CURRY TAKING OFF TO PLAY FOR JETS

Harrison is sending one of it’s own on to the next level of basketball. Goblin senior Tanner Curry signed his national letter of intent to play for Newman University in Kansas. Curry said the coaching staff and the friendliness of the team were the biggest reasons he chose the school. “The school is located in Wichita, Kan., which is a big town, but the campus feels like it is it’s own little community,” Curry said. “Newman is a Catholic university, as is my family, so I will be allowed to continue my spiritual growth as well. It just seemed like a great fit for me.” Tanner is the son of Todd and Lori Curry and the younger brother of Kayla and Brandon. On the court, Curry received All-Conference honors three times while picking up All-State honors during his senior campaign. He was also an All-Tournament selection at the Willard Tri-State Classic and was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Area Team. “Basketball has been my passion since I was old enough to dribble a ball,” he told. “My love for the game stemmed from my dad. The game allowed us to spend a lot of time together as he has coached me since third grade.” Curry said he loves the competition that basketball brings, as well as the interaction with his teammates. As a point guard, Curry enjoys the leadership aspect of the game and having the ability to set up a teammate to score. Curry plans on majoring in Sports Marketing with a minor in Sports Management during his time in school. Following college, he’d like to stay connected to collegiate athletics and work in the business or marketing field at a university. Basketball has been a learning tool for Curry over the years. “The game of basketball has taught me that with hard work and determination, anything is possible,” Curry commented. “I have never been the biggest, fastest or most athletic kid on the floor. I have learned by being able to handle the ball and play hard on the defensive end that I could get on the floor. Being able to start for 3 years definitely gave me the opportunity to improve and eventually have a chance to play beyond high school.” Taking that next step to the college game is one Curry says he is ready for. “Through hours of hard work and help from my dad and my coaches,” Curry explained, “I feel as prepared as anyone can going into a totally new atmosphere. I expect there to be a learning curve in moving to the next level, but I am confident I will be able to work myself into their system as soon as needed.” There are aspects of his game that the senior acknowledges can be improved. Shooting the 3-pointer is an area Curry considers a weakness, but has put in the hours to improve his outside shooting. “I have been fortunate enough to play with unselfish teammates in high school,” Curry said. “They share the ball so well I haven’t had to take that shot very much. With the shot clock coming into play in college, I will need to have that ability.” During his senior season, Curry says his favorite moment as a Goblin came when his team won the final game played on L.T.’s Court and at the same time, winning a conference title in front of the home crowd. “This team had been together since third grade,” he stated. “It was very special to get that night with my group of seniors.” Curry says he will miss the relationships he has built with his teachers and classmates in high school, as well as the sound of a packed gym as he took the floor on L.T.’s Court. To make it to the collegiate level, it takes a lot of help and Curry wanted to thank those who helped him along his journey. “First of all, I would like to thank my whole family for their support,” he began. “Not only my parents, but our whole family came to support me at most of the games. I had my own cheering section most nights and that is a huge factor in any success I had on the court. GobTv allowed my family from Iowa and Arizona to watch and for that I’m extremely thankful. “Also would like to thank Coach Jamie Ballard, Coach Glen Chadwick, Coach David Stahler and Coach Todd Richardson. These coach’s had so much influence from the start in third grade with a travel team.”

CURRY TAKING OFF TO PLAY FOR JETS

CRAIG ENLOE

Harrison Daily | 4/21/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Harrison Athletics