Curby Cup provided fitting tribute to U.S. National Team member Jacob Curby
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by Seth Schwartz
Jake Curby passed away Jan. 22, but in 25 years he left an indelible impact on the wrestling community, particularly in the Chicago area.
Saturday night at Plainfield East High School, the first Curby Cup was held as a tribute to Jake.
"These last four months have been the toughest time for my family" said Jake's older brother, Nick Curby. "I want to thank everyone for the support they've given us. Thank you for coming out [tonight]. I want you to wrestle as hard as you can for as long as you can, because that's what Jake would have wanted."
logo.jpgted athletically, Curby put in the extra time to develop his talents.
"Jake was around wrestling from a young age and just fell in love with the whole thing" said King, who now assists head coach Griff Powell. "He was a hard worker who was very coachable and always tried to improve his training and technique. Jake was a hard-nosed athlete who never complained and always went the extra mile."
Diagnosed with leukemia in the spring of his sophomore year, Curby went through chemotherapy from June through November and was back on the mat for the beginning of the conference schedule. Senior year, Curby (152) beat Mount Carmel's Bryan Harney [the champion] in the sectional and went on to place fifth at state.
The last four years, Curby assisted Brian Medlin, Mike Powell, Steve Holland and Craig Fallico with Illinois' Greco-Roman team, where he served as master technician and inspiration for the squad.
"Jake was low-key and very self confident" said Powell. "I've never met anyone who said anything but great things about him. Jake had a positive effect on everyone around him. Jake taught a lot of high end technique and I learned a lot from him. He made a huge impact on our [Oak Park] program and was instrumental in helping Ellis Coleman and Pete Kowalczuk. He drilled Ellis' gut-lift into him, where he became dominant with it.
"Jake had the right kind of soul. He would coach the best or the worst kids in the room and treated everyone the same. I think you meet only a few people like Jake in your life; he was just a terrific human being."
Greco-Roman coach Bryan Medlin knows Curby's influence on Team Illinois was immeasurable.
"Whenever Jake said something everyone listened" said Medlin. "We talked for hours about different technique and ways to improve the camp. He would pull guys aside and show them what to do in particular situations. I think he embodies what the sport is about - hard work and determination."
Not the typical coach, Curby's easy demeanor was remedy for fellow wrestlers.
"Nobody knew technique like Jake" said Fallico. "He was so patient, soft spoken and got along with everyone. Whenever we had a question on something we'd go to Jake. Jake enjoyed every second of what he was doing. He was very content spiritually. Wherever we went, he was always having a good time. Jake treated everyone the same. Our top kids would pick his brain and he'd always stay after practice and work with them."
Last fall, Curby moved to Boise, Idaho, with his fiancé, Amy Borgnini, to train with Coach Ivan Ivanov. Borgnini was part of the moving video tribute shown Saturday evening.
"Jake told me his priorities were God, family, wrestling and me" said Borgnini. "Whenever I came home and maybe I had a bad day, Jake would make every worry disappear. He would give me a big smile and hug and everything would be OK. I never experienced anything like that in my life. Even though Jake is no longer with me, those memories are something I'll have forever."
Saturday night at Plainfield East High School, the first Curby Cup was held as a tribute to Jake.
"These last four months have been the toughest time for my family" said Jake's older brother, Nick Curby. "I want to thank everyone for the support they've given us. Thank you for coming out [tonight]. I want you to wrestle as hard as you can for as long as you can, because that's what Jake would have wanted."
logo.jpgted athletically, Curby put in the extra time to develop his talents.
"Jake was around wrestling from a young age and just fell in love with the whole thing" said King, who now assists head coach Griff Powell. "He was a hard worker who was very coachable and always tried to improve his training and technique. Jake was a hard-nosed athlete who never complained and always went the extra mile."
Diagnosed with leukemia in the spring of his sophomore year, Curby went through chemotherapy from June through November and was back on the mat for the beginning of the conference schedule. Senior year, Curby (152) beat Mount Carmel's Bryan Harney [the champion] in the sectional and went on to place fifth at state.
The last four years, Curby assisted Brian Medlin, Mike Powell, Steve Holland and Craig Fallico with Illinois' Greco-Roman team, where he served as master technician and inspiration for the squad.
"Jake was low-key and very self confident" said Powell. "I've never met anyone who said anything but great things about him. Jake had a positive effect on everyone around him. Jake taught a lot of high end technique and I learned a lot from him. He made a huge impact on our [Oak Park] program and was instrumental in helping Ellis Coleman and Pete Kowalczuk. He drilled Ellis' gut-lift into him, where he became dominant with it.
"Jake had the right kind of soul. He would coach the best or the worst kids in the room and treated everyone the same. I think you meet only a few people like Jake in your life; he was just a terrific human being."
Greco-Roman coach Bryan Medlin knows Curby's influence on Team Illinois was immeasurable.
"Whenever Jake said something everyone listened" said Medlin. "We talked for hours about different technique and ways to improve the camp. He would pull guys aside and show them what to do in particular situations. I think he embodies what the sport is about - hard work and determination."
Not the typical coach, Curby's easy demeanor was remedy for fellow wrestlers.
"Nobody knew technique like Jake" said Fallico. "He was so patient, soft spoken and got along with everyone. Whenever we had a question on something we'd go to Jake. Jake enjoyed every second of what he was doing. He was very content spiritually. Wherever we went, he was always having a good time. Jake treated everyone the same. Our top kids would pick his brain and he'd always stay after practice and work with them."
Last fall, Curby moved to Boise, Idaho, with his fiancé, Amy Borgnini, to train with Coach Ivan Ivanov. Borgnini was part of the moving video tribute shown Saturday evening.
"Jake told me his priorities were God, family, wrestling and me" said Borgnini. "Whenever I came home and maybe I had a bad day, Jake would make every worry disappear. He would give me a big smile and hug and everything would be OK. I never experienced anything like that in my life. Even though Jake is no longer with me, those memories are something I'll have forever."
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