End to End Fun Published March 24, 2021 By Courtesy Writer: Rod Wilson, Northern Sentry Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- “I used to think that curling was all about getting exercise and having fun, but it’s also such a mental game. There’s a lot of thinking that goes on…you know it’s kind of like chess on ice.” MSgt Kyle Hotstetler had arrived early at the Minot Curling Club, located on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds, to get ready for the championship matches of the Minot Air Force Base Intramural Curling League. Originally from Florida, MSgt Hotstetler has been in Minot for 6 years, but has been an active curler for just the last 3. “I used to watch curling on TV…I fell in love with curling…it’s a great sport,” shared Hotstetler. This is the first year for the MAFB intramural league. “We were able to recruit between 40-50 players this year, and we formed 9 teams.” In curling you can have mixed leagues and according to Hotstetler it’s about 50/50 as far as male to female membership. The league started in January, with the 4-person team that Hotstetler curls with teaching the other 8 teams the ins and outs of curling. “It’s a beginners’ league this year, but we hope to build the league to 20 teams. Lt. Col Patrick McAffee has been an active participant in the league and believes it is great for Minot AFB. “These Airmen now have a unique (I’d bet we’re the only base in the AF with a curling league) experience and fond memory from their time in Minot. It also was a great activity to break up the winter doldrums and have some safe camaraderie through COVID. These are exactly the kinds of initiatives that truly benefit our Airmen and base community.” This would be the last night of curling for the league, with Col Barry Little, 91 MW/CV, presenting an enduring trophy that will have the championship team (the Missile Monkeys) engraved on it and will reside in the club. Col Little also coined MSgt Hostetler for setting up the curling league and thanked the Minot Curling Club. Second Place team was Team Searcey from the 5th Medical Operations Squadron, Third place was the “Horrible Bosses” from 5 MUNS, 5 CES, 791 MXS, 91 MMXS, and 91 OSS. And next year? “Well, I will PCS this summer, but we know the league will continue next year” according to MSgt Hostetler.