Coach Curry was an inspiration

It was with some degree of sadness that I learned that Mike Curry would be stepping down as head football coach at Aurora Central Catholic. Though I don't think it matters to him one way or another, I feel that the public's perception of him as a coach isn't what it should be. I wanted to share some of the things I know about Coach Curry from the perspective of a former player and student. He was truly a winner and a success.

Many people have forgotten or never knew about the two state titles he won, or all of the playoff runs and wins in the '90s. I haven't; but as the numbers and talent began to dwindle in the last few years, so did the number of victories.

Through all of this, however, Coach never relinquished his passion for his players, the game, and Aurora Central Catholic. This is something that only those who put on jerseys could truly understand. What I think really motivated Mike Curry as a coach was getting the most out of the young men he coached and forcing them to realize their potential.

Always inventive and adaptable, Coach had the ability to alter schemes and strategy from year to year, and even game to game, to best fit the kids he had. Even more of a testament to his ability to prepare kids for games is the fact that we never lined up against an opponent not expecting to win.

Still, what most people in Aurora will never know is the Mike Curry off the field. He is a devoted husband and father, a doting grandfather, a loyal friend, a keen intellect, a voracious reader, a gifted teacher and even a talented musician. He is man who has instilled in his students and players very simple guiding principles - faith, diligence, loyalty, and, of course, pride in who one is and the work one does.

True success should be measured in lives positively affected by your own. By this standard, Mike Curry was a profound success as coach of Aurora Central Catholic. Adam Bohr

Class of 2003

DeKalb