WINNIPEG -- Reigning Canadian curling champion Rachel Homan got two bits of good news on Thursday. Steve Howe Jersey . The Ottawa skip advanced to Fridays semifinal at the Canadian Olympic curling trials, and then she learned the federal government had approved funding of more than $2.5 million for the Canadian Curling Association in 2013-14. "Its hard to make it as an amateur athlete because theres not much money involved and its not like the pros," said the 24-year-old. "A lot of times we have to take off work to try and fully train and commit to making it to the Olympics and trying to get Canada gold, so its nice to have that support in being able to try to get to your dreams and achieve that podium status." CCA chief executive officer Greg Stremlaw said the governments investment through Sport Canada is similar to the previous years funding. "It not only enables the Canadian Curling Association to grow the sport at the grassroots level, but helps our nation establish and maintain consistent podium results and the excellence that is synonymous with Canadian curling," Stremlaw said. "We sincerely appreciate all that the government of Canada does for sport." Stremlaw said the money is used for programs involving able-bodied athletes and those with a disability. Funds are allocated for coaching and salaries, national team programs and coaching and officials development. An Athlete Assistance program funded by the government gave $633,000 to 67 carded curlers in 2012-13 to help with their living and training expenses. The amount will be similar in 2013-14, Stremlaw said. Homan and her teammates are carded athletes. The winner of the trials earns a trip to next years Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Maury Wills Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. David Freese Jersey .J. -- Jaromir Jagr has hit so many NHL milestones this season for the New Jersey Devils that he is starting to downplay them. https://www.cheapdodgersonline.com/105h-kyle-garlick-jersey-dodgers.html . QUARTERBACKS Carson Palmer (vs Colts)Last week: 30/42, 419 yards, 2 TDsWinners of their last three and now tied for the final wild card spot in the NFC, the Cardinals are worth keeping an eye on.Normal, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Illinois State rewarded football coach Brock Spack for taking the Redbirds to the FCS national championship game this past season, announcing a contract extension Wednesday through at least the 2021 campaign. Spacks salary will increase to $300,000, beginning with the 2015 season. Brock is such a great fit for our department, our campus and our community, athletic director Larry Lyons said in a statement. He is a tremendous program manager and a gifted football coach. This contract reflects a competitive salary within the context of FCS football and the Missourii Valley Football Conference. Brett Butler Dodgers Jersey. It provides strong evidence of our mutual commitment to the long- term stability and success of the Illinois State football program. Spack has a 46-26 (.639) record in six seasons at Illinois State, including a winning record in five of his six campaigns. This past season, the Redbirds went 13-2, sharing the Missouri Valley Conference title with North Dakota State before losing to the Bison in the national final on Jan. 10. Spack was named the Missouri Valley coach of the year and an Eddie Robinson Award finalist for the second time. ' ' '