Cotter wins B.C. title, again

Photo: CurlBC

Vernon native Jim Cotter and Kelowna's Rick Sawatsky have captured a record eighth B.C. men's curling championship.

Cotter, and his rink out of Vernon and Kelowna, completed a perfect week at the BC Men's Championships in Quesnel Sunday with a 9-4 victory over Jason Montgomery of Victoria.

It's Cotter's fifth title as skip. He was also third on three other winning rinks.

Sawatsky has been the lead on all eight teams.

The team, including third Steve Laycock and second Tyrel Griffith got off to a quick start, stealing a pair in the first end.

After Montgomery got one back in the second, Cotter and company scored two more in the third and stole a pair in four for a 6-1 lead.

A three-spot in nine ended it.

“Probably our strongest thing is our team bond, it’s just remarkable,” said Cotter.

“We’re really close on and off the ice and I think that that’s what brings success.”

Cotter will again represent B.C. at the Brier March 2 to 10 in Brandon.

“It never gets old, it feels great,” said Cotter of returning to the Brier.

“The guys played fabulous all week, and I couldn’t be happier right now.”