First-year back Jeff Curtin was named Big East Rookie of the Year last Thursday, the first Hoya to win the award since 1988. Curtin has been the quiet defensive workhorse of the team amassing player of the week awards and helping the Hoyas turn around their season, which culminated in a trip to the Big East Tournament semifinals for the third time in five years.
“[Curtin] is exactly what you want in a player,” said Head Coach Keith Tabatznik. “He’s focused and he’s reliable.”
While fans may not widely recognize the value of a back, his role in the team’s success has not gone unnoticed by his teammates.
“He’s a quiet kid and just back there,” said sophomore midfielder Kevin Sindelar. “He is our captain in the back.”
The Hoyas’ season ended with a 2-0 loss to Boston College on Friday night at Rutgers University. The season started rough and they did not look as if they would even make the Big East Tournament until a win against Notre Dame on Oct. 26 turned their season around. The Hoyas continued to play well, tying then-No. 1 ranked St. John’s 0-0. Georgetown finished fifth in the Big East and defeated Notre Dame in the Big East Quarterfinals, but were not selected for the NCAA Tournament after their loss to Boston College.
“In the beginning it was shaky, then it began picking up,” said Curtin. “Games in college are much faster and more competitive than they were in high school.”
Curtin has provided the Hoyas with consistent defense and was named Big East Rookie of the Week in late September for his defensive success in holding opponents scoreless for 196 minutes in four matches. The Hoyas did not allow any goals in 15 shots against Rutgers on Sept. 21.
“He is a great defender,” said Tabatznik. “He is one of the best in Big East.”
Curtin continued to lead the defense on Oct. 1 against Princeton, stopping the Tigers in the last 19 minutes of the game and helping the Hoyas get the win.
Curtin’s stellar play is not limited to his defense; he has shown the ability to score. In the game against Notre Dame on Oct. 26, his two goals, including the game winner, were instrumental in Georgetown’s momentum boost that lasted the rest of the year. The following week he earned Big East Player of the Week for his efforts.
“He has taken ownership of the defense,” said Tabatznik. “He reads the game very well and has shown an aspect of leadership in his playing.”
Curtin’s play often dictated the level at which the Hoyas performed. In the games that Curtin performed well defensively or offensively, the Hoyas won. When he struggled, like at the beginning of the season, the team struggled as well. Once Curtin became used to the college level of play, the Hoyas, especially the defense, took off.
Curtin also said that having seven other first-years on the team helped his adjustment. Having his brother play exceptionally well in the Big East also helped. Curtin’s brother, Jim, won Big East Rookie of the Year in 1997 for Villanova. The Curtins are the only siblings ever to win the award.
Jeff finished off the season with three goals and six assists along to go along with immeasurable defensive play. Even though he has accomplished much individually during his this season, for the next year his goals are purely team oriented.
“Individually, I have no expectations,” said Jeff. “I just hope that we could win more games next season.”
