Living strong

   In the spotlight stood George Curtis, trembling, but not from fear. Speechless, not from emptiness of mind, but because he is in fact unable to speak. His son, Buddy Curtis, extends his hand out to help him up on stage. Side by side they stand, proud and emotional, as Buddy is about to deliver a speech on behalf of his disabled father. George stands beside his son with his head lifted high knowing that on this day, his health wasn’t the issue as it had been for the past few years, but recognition was. “My father suffers from a rare disease called progressive Supranuclear Palsy,” Buddy says informing the crowd of family, friends, and officials gathered together in the courtyard of the Exercise Science Locker Room Complex. In an instant, George lowers his head. He sobs.
   On this day, George was being inducted as part of the seventh class of the Santa Ana College Athletic Hall of Fame.
   Along with six others, George was being recognized for his accomplishments and contributions. A moment he was only able to celebrate with his presence. The palsy, similar to Lou Gehrig’s disease, has left him unable to speak. His 61 surgeries in 61 years have left him physically challenged. Hours after his 82-year-old mother’s death, he held a plane ticket in his hand. A sudden infection in one of his artificial knees sent him to the hospital, he was forced to miss her funeral. Yet, his heart remains. “George is one that shows love and compassion to others,” Dons Athletic Trainer Gary Kinney said.
   Noted for his courageous determination to heal and help athletes, George has inspired those that have come after him. “What impresses me is how many people’s lives George has touched” said current Brigham Young University head trainer Kevin Morris, “Seems like everywhere I go, you mention George’s name and somebody knows him.”
   Curtis served as the Dons Head Athletic trainer from 1973 to 1985 and was responsible for numerous milestones within the athletic training program at SAC. He paved the way for this generation to follow in his footsteps by establishing the first associate’s degree program for athletic training at the community college level in the U.S. In his 12 years at Santa Ana, he was vital in designing the athletic facility and instituting an athletic program for females. He moved on to become president of several trainer associations then finished with a 20-year career as the head trainer at BYU. 
   Since retiring, Curtis has been inducted into five halls of fame and has received national recognition for his career, success and distinct achievements. “We’re very honored for George to be inducted into the hall of fame,” Buddy said. “This is the fifth hall of fame I’ve been inducted to, but this one means more and holds a very special place in my heart,” Buddy said on behalf of his father.
   The ceremony held Oct. 4 also saw the induction of new members Sheryl Anderson (softball), Howard Brubaker (coach; cross country, track & field), Rolf Engen (basketball), Doug Kimbell (swimming, water polo), Don Shuler (wrestling), and Ed Arnold. Rick Mielke, a local sportscaster, served as the guest master of ceremonies.
   Arnold, who was a member of the Dons 1961 football team, took his turn in the spotlight. Arnold had hosted the previous six induction ceremonies and also hosts the annual Ed Arnold Golf Classic, which raises funds for Dons athletics. “This is a really huge honor for me to be inducted knowing I’ll be in it forever,” Arnold said. Work with local charities and foundations have distinguished him as a major player in the growth of SAC athletics. “I don’t do things for honors or to be recognized, I do things because I care,” Arnold said.
   Humbled, George Curtis stands stage side holding on to his cane with his right hand. He poses for pictures with a slight smile and keeps his head high. A line forms to greet George and he stands and waits to greet them all.