Some athletes hit their peak a little later than others. Kelly Robertson just might fall in to that category. While the Neepawa skip has a long history of being a great curler in Manitoba, it wasn’t until two years ago, at the age of 54, that Robertson won the first provincial curling title of his career by claiming the 2011 Senior Men’s Provincial Championship. But good things come to those who wait, and since winning that title Robertson and his rink of Souris’ Doug Armour, Dauphin’s Peter Prokopowich and Winnipeg’s Bob Scales have been one of the world’s top senior squads, claiming the 2011 Canadian Senior Men’s Curling Championship, repeating as the 2012 Senior Men’s Provincial Championship, and earning a silver medal at the 2012 World Senior Men’s Championship. Two of the few things remaining on Robertson’s to-do list as a curler is a Safeway Championship and a trip to the Brier. It’s something that’s evaded him in his previous 19 trips to the provincial men’s championship, but with the hometown crowd behind him this year in Neepawa, Robertson’s hoping his 20th time’s the charm. “It’s wonderful to get to play in Neepawa,” the skip said. “The playoffs are the first thing we’d like to do; I think we can hold our own in the group we’re in. “After that, the highlight would be to represent Manitoba at the Brier. We got to represent Manitoba at the senior level and it’s an amazing experience.” Speaking of experience, Robertson’s rink brings plenty of it to this year’s Championship. His foursome combines for over 70 appearances in provincial championships over the years. Two of his teammates - Armour and Prokopowich - have provincial championships already under their belt as well. Armour won in 1982 as a third for Mel Logan while Prokopowich played second on John Bubbs’ 2003 championship team. “We’ll have as much experience as anyone here,” Robertson said. “That’s definitely going to help us out.” The long-time curler will also be a proud father this week. Kelly’s son, Paul, is curling lead for the other Neepawa-based rink skipped by Jerry Chudley. “It’s special to get to be playing in the same Championship as my son and to be doing it in Neepawa,” Robertson explained. “It’ll be great to see him do well here.” Robertson’s rink will begin their 2013 Safeway Championship Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. with a match against Fort Rouge’s Steen Sigurdson.