Class 2012: Curtis Bawn excels as powerful defensive standout

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2012 star defensive back from the Horton Griffins, Curtis Bawn. Curtis started playing football when he was nine years old.

Curtis Bawn

Positions:
Defensive Back

Height/Weight:
6’5, 185 lbs

Teams:
Horton Griffins (high school: NSSAFFL)
Valley Bulldogs (peewee/bantam)
Team Nova Scotia under-18

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Acadia, Mount Allison, Saint Mary’s, St. Francis Xavier

Class:
2012

Over the years, Curtis has emerged as an impact player that opponents try to steer clear of on the field. He’s makes big hits and timely plays in key moments.

The defensive standout spent his entire minor career with the Valley Bulldogs organization. For the past three seasons, Curtis played an integral role in the defensive unit of his high school team, the Horton Griffins of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL).

In 2011, the team had its best campaign since entering the league as they were undefeated during the NSSAFFL regular season (7-0-1). Additionally, the team made it to their first ever Tier 1 championship final.

The Griffins were the top ranked defensive unit in the regular season (40 takeaways to three turnovers) and did not allow a single touchdown since week three of the regular season as the team only surrendered four in total.

Defensively, the team scored more points than they gave up in 2011. Curtis led the way in touchdowns on the unit.

As for the most memorable moments of his football career, Curtis says there are two events that are special.

“My most memorable moment was either winning the Maritime Championships in 2008 with the Valley Bulldogs, or our whole football season this year for Horton,” explains the graduating defensive back, who was selected to the NSSAFFL Scotia Division first all-star team in the defensive back position.

While his family and friends have been the steadiest influences on his life, Curtis says his coaches and brother have significantly impacted his football career.

“In football, my coaches over the years Larry Priestnall, Steve Melanson, and Alec Hyndman,” adds the Griffins standout, who travelled to Lethbridge, Alberta to participate in the Football Canada Cup in July 2011 as a member of Team Nova Scotia. “One of the biggest, is my brother who just finished playing at John Abbott.”

“He is trying to push myself to be better than him at every sport we played.”

Once he does graduate from high school in June, Curtis wants to pursue a degree in business or kinesiology at university while playing football. A gridiron goal that he has set for himself is to be able to play at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) level for five years and then see what happens beyond that.

As he is gearing up for the next chapter of his life after graduation, he reflects on the time spent with the Griffins football team.

“Every team you play on is like a family to you,” comments Curtis. “It’s tough to move on, but there is always a point in your life when you have to move on.”
Griffins head coach Alec Hyndman has instructed both Curtis and his brother Nick over the years. Hyndman says that the defensive standout has been an effective leader and a starter since joining the team in grade 10.

Curtis’ defensive contributions were significant and a major reason the Griffins found success this past season.

“He was without a doubt the best safety in the NSSAFFL last season with five defensive touchdowns,” explains the Griffins head coach. “He was a large part of why we went as far as we did this year, and will not be easy to replace in the safety spot.”

Hyndman says that Curtis has an appealing playing style, which opponents fear.

“He has the ability to hide in the backfield even with a 6’4” frame,” comments Hyndman. “A downhill tackler that could give hitting lessons to some linebackers.”

The Griffins head coach is appreciative of the opportunity to be part of Curtis’s instruction.

“It’s been a pressure to coach and to know Curtis,” says Hyndman. “He will be missed.”

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