1980 Brier champ Jim Wilson thrilled to see Saskatchewan’s on-ice success

Saskatchewan’s success at the 2024 Brier is starting to bring back memories of 1980 for Saskatoon’s Jim Wilson.

Wilson was the lead for the last Saskatchewan rink to win the Brier 44 years ago. Tom Wilson, Ron Mills and Rick Folk were also on that team.

“It is about due,” an eager Wilson said when asked how he felt watching Saskatchewan’s success at this year’s tournament.

“I know the guys very well, actually, because they practise at Nutana (Curling Club), which I spent most of my time at. Not only are they good curlers, they’re just incredible human beings. It’s amazing and it’s fun to watch.”

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The Saskatchewan rink – made up of Mike McEwen, Colton Flasch, Kevin Marsh and Dan Marsh – cruised through the round-robin phase of this year’s Brier in Regina, finishing with a 7-1 record and clinching the top spot in Pool B.

The team’s Brier record might come as a surprise to some, as it failed to make the playoffs in both Grand Slam of Curling events it participated in earlier this winter. But according to Wilson, success at the Brier requires a team to come together at the perfect time.

“It’s all about gelling. It’s all about finding that right time to put it all together, and that’s what they’ve done,” he explained.

Wilson said the team’s preparation and commitment to winning a national championship are unlike anything he’s ever seen. And he’s seen a lot in the nearly five decades he’s been with the Nutana Curling Club.

“They actually get the icemaker to do the ice and open the rink up at like seven in the morning every day so they can practise,” Wilson said. “That is unheard of.”

Wilson said the Marsh brothers and Flasch have been sticking to that routine over the last couple of years.

“These kids want to win,” he said.

When Wilson won the Brier in 1980, he said his team’s routine was a lot different.

“We believed that playing was our best route to getting better,” Wilson said, adding that in an average week they’d play at least three league games, then take a road trip on the weekend to attend other competitions.

Wilson said getting up at 7 a.m. wasn’t part of his routine.

“I was never that regimented enough to get up that early,” he joked.

If Saskatchewan’s representatives want to get to the Brier final on Sunday, Wilson said they shouldn’t overthink things.

“They’re rolling along really well, and the cream will rise to the top. They’re one of the best teams, if not the best team there right now. It will take care of itself,” Wilson stated.

Wilson said that like many fans across the province, he’s going to be glued to his TV all weekend.

If the Saskatchewan rink ends up making it to the final on Sunday, Wilson said there’s a chance he’ll be there in person to – hopefully – witness Saskatchewan’s 44-year Brier drought come to an end.

“The phone has been ringing off the hook this morning wanting me to get away and get down there just in case something special happens,” he said.