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SPRINGVILLE — The spirit of Brandon Curtis permeates everything they do.
When the Springville football team breaks from practice they shout his initials and his number. When the Red Devils struggle through conditioning they hear his encouragement. When they prepare for games, they will try to live up to his expectations.
When they line up against opponents, they will summon his toughness.
Curtis, who was killed in a tragic car accident a little more than a week ago, will live on in the hearts of his teammates and coaches. While outsiders might not see the senior linebacker on the Red Devils sideline, those who loved him best know he will be there.
"Brandon gave it everything he had," said head coach Scott Mitchell, who called the teen his sports hero. "He was steadfast and immovable."
And both on and off the field he loved everyone.
"He cared about his teammates more than he cared about himself," Mitchell said. "He was a true competitor. He left here without any regrets."
This season will be different for the Red Devils, who were ranked No. 10 in a pre-season poll of the state's top football teams. Because of the tragedy, they have the kind of perspective that often eludes young people.
His teammates laugh when they talk about how much he loved conditioning. They hang their heads when they express how much they'll miss his optimism and enthusiasm for football and life in general.
"He was by far the best leader we've ever had," said Brody Swanson, senior defensive end and tight end. "He was always pushing other people, always helping other people. We will miss him this season. He was the greatest guy."
The day after his funeral, his teammates sit together and remember him. They will think of him "every down, every play," said Swanson. "Especially conditioning."
Adds a teammate, "He always finished first and then came back for us."
Trust fund established
A trust fund has been set up for the Curtis family in Brandon's name at Central Bank.
Send donations to Central Bank, 202 S. Main, Springville, UT 84663, or call 801-489-9466.
Website on Facebook: Brandon Curtis #30 forever and strongHeady
