Jim Springer Ray Klinginsmith
Columbia, Tennessee Kirksville, Missouri
Today, we welcome UTM Skyhawk’s Head Football Coach, Jason Simpson. Coach Simpson has been with the UT Martin program since 2006, and in a very short period has turned that program into a Ohio Valley Conference team to be dealt with.
In Simpson’s first year, the Skyhawks posted a 9-3 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the OVC standings. The overall worksheet was the best for the Skyhawks since 1988 when they advanced to postseason play as a Division II team. The six OVC victories were the most for the Skyhawks since joiniing the league in 1992. Of the nine victories, five were road wins and it marked the first time the Skyhawks won an OVC road game since 1996. Simpson finished fourth in the annual voting for the Eddie Robinson Award, the nation’s best coach. He was named the American Football Coaches Association region 3 Coach of the Year and earned the OVC’S Roy Kidd Coach of the Year trophy.
This 5th season for Coach Simpson will be a challenger right out of the gate. The Skyhawks open with UT Knoxville on Sept. 4th and travel to FCS powerhouse SE Louisiana the following week before opening at home with preseason OVC favorite Eastern Illinois.
The 39 year old Simpson is a native of Ellisville, MS. In 1990, he signed to play football at Mississippi State and also played baseball at State for Ron Polka before transferring to Southern Miss in 1992. At Southern Miss, he was twice selected All Conference in baseball and was team captain his senior year.
He is married to the former Julie Wilkerson from Nashville, they have 3 children: Ty 7, Emma 5 and Graham 15 Months.
Next week,
we welcome the Union City Rotary Travel Group for a review of their recent European tour. Since they were here last, they have had some extraordinary experiences, seen some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, traveled to several of the most visited cities in Europe, and enjoyed an experience of a lifetime.
The group consisted of nine students, members of the 2011 Senior Class of the three high schools in Obion County, consisting of Jacob Cleaver from South Fulton, Trey Maddox, Chase Bowling, Jasmine Davis, Lakevius Turner, Kassadie Mullins, Megan Hickman, Cameryn Fishel from Union City and Alton Alexander from Obion Co. Central. Joanna Weisner, English Teacher, UCHS and her husband Clark accompanied as chaperones.
The trip began June 15 with a bus trip to Memphis where they boarded a plane to Minneapolis-St Paul air port, changing planes there and on to London. From there it was up to Cosmos Travel Co. for the duration of the tour. The first adventure was crossing the English Channel and on to Paris, then Lucerne, Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland and on to Italy. Venice, Florence and last but not least two days taking in the wonders and history of Rome before beginning their long journey back to Union City.
Last Week,
Union City High School Football Coach, Darren Bowling gave us a preview of the up-coming season for the Golden Tornados.
It takes only a few minutes of listening to Coach Bowling before it becomes obvious that this man is very intense when it comes to football. It is obvious he loves the sport, it is obvious he loves being around the sport, it is obvious he loves being able to pass his knowledge on to his players and he expects his entire team to have the passion and love for the game as he does.
Along with Coach Bowling was his crew of assistant coaches, his senior football players, and the cheerleader for the team along with their sponsor for the year, whom he introduced during the program.
He quoted words from Kenny Chesney’s new song, "The Boys of Fall", which he used as the focus of his presentation. He said the song really reflects what high school football is all about, saying "there is something magical about high school football even more than college or pro football" he said. "Players begin to realize they are in a program where they are supported by more than just a friend, they realize the whole community supports you for the first time in your life".
He brought memories back for members of Rotary, saying "there was not one of you here today who played the game in high school that would not exchange places with with one of his players and put on that jersey just one more time". "That’s what High School Football is and that’s when you realize you are in a club and you are part of The Boys of Fall, he said".
He recalled his first visit to U.C. Rotary as the new coach, remembering the boys who didn’t stick it out when he came on board and learned what he expected of them. He expressed his appreciation for the ones who did stick it out and the way the program has advanced in the last two years. He also said with the wins last year and the State Crown, the program is attracting more and more players who want to be part of "The Boys of Fall".
Coming Attractions
Sept. 03 -
Rotary Travel Group
Sept. 10 - Jim Springer, Rotary 6760 Dist. Gov.
Sept. 17 - County Mayor Benny McGuire,"State of the County"
Birthdays
Aug. 27 - Dan Boykin
Aug. 30 - Paul Naives
Sept. 01 - Jim Greer
Aug. 28 - Kirk and Sharon Stone
Aug. 30 - Leland and Tajuana Davis
Aug. 31 - Al and Michelle Creswell
Sept. 01 - Bob and Brenda Cartwright
Sept. 02 - John and Betty Ann Tanner
