Dexter’s Anthony Kurcz Succeeds on the Field and in the Classroom

Dexter High School's Anthony Kurcz is a problem-solver. While most youngsters his age struggle with the oftentimes heavy load of school work, extracurricular activities and family obligations, Kurcz has a student routine down to a science.

That’s not surprising, considering one of Anthony's favorite school subjects is science.

“I really enjoy math and science, especially physics,” said Anthony, who sports a 4.0 grade point average.

Anthony was a starter offensive guard for the Dreadnaught football team this year, will compete in lacrosse in the spring, plays cello in the DHS Chamber Orchestra and will perform later this winter on stage in Dexter’s production of The Music Man.

“I love analyzing mathematical situations and figuring out how things work through physics," he said.

Whatever calculations Anthony is computing has him among the top student-athletes in the state of Michigan. This past fall, he was named second team Academic All-State for football. He also received Dexter’s Sportsmanship Award. Recently, he earned a Presidential Scholarship to Wayne State University and acceptance into the school’s Honors College. He said he plans to study biomedical engineering.

“After college I plan on engineering products that can be used in the medical field to help others with their quality of life,” he said.

Dexter Coach Brian Baird said Anthony is "an impressive young man" on and off the field.

“Anthony is one of the most caring and thoughtful players I have ever coached,” he said. “He is very focused and worked hard to become a consistent starter for us. He takes care of those around him and doesn’t get rattled when things start to go bad. He is a pleasure to coach.

"Anthony truly enjoys working hard and finds pleasure in the challenges of life, both physical and mental.”

Anthony (5-foot-11, 270 pounds), a two-year varsity football performer, who also wrestled for three years, said he’d always remember his Dreadnaught gridiron experience.

“The biggest thing I will remember about football is my linemen buddies,” he said. “I still see my older friends I played with when I was a junior and I’m still close with my linemen friends from this season. I will never forget the camaraderie that came from pushing the sled all around the field every week.”

Anthony said his biggest inspiration in life is his parents.

“Ever since I was young, they encouraged me to stay involved with sports and other activities, but to make sure to balance it with school work,” he said. “My parents were always very encouraging and just wanted me to do my best.”

Anthony has some simple and practical advice for anyone who would like to follow in his footsteps.

“My trick is that I never delay working on school work so it isn’t hanging over my head,” he said. “Whenever I get the opportunity to work on homework before practice I always take advantage of it."

He said the key to his success as a student-athlete is to never stop trying.

“Some days it feels like you’re just going to collapse under the stress,” he said. “But all the work you do will pay off. If you want to have a 4.0 and play sports you can’t be afraid of commitment.”