LCC President, Brian Bessert, Named 2024 Volunteer of the Year by USA Curling

Photo by: Lisa Rudolph

Original article posted at usacurling.org

[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, August 8, 2024]— During the 2024 Members’ Assembly, USA Curling honored Brian Bessert of the LaCrosse Curling Club (LCC) as the recipient of the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award. This prestigious award recognizes Brian's exceptional dedication, leadership, and countless hours of service to his Member Club and the sport of curling.

Brian was elected President of the arena-based La Crosse Curling Club in 2023. He has co-chaired the Instruction and Skills Development Committee (2023-2024), and now leads the Ice and Equipment Committee (2024-2025) at LCC. In addition, Brian has been a key member of the USA Curling Arena Club Working Group, contributing his knowledge and understanding to help improve the Arena Nationals playdown process and providing materials to help other arena clubs across the country.

Brian has also been an invaluable volunteer at community events supported by the LCC, and has served as a key liaison for USA Curling with the Titletown Winter Games, presented by U.S. Venture.

“We often say that our members who curl in arena settings are truly our most dedicated participants, considering all the obstacles they face,” noted USA Curling CEO Dean Gemmell. “And after working with Brian on the Arena Club Working Group, I was not surprised when I learned the Recognition Committee was honoring him as the Volunteer of the Year. He goes above and beyond on behalf of both his club and our sport.”

In addition to regular activities at his club, Brian has been a key member of the group behind the Arena Nationals Bonspiel Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Lacrosse from September 6-8, 2024. For more information about that event, visit the Lacrosse Curling Club website.