USA CURLING HONORS BILL PESKOFF AND TEAMMATE DAVE PALAZZOLI, NAMES ADDED TO 5U NATIONALS TROPHY
[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, September 10, 2026] — USA Curling is proud to announce the naming of the championship trophy awarded at the USA Curling Five-and-Under Nationals in honor of Bill Peskoff and Dave Palazzoli, recognizing their contributions to the sport.
The newly named Peskoff-Palazzoli Trophy celebrates two individuals whose connection to curling and each other exemplifies competition, friendship, and sportsmanship. The trophy was originally donated by the Duluth Curling Club, and recognition of that contribution will also remain a part of it.
The story began more than three decades ago. In 1992, Bill Peskoff and his team from Plainfield Curling Club in New Jersey captured the Francis M. Dykes Memorial Trophy as champions of the Grand National Curling Club's Men's Five-and-Under Championship. Two years later, Peskoff returned to the championship final with a different Plainfield team, this time falling to a rink from the Utica Curling Club skipped by Dave Palazzoli.
What began as a rivalry soon evolved into a friendship that spanned more than 30 years. Over time, Peskoff and Palazzoli became teammates, playing at front end on teams at the USA Curling Senior Men's Nationals and sharing a passion for the sport that extended far beyond competition. Peskoff went on to capture the Senior Men’s title in 2013 with teammates Gert Messing, Dennis Mellerup, and Bill Nickle.
“Over the years, Bill's extraordinary generosity and steadfast support of USA Curling have helped create opportunities for athletes and programs across the country," said Dean Gemmell, CEO of USA Curling. "The friendship he developed with Dave Palazzoli, a competitor respected for his sportsmanship and integrity, represents the very best of curling. Their journey from competitors to teammates and lifelong friends reflects the spirit that makes our sport unique and the community that is built among curlers at Five-and-Under events. Naming this trophy in their honor will remind us all why we love this game."
When approached about having his name attached to a USA Curling championship trophy in recognition of his longtime support of the organization, Peskoff initially hesitated. He ultimately embraced the honor because it provided an opportunity to recognize his friend and former teammate.
"To be honest, I was reluctant at first," Peskoff said. "But when I realized this could also honor Dave, it became something very special. Dave exemplified the Spirit of Curling in every way. He was a calm, thoughtful teammate whose presence always made those around him better. Curling has given me incredible friendships and experiences, and I can think of no greater privilege than sharing this recognition with someone I admired and respected so much."
The Five-and-Under Nationals championship introduces newer curlers to national-level competition and provides an important development opportunity for athletes early in their curling journey. By attaching the names of Peskoff and Palazzoli to the event's championship trophy, USA Curling recognizes two individuals whose experiences embody the welcoming, competitive, and community-oriented values the championship was created to foster.
The Peskoff-Palazzoli Trophy will be awarded for the first time at the 2027 Five-and-Under National Championship at CurlVegas, scheduled for May 4th through the 9th.
About USA Curling
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, the Dale’s family of beers, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Ice, Sports & Solar (ISS), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of World Curling and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.
