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Jerry Simmons' philosophy is simple: "Do what's right." Those three words guided him to a legendary career as an athlete, coach, principal, and humanitarian.
A 1925 graduate, Simmons is still remembered as one of Louisiana College's most versatile athletes. A three-year starter at end who was converted to halfback his senior season, Simmons was known for speed and durability. Press accounts called him "one of the smartest ends in the South." He is credited with scoring the first touchdown in several seasons against Normal (Northwestern State University) on the Natchitoches field, and in a late-season 1921 game against Louisiana Tech, he became the first player to cross the goal line against the Bulldogs that year.
He starred in basketball, serving as Team Captain and leading scorer as forward and center on two Louisiana Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship teams.
Simmons also was a stand-out in track. He consistently was the top point producer for LC as a sprinter and shot putter. Reports indicate he won or placed in every event that he entered in LIAA meets, and he was captain of the team.
Simmons went on to become one of the most respected coaches and principals in South Louisiana history. He coached for 20 years (10 by himself) at Jennings High School and was principal until he retired in 1966.
His football teams during the Depression were dominant, winning the state championship in 1939. They also made it to the finals three times and semi-finals three times in that era.
Simmons was inducted into the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1981.
