Curtis stands out at league meet
Jack Curtis doesn't make excuses. It's not in his DNA. An ankle sprain a few weeks ago before a big meet? Not a problem.
Curtis, a Glenbard South senior, who was all-state in three track and field events last year, promptly went out and flew past the competition at the Metro Suburban West meet Friday at Fenton. He won the 100 meters in 11.30 seconds and posted a 6-5 high jump.
Riverside-Brookfield, which has won the conference the last three years and defeated Glenbard South in a dual meet two weeks ago, secured the win with 196 points, followed by the Raiders with 152, Fenton in third place at 57, IC Catholic at 42, Aurora Central Catholic (41), Wheaton Academy (31) and St. Edward at (32).
Other standout performances came from Fenton's 3,200 relay team, which notched a victory in 8:24, Glenbard South's Sam Lee, in the pole vault, and Wheaton Academy's Jonah Jones, who clocked at 4:36.88 in the 1,600 meters.
However, Curtis has a way of standing out at meets, though understated in nature. There are other attributes, besides natural talent, that propel Curtis.
"That goal-setting aspect of it, the kids can see that with him. He researches, he knows who's going to be there and has personal goals at each meet and year-long goals," said Glenbard South coach Ronn Claussen.
Curtis, who will play football at Minnesota State next season, doesn't just collect medals. He shows his commitment to his team. He was selected as one of four team captains who work with underclassmen, a system the Raiders coach uses to help bridge his star athletes such as Curtis with the rising underclassmen.
Curtis is aware of his leadership role but is more interested in the outcomes of his school not individual results.
"I definitely feel like if I don't perform well, that if I don't perform to my fullest, that I'm gonna let my team down. There is a little pressure around that," he said.
"But I kinda like a little pressure."