Ronald Curry named Watkins Award winner for top Black male high school scholar-athlete

Jet, Jan 19, 1998

Ronald Curry, a two-sport standout at Hampton High School in Hampton, VA, was voted winner of the seventh annual Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Trophy, presented by The National Alliance of African-American Athletes.

The award goes to the nation's premiere Black male high school scholar athlete. It is named after the late coach who was dedicated to shaping the lives of young Black men through sports.

Sportswriters and media personalities from across the nation voted after reviewing the student-athletes' personal essays.

Curry, who is said to be the nation's No. 1 high school quarterback, is also a dominant point guard on the basketball court. He maintains a 3.55 grade point average and plans to attend the University of Virginia.

This year he led the unbeaten football team to its fifth consecutive state title. In 1995-96 he led Hampton to the State Basketball championship in its division.