Jan. 28, 2009
IOWA CITY, IA – Anthony James (AJ) Curtis, a senior thrower for the University of Iowa track team, has big goals. Having already been to the Olympic trials, the NCAA Championships, and holding a school-record in the discus (202-11), Curtis still hungers for more.
“My personal goal for the season,” Curtis says, “would be to qualify for nationals and be an all-American. As far as a team goal, winning a Big Ten team title would be amazing.”
The reason he sets the bar so high for himself and his team is because he knows firsthand what hard work and determination can earn you. This past summer, Curtis was one of the lucky few to be invited to the Olympic trials for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Ranked 19th in the nation in the discus, Curtis was able to compete for an Olympic berth alongside some of the best athletes in the world.
“I wasn’t really expecting to qualify (for the Olympics),” Curtis humbly states. “I was just honored to be with some of the best athletes in the world. It was one day of competition, and then four more just to soak it all in. Just the fact that I was there was amazing. Being ranked nationally and being able to be part of that group, not a lot of people can say that. That’s pretty cool.”
Despite Curtis’ successes, he remains humble, calm, and cool throughout it all. He’s a native of Broadhead, WI. Iowa City has a similar small town atmosphere and that helped draw the big man to choose Iowa. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Curtis watched the Green Bay Packers and says his heart is torn between Football and Track. Curtis played football in high school and for one year at the University of Iowa before turning his sole focus to throwing.
“If I could do another sport besides Track, it would definitely be football. After college, I wouldn’t mind trying to get into coaching collegiate football,” Curtis admits.
It seems like Curtis always wants more. That’s especially true when it comes to food, admitting that he spends too much money on food, especially sushi. All that eating, along with some hard work along the way, has done Curtis well. It has partially fulfilled his insatiable appetite for challenge and success. Whoever said less is more obviously never met AJ Curtis.
The Bio
Name: Anthony James (AJ) Curtis
Birthday: February 7th, 1987
Year in School: Senior
Major(s)/Minor(s): Secondary Education Maj. with emphasis on Math
Hometown: Broadhead, WI
Worst Competition Moment: Not beating teammate John Hickey in the first meet last year
How I Spend My Spare Time on the Road: Having fun hanging out with teammates
Most Famous Person I’ve Ever Met: Brett Favre
Favorite TV Show: Law and Order:SVU
Last Move I saw and was it any good: My Bloody Valentine 3D (in 2D), it was awful
Most Embarrassing Movie I Own: Love Actually (he swears it’s his “sister’s”)