Curling in the desert? Local expert highlights sport's social aspect and chances to play in Santa Fe

It’s that time again. Every four years, curling has its moment in the spotlight as sports fans fixate on the mesmerizing Winter Olympic event. Associated with cold climates, the game has also found a foothold in the high desert. In the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, Santa Fe New Mexican sports writers Will Webber and James Barron speak with a local curling expert to learn more about the sport, its social culture and upcoming opportunities to play in Santa Fe. Patrick Reid, who runs the curling program at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center, has been involved in the sport for more than a decade. Hooked by the camaraderie and intricacies of the game, he participates in events around the region and teaches newcomers his passion. Reid says curling is really built around its social aspect and describes a term new to Will and James — broomstacking. It’s a custom where teammates and their opponents socialize, often while drinking, after or between games. From 2-4 p.m. the next two Sundays, Feb. 15 and Feb. 22, anyone interested in curling will have the chance to give it a try for free at the GCCC and get involved in some broomstacking afterward. Sign up for a 30-minute curling session at santafecurling.com. In the second segment of the podcast, Will and James talk prep hoops, discuss the implications of a rough week for Lobos men’s basketball and share their thoughts on the announcement that longtime FCS powerhouse North Dakota State will be joining the Mountain West Conference in football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.