Varsity football finds inspiration in 'captain' PDF  | Print |  E-mail
Written by Desmond Jones   
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Gray clouds covered the skies of northeast Portland, and a cold breeze helped set the scenery as the Grant Generals strapped on their pads and laced up their cleats to start practice. It was evident in their demeanor while going through their warm ups that these football players dreaded practicing in the cold weather. There were some players who practiced hard in the beginning, but that was before it started to rain. Their pads, soaked with water from the downpour, became heavy and uncomfortable. Complaints grew heavy in the bowl, mostly related to how bad practicing in the rain is. It was soon obvious that players were more concerned with staying clean and dry than working hard. Even the players that had positive attitudes soon joined the others; no one wanted to be out there. No one, that is, but one player. A player not noticed for being an outstanding athlete, but for keeping a positive attitude; a committed player who would be at practice in rain, sleet, or snow. A developmentally disabled player, who never let a disability hold him back. A player named Kiernan “Captain” Currie. The 2009 football season was Currie’s “breakout season.” He earned the respect of all football players and coaches with his hard working attitude and friendly personality. “He always had a smile on his face, and he always approached me with a smile and a handshake,” said junior varsity football coach Marty Williams. Although Currie didn’t see much game action, he was voted as the “Most Inspirational Player” by his teammates. Currie began his football career in 2003, after persuasion from his mother’s co-worker. “I was worried about letting him play because of his disorder, but the doctor said he was more than capable of playing,” remarked Julie Currie, Kiernan’s mother. He played three seasons of youth football for Jefferson, and quickly gained interest in the sport. “He really started to like football once he got out there,” recalled Julie Currie. When Kiernan Currie joined the freshman football team at Grant in the fall of 2006, he quickly gained the attention of coaches, but not for his condition. “This dude’s hair was really red!” Williams joked. Bill Griffin, a varsity assistant coach, credits his “Will to be a leader, and his red athletic glasses that remind me of a space captain.” That helped Kiernan earn the nickname “Captain.” The same traits were apparent to his teammates, and the nickname soon stuck. He played two seasons on the JV team before moving up to the varsity program for his senior season. Despite his hard work and dedication, Currie wasn’t able to make the starting lineup on varsity. “It kind of bugged me,” Currie said of his lack of playing time. “But I’m not a quitter.” Even if he wasn’t going to make a stint on the field, his family would be there to show him support. “Every member of his family has been there to support him,” says Julie Currie. “Sure we’d loved to have seen him play more, but he was out there. That’s all that matters.” On October 6th, the Generals were up big against Wilson. It had been an amazing game for Grant, who dominated from the start. In the beginning of the fourth quarter, varsity head coach Diallo Lewis called Currie’s number to go out on defense. “I swear to you, the stadium didn’t need lights,” Julie Currie remembered, eyes welling with tears. “Kiernan’s smile was enough to light it up that night.” Currie’s hard work had finally paid off, and he would at last play varsity football. “He was actually a football player after that,” Julie Currie conveyed. Currie was on top of the world that night, even attending the Homecoming dance to celebrate his effort. “He felt like he was finally a part of the team.” Julie Currie described. Outside of football, Kiernan also participates in bowling and sings with the Harmonaires. Kiernan Currie says he aspires to pursue a career in television broadcast, the weather being his favorite part. Members of the Channel 2 News have even reached out to him, and he has built close relationships with Steve Dunn and Katy Brown. On Thursdays and Fridays, he works at the Dollar Tree as a part of a job program. Walking through the hallways, Currie is most noticeable for stopping and talking to all of his teammates, greeting them with his signature handshake. He can also be seen from time to time wearing Oregon Duck’s gear: they’re his favorite football team. “I had a lot of fun this season,” Currie commented. “I learned a lot from my teammates and I had a good time.” He will be leaving this year, but he definitely won’t forget his experience. “Grant has been wonderful to Kiernan for making him feel welcome and embracing him. It’s been very special,” says Julie Currie. Currie describes his football career in one sentence, saying happily, “I got my swag on this year.”
 
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