EAGAN, Minn. — The mutual respect was evident.
Aaron Jones, Sr., asked questions and listened intently to responses by Aidan Oldenburg and his teammates. Oldenburg, Rich Ruohonen, Danny Casper, Luc Violette and Ben Richardson make up the 2026 U.S. Olympic Curling Team and will represent our country in Milan, Italy, where festivities begin Feb. 6.
The Vikings hosted Team Casper, the men’s team, on Jan. 3 at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center. The USA also will be represented at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games by Team Peterson (women’s) and Team Dropkin/Thiesse (mixed doubles).
“It’s awesome. I’ve been a Vikings fan my entire life. It’s been cool to be out here and watch these guys that I’ve always watched on TV,” Oldenburg said. “I met Aaron Jones just now, and that’s sick.”
Being an ultimate competitor himself, Jones was captivated by the athletes’ explanation of their process and commitment to their craft.
Oldenburg (Mapleton) and Ruohonen (Brooklyn Park) are proud to rep Minnesota for the team. And though he hails from Briarcliff Manor, New York, Casper attended the University of Minnesota after being inspired by John Shuster, who helped Team USA win the country’s first-ever gold medal in curling at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Another common thread — with Minnesota ties — through Team Casper is their familiarity with Vikings Legend Jared Allen, who picked up curling following his Hall of Fame football career.
“I actually curled with Jared for a year, and so did Ben Richardson,” Oldenburg noted. “He’s awesome. I loved watching [the Vikings] the season he was very close to breaking the all-time sacks record.”
Added Ruohonen with a laugh: “I’ve curled with Jared Allen, and … if I didn’t say he was my favorite Viking, he’d probably be mad at me, so he’s my favorite Viking.”