CELEBRATING SEVEN MONTHS OF REMISSION, NIC WAGNER COMPETES IN 2021 U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Photo by Rich Harmer.
Through quarantines, cancellations, and adversity, returning to the ice has been long awaited by all partaking in the 2021 U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Championships.
“The pandemic has been tough on everyone and it’s so great to see everyone out here again and competing,” said Nic Wagner, member of Team Brundidge.
For Nic Wagner, the opportunity to return to Championship ice is not something he takes for granted.
While competing in the 2020 U.S. Men’s National Championship in Spokane, Wash., Wagner began not feeling great. With the National Championships being a physically and mentally demanding week, Wagner returned home and awaited a return to full health. After a month at home without any improvement, Wagner visited his local doctor where he received news that would forever change his life.
“Unfortunately, they found a tumor sitting in my chest region that needed some attention.”
The tumor, officially diagnosed as Stage four B cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, required immediate action. With the support of loved ones, Wagner’s battle against cancer officially began.
“I was fortunate enough to have a really great support system around me like my wife, Victoria, and a lot of good friends in the curling community,” said Wagner.
It was a connection made in the curling community that ended up being a staple of support in Wagner’s road to recovery.
“My good friend Neil who I have curled with for a few years in St. Paul took me in when I moved there a couple years ago,” said Wagner. “He was one of the first calls I made when I found out I had cancer. He was a big part of my journey making sure I had the right doctors at Mayo.”
Familiar with Neil’s long-time cancer research at Mayo Clinic, Wagner and his family found expertise amid uncertainty.
“We would go to his house every few weeks just to make sure everything was set for my next round of chemotherapy,” said Wagner. “It was fantastic having a support system like that.”
Like so many curlers who build connections on a sheet of ice, Wagner is forever grateful.
“It’s amazing what you can find in the community of curlers. Neil has been such a blessing to me and my family.”
A blessing of support essential to overcoming an alarming diagnosis.
“There are times you get very humbled when going through chemo,” said Wagner. “Like not being able to walk properly because you’re too tired that week. It’s the little things like people checking in with you and fighting for you that makes you really want to get out there and get after it.”
Get after it he did. This week at the 2021 U.S. Men’s National Championship, Nic Wagner takes the ice with Team Brundidge, celebrating seven months of remission.
“I’ve been on cloud nine for the last six or seven months and even through treatment as things started to get better,” said Wagner when asked about his outlook on life. “You take all the little things as pure enjoyment. Doing yardwork, being able to come out here and throw rocks, and seeing people I’m familiar with is so great.”
FOLLOW ALONG
Live scoring of the 2021 U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Championships.
The Championships will be broadcasted May 25-31 on the USA Curling Youtube Channel!
USA Curling is sponsored by Toyota, Goldline, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., 12th End Sports Network, Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People, and United Airlines.
