Bearcat, you don't need to be able to fly out of short strips to tow gliders. You will find being able to fly gliders a big help in getting a job towing them.
Most gliding clubs like you to have silver c or at least be solo on gliders. The very few field retrieves usually get done by the most experienced tuggies.
Usually you get to learn in a rallye or regent before you get your mits on the fun tugs.....