USA Wrestling has announced the winners of the 2012 Jacob Curby Memorial Award. This award is presented annually to recognize a Greco-Roman athlete from each of its Olympic Training Centers for displaying strong personal character and commitment. 

The award is presented in honor of Jacob Curby, a Greco-Roman Team USA member who unexpectedly passed away at the age of 25 in January 2010. The winners of this award will exemplify the personal traits and characteristics which Curby displayed throughout his remarkable life. 

The award was announced during the USA Wrestling Awards Banquet, held alongside the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Iowa City, Iowa, April 20.

Receiving the award for the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich. is Tanner Andrews (North Aurora, Ill./USOEC).

Receiving the award for the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. is Chas Betts (Colorado Springs, Colo./Minnesota Storm).

Andrews placed fifth at the U.S. Open in December 2011 in Arlington, Texas. He was a 2011 University Nationals champion at 70 kg, and placed seventh at the 2011 U.S. Open in Cleveland, Ohio in April. Andrews also won a bronze medal at the 2011 Dave Schultz Memorial International. He is originally from North Aurora, Ill.

“He has been with the program for three years. He knew Jake Curby directly, and like Jake, he is from Chicago. Tanner works hard. He has had a great year on the mat. Because of his work ethic, and because he does well in the classroom, he deserves it,” said USOEC Head Greco-Roman Coach Rob Hermann. 

Betts earned a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team at 84 kg/185 lbs., with a victory at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Iowa City.

Betts was the U.S. Open champion, his first national title, which was held in December 2011 in Arlington, Texas. He won gold medals at the 2012 Dave Schultz Memorial International Championships and the 2012 Pan American Championships, both held in Colorado Springs, Colo. 

He qualified the USA to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games at his weight class, with his second place finish at Pan American Olympic Qualifier in Florida in March.

Betts was a member of the 2009 U.S. World Team. Prior to coming to the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Betts attended Northern Michigan Univ., where he competed for the USOEC Greco-Roman team. He is originally from St. Michael, Minn.

Assistant National Greco-Roman Coach Momir Petkovic, who works with Betts on a daily basis at the USOTC, says that he is a hard worker who sets a great example for other wrestlers.

“His approach in the room is unbelievable. There are no complaints. He does what you ask from him. He is moving in the right direction. He qualified the weight class for the nation. Hoepfully, he will achieve his dreams and bring back many medals for the United States,” said Petkovic.

These attributes for the award include: hard work, never giving up, teamwork, positive attitude, overcoming adversity, steady performance improvement, hunger for knowledge, coachability, great human qualities.

The winners of this award will be placed on display in the wrestling room at both of these training centers, and each award winner will be presented with a special plaque.

"This is a way that we can honor Jake Curby and his family, and keep his spirit alive in the wrestling world," said National Greco-Roman Coach Steve Fraser. "He meant so much to our country and his commitment and character was impressive. This way we can also honor and recognize future wrestlers that emulate his characteristics. I am so excited about this memorial award."

The award program is sponsored by the 2007 U.S. Greco-Roman World Team, which captured the World Team title in Baku, Azerbaijan. This was the first U.S. Greco-Roman team to win the World Championships title.

JACOB CURBY MEMORIAL AWARD WINNERS

U.S. Olympic Education Center, Marquette, Mich.
2010 – Ben Sanchez
2011 – Mark Stenberg
2012 – Tanner Andrews

U.S. Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, Colo.
2010 – Anton Gottfredson
2011 – Robert Smith
2012 – Chas Betts