Athlete Showcase: Niles’ Austin Curran
Published 8:39 am Friday, February 17, 2017
Austin Curran is a senior in the Niles boys basketball team.
What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?
AC: Winning districts and regionals in baseball last year with my team.
What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?
AC: Starting the football season 3-0 and losing six straight to end the year.
What has been a hardship in your life?
AC: Taking AP calculus this school year.
Who is a “hero” in your life and why?
AC: My parents. They would do anything for me. They go without so that I never will.
When are you the most nervous while you are competing?
AC: Right before the game starts.
Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.
AC: Being drilled in the face by a basketball during warm-ups at Portage Northern right in front of the student section.
How do you tend to work out/train when by yourself?
AC: Run a mile, lift and play basketball.
What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?
AC: Hockey. I love how physical it is.
Why are sports an important part of a high school experience?
AC: They teach you leadership skills and how to work well as a team with others.
How would you give away $50,000?
AC: I would give it to the Niles sports program so they could have the best gear.
If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?
AC: Easily the Chicago Cubs. Anybody who knows me understands my true love for the Cubs.
If I did not play sports, I would…?
AC: Attend more sporting events and be more involved with music.
What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?
AC: Running sprints at practice.
If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?
AC: The hand check rule on defense.
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
AC: I am a great teammate.
What was the scariest thing you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?
AC: Watching game 7 of the World Series. I am glad I watched the whole game because I can say I witnessed history.
What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?
AC: When Coach (Joe) Sassano was able to turn the football team around in just a few months.
What is your favorite hobby? Why?
AC: Playing sports. I love playing with my friends and I love the competitiveness of the games.
Choose one word to describe yourself:
AC: Smart.