From desert to Down Under

By Christopher Drexel

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 | midnight

In the sport of Australian rules football, Marty Curry is an American pioneer.

The Silverado resident recently returned after nearly three weeks in Australia competing for Team USA during the Australian Football International Cup.

The event, which debuted in 2002 and has taken place every three years since in Melbourne, Australia, featured teams from 17 different countries. Curry, 34, is one of just four players to have played for America during all three tournaments to date.

"The one thing I will cherish forever is representing my country," Curry said. "It's amazing to put on the 'Stars and Stripes.' Before the games, when they play the national anthem and you look at your teammates next to you, you're ready to go to battle with your brothers on the field."

Games took place prior to professional Aussie rules football games, which draw thousands of fans. Though Australia itself didn't participate, a key reason the international tournament is held is to promote the sport to the rest of the world.

Curry, who normally plays for the Las Vegas Gamblers club team of the U.S. Footy League, said he was happy to share his experience with his teammates, many of which are new to the game.

"I'm the only player from Nevada on the team so hopefully I can get my team here motivated to play this game," Curry said. "That way, they have something to look forward to in possibly making the team in the future.

"We had an amazing response from everyone in Australia when they found out their sport is being played in the United States and across the world."

Team USA was made up of 30 of the best players from around the country. Three initial tryouts were held in Los Angeles, Denver and Chicago in the fall of 2007.

Jeremiah Cain, a player and vice president for the Gamblers club, said Curry will help spread the sport in Southern Nevada.

"It's definitely a point of pride (having someone on the national team) for our team because the sport is new here and just catching on with Americans," Cain said. "So having a guy playing internationally brings merit and validity to our club. Marty definitely sets an example for being a gritty player and he pushes the rest of us."

The Americans finished seventh with a 3-2 record. They beat Japan in the seventh place game, also beating Denmark and China.

"I'll always remember meeting these younger guys on my team at the airport," he said. "Going there, you barely knew them, and on the way back, you feel like you've known them for years. It's a great bonding experience. That was awesome to see the younger guys grow up."

Christopher Drexel can be reached at 990-8929 or [email protected].