Remembering Ricky

Ricky Kurtz passed away almost 3-1/2 years ago. Number 66. The only sophomore to start every game in 1975. Left tackle, a key position.

Ricky was a warrior. Loved being in the battle. Things would get tough, and he’d have a smile on his face. This week I spoke to Tim, to uncover a few memories about his late brother.

Ricky was married to Debbie for 30 years, and lived down in Twiggs County.

We nicknamed Ricky’s older brother Danny - Radar. Danny looked just like Corporal Walter O’Reiley on MASH. Like O’Reilly, Danny had a second sense to where the ballcarrier was.

Ricky’s nickname was SONAR. The nickname fit. Like any good lineman, Ricky was great at going low, almost under water on rainy days.

For the record, Wager finally nicknamed Tim Kurtz. Wager would say it like only he could: “There’s Radar, and then there’s Sonar. And there’s Quasar – dun dun dun – by Motorola!”

Ricky loved the outdoors. This love may have come from scouting. Ricky was an Eagle Scout. That’s quite an achievement. But think about it – who can work to become an Eagle Scout…while playing football at Central? In fact, Danny and Tim were Eagle Scouts as well.

I worked at Baskin Robbins ice cream.

As a kid, Tim always remembered the time Ricky came roaring down the hill on his bike, only to discover he didn’t have brakes. As Tim looked on, Ricky steered into the ditch. The front wheel planted into the bank – which sent Ricky flying over the handlebars, way up into the air. Perhaps this is when Ricky learned how to hit.

Ricky had a job at the Piggly Wiggly on Napier. His favorite job duty was chasing down – and tackling – shoplifters.

Always working on his football skills.

Against Northside, Ricky had to block a mountain of a defensive end. Ricky blocked him all night.

Tonight we celebrate that the key play of the 1975 season. Late in the game. Fourth down. Game on the line.

One thousand yards to go.

Who was our quarterback? Jolly? Right.

Back to pass. Good protection, but no one was open. Jolly faded right. Ricky and Veotis peeled around from the left side over to the right - and gave Jolly the corner, springing him for the key first down.

Mike didn’t you consider lateralling the ball to Ricky? No? Well, it turned out okay.  

Then down on the one yard line. Clock running down. Jolly’s game winning QB sneak – over Veotis and Ricky. On the play Ricky completely knocked the defensive end to the ground.

No need for a tush push, with Ricky Kurtz leading the blocking.