Front Ends Only: 1-on-1 with Lisa Weagle

Bob Weeks

TSN Senior Reporter

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As the Canada Cup draws near, TSN’s Bob Weeks decided it was time to get up close and personal with the workhorses of curling teams – the leads and seconds. Rather than the skips and thirds who get most of the attention, he chatted with the front-enders. This time, it's Lisa Weagle of Team Homan. 

WEEKS: Where does the Canada Cup rank in your hierarchy of curling events?

WEAGLE: It’s right up there – it’s a pretty prestigious event. All the top teams in Canada are there. To have a direct entry to the Trials is something that’s important to us. 

WEEKS: That’s the big reward isn’t it?

WEAGLE: Yes, you try not to think about it going into this event and treat it like any other spiel. But the format is a lot like we’re going to see at the Trials so it’s nice to have it as a bit of a practice.

WEEKS: How fine is the margin between the top teams in the game these days?

WEAGLE: Among all the top teams, I think it’s pretty close. There’s a lot of really great talent in Canada and a lot of teams that are working really hard, and on any day you know you need to bring you’re A game if you want to win. 

WEEKS: Who is the coolest person you’ve met through curling?

WEAGLE: It was pretty cool when we met the Prime Minister after we won the Scotties in 2013. We actually got to go into his office and take some pictures so that was pretty neat. In terms of curlers, I think the coolest was meeting Marilyn Bodogh because she was my favourite growing up. She’s amazing - I love her so much. She sends me e-mails now and we chat. So it was pretty cool to become friends with the woman who was my curling idol growing up. 

WEEKS: Give me an idea of what a typical practice session looks like for you and your team. 

WEAGLE: It depends on what we’re working on. We have them all planned out ahead of time so we show up to the rink and we already know what we’re going to be doing. The focus can change – it might be technical or draw weight or sweeping or specific things we need to work on that day. For each of our positions, we all know what kind of shots we need to throw to be ready for an event, so for me it’s a lot more draws than peels but for another teammate it might be more peels. We’ve kind of figured out what each player needs to do and we go out and get it done. 

WEEKS: You and John Epping partnered in the mixed doubles event in Oshawa and made it all the way to the final. Are you thinking of continuing with that?

WEAGLE: Yes, I think we’re going to try and play the nationals. We had a really great time playing. John’s an amazing shooter. It was kind of fun for me to get to throw some shots that I don’t normally get to play as a lead, throwing the first and last rock. And I made him do all the sweeping so I think he was pretty tired when it was all over! I really enjoyed it. It was a different format and I think it’s going to really take off in Canada, especially with an Olympic medal on the line. It was nice to play a spiel and see what it’s all about. 

WEEKS: I understand you’re big on naps. How much teasing do you take for your snoozing?

WEAGLE: How did you know I’m a napper?

WEEKS: I can’t reveal my sources.

WEAGLE: I enjoy a good nap. I’m the oldest one on the team so I think my body needs it some time. I need my recovery time. 

WEEKS: What’s it like to have a shot named after you?

WEAGLE: I don’t know. I don’t really think about it that way. It is kind of flattering, but really it’s a full team shot. I’m not making it without the broom in the right place and the sweepers. That’s what I really like about it – everyone needs to be doing their job if it’s going to be successful. 

WEEKS: Did you ever think about patenting it? Maybe getting T-shirts and hats made up?

WEAGLE: No (laughs).

WEEKS: What’s your preference – Starbucks or Tim’s?

WEAGLE: Well, Tim Hortons is a sponsor of the Season of Champions so that’s always first, but I do enjoy a good Starbucks latte once in a while. 

WEEKS: In 2010, you published a wonderful first-person piece in the Globe. Ever thought about taking up writing more seriously?

WEAGLE: Well, I’m in communications for the government so I get to write on a pretty regular basis. I’ve always enjoyed writing but I don’t know if I’d ever write another personal essay like that again – it’s kind of hard to put yourself out there like that. 

WEEKS: When was the last time you did something very Ottawa? Like skate on the canal or go to Parliament Hill?

WEAGLE: That’s a good question. I’m a big fan of festivals and Ottawa has some good ones. I like going to the tulip festival or Bluesfest. I saw Kanye West at Bluesfest last summer, which was pretty cool. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been on the canal – I’m not much of a skater. 

WEEKS: And finally as the lead, do you have to carry the brooms or being the oldest can you pull seniority?

WEAGLE: I carry them sometimes but Jo usually takes it on herself Maybe the seniority thing works. It’s good for something!