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.