By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Note: Portage Sports’ “Getting to Know” series is designed to help the community learn more about the coaches and administrators that are guiding their student-athletes.

Today, we get to know Kent Roosevelt’s first-year boys basketball head coach Curtis Black, who was hired by his alma mater in June.

Q: What schools did you attend in Kent while growing up?

A: Longcoy Elementary, Stanton Middle School, Kent Roosevelt High School.

Q: What year did you graduate from Kent Roosevelt?

A: 2012.

Q: What years did you attend college? Did you play sports?

A: I earned a football scholarship to the University of Akron. I did not see field time, but I attended in 2013 and 2014. I transferred to Division II Gannon University (Erie, Pa.) to play football in 2015. I am currently earning my degree from Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, Utah) with a degree in mild to moderate special education (K-12).

Q: Current occupation?

A: Kent Roosevelt boys basketball head coach and building tutor at Kent Roosevelt High School.

Q: What inspired you to become a coach?

A: My love for the game of basketball. When I turned down the opportunity to play college basketball to pursue college football, it left me missing the game tremendously. Not having basketball in my life for that short amount of time, after living and breathing the game, definitely left me unfulfilled. I knew when my (football) playing days were over, I wanted to be part of the game again somehow and help share my knowledge with young athletes.

Q: What makes being in Kent so special to you?

A: Kent is the city that I grew up in and live in today. It is so special to me because of the community. This city is full of love, diversity and support. It is, honestly, the perfect place to grow up and the perfect place to build a family.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence/mentor as a coach? Why?

A: I have three. My biggest influence as a coach is my father, Cameron Black Sr. He coached and taught at Kent Roosevelt High School for over 30 years. I credit him for introducing me to the game of basketball and giving me the tools for success as an athlete and coach. Watching him coach for others, as well as myself, gave me the foundation for what I would like to achieve in this profession.

My next influence/mentor is John Name. Playing one football season for coach Nemec created a lasting bond. Although he was not my coach for long, I truly admire the relationships and care that he has for his past and current players. I also had the opportunity to coach football alongside him at Stow High School for three seasons. Being able to learn from him, as I actively coached, truly helped my development.

My last mentor is (Stow) coach Dave Close. Having the opportunity to coach with a Hall of Fame basketball coach for three seasons was the (second) best thing to happen in my coaching career. Being in meetings, practices and games with him helped me truly understand the craft. His attention to detail, work ethic and passion for game was incredible to witness. You don’t win over 600 games by accident, and I was blessed to see it up close.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your playing days?

A: The funniest story from my playing days is my “Dennis Rodman stat line.” I think it was my junior year, against Ravenna, I finished with something like 4 points and 17 rebounds.

Q: What is your coaching philosophy?

A: Play hard, play smart and play together. At the end of th eday, I want our athletes to invest in our program and to “cash out” on that investment when they graduate from Kent Roosevelt. That means that they go all in for each other and leave with more than they contributed at the end.

Q: What does it mean to you to be a Rough Rider student-athlete?

A: It means that you represent our community at the highest level and you play for the past, present and future Rough Riders. The Riders of the past should be proud of what you do as a student-athlete. The current Riders should compete with pride and honor. The future Riders should grow up excited and eager to continue the tradition.

Q: Favorite motto or quote?

A: Tough times don’t last, tough people do.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: That is a tough one, but currently, I would have to say The Old Man.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Goodfellas.

Q: Favorite musical artist?

A: Drake.

Q: Favorite food/meal?

A: Any and everything my wife makes.

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Hibachi Japan.

Q: Favorite teacher from high school?

A: Mrs. Puhalla.

Q: Best vacation you ever took?

A: Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It was incredible.

Q: Advice you would give the younger version of you?

A: Be patient and trust the process. You have to go through the process in order to get the results. Patience is the key.

Q: Shoutout to former teammates.

A: Rich Graves, Bruce Thomas, Zach Brett, Ryan Anderson, Colin Wymer, Evan Antal, Cameron Black II, Marcus Wright, Denerio Bryant, DJ Hickle and Andre Paulk!