Former Ursuline standout Curd joins Thunder

BOARDMAN — Former Ursuline High standout Chris Curd has been assigned to the Mahoning Valley Thunder by af2.

A wide receiver and linebacker, Curd (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) is in his second season of af2.

At Ursuline, Curd was named All-Northeastern Ohio, All-Steel Valley Conference and all-state, and was named to the North-South game. He also competed in track and field, placing sixth in the hurdles as a junior and second in the 4x400-meter relay as a senior.

Curd went on to the University of Pittsburgh, where he played a variety of positions in his career. In 2000 he was named to the All-Big East Conference academic team.

Curd was invited to training camp with the Atlanta Falcons and later played with the Columbus Destroyers and Georgia Force of the Arena Football League.

Last season he was member of the Albany Conquest of af2. He played in 15 games, recording 93 catches for 1,090 yards and 28 touchdowns. He had 22 tackles and an interception as a defensive back. In two games against the Thunder, Curd had five touchdowns.

“This is a thrill for me to come back to the Mahoning Valley,” said Curd. “When I came back here last year [as a member of the Conquest] I was overwhelmed with the show of support the fans gave me, I really appreciated all the love. That’s something that stuck with me and I felt compelled to come back and represent the city of Youngstown and Ursuline High School if I ever had the chance.

“This is a unique situation to be able to play in front of so many of my friends and family. I’m blessed to be a part of what is a top-notch organization and I can’t wait to get on the field.”

The Thunder (1-5) plays at Lexington Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.