieve helps the younger ones to know that it is possible,” Miller added.
Terry Lee thinks it is the enthusiasm from the community, and having had a junior curling program “since forever.”
“Also, those that have done well have inspired others,” he noted.
Candy Teeple thinks it is simpler than all that. “It’s because they’re good,” she said.