As the architect of the Syracuse University lacrosse program, Roy Simmons Sr. built the Orangemen into a national power and in the process became a lacrosse coaching icon. In his 39 years of coaching, Simmons compiled a 251-130-1 record, including an undefeated season in 1957. His 1957 squad featured two special All-Americans, his son, Roy Simmons Jr., and Jim Brown, considered by many to be the greatest lacrosse player ever.

 

Simmons, a 1925 SU grad, was also an accomplished athlete in college, playing varsity football, boxing and varsity lacrosse. He won the "Most Valuable Football Player Award" in 1924. Playing varsity lacrosse in 1924 and 1925, Simmons won two national championships and was an All-American defenseman and captain. He also played every minute of every game both years.

 

In addition to lacrosse, Simmons was the backfield coach for the SU football team in 1925. He was an assistant to Ben Schwartzwalder when the Orange football team won the National Championship in 1959. Simmons coached boxing at SU from 1925 until 1955 and his team won 14 Eastern Championships.

 

In 1964, he was inducted into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Along with his son, Roy Jr., they are the only father-son combination inducted into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

 

1924-1925: All-American defenseman and captain for SU’s National Championship lacrosse teams

 

1925-1955: Coached SU varsity boxing

 

1931-1970: Head coach of the SU lacrosse team; compiled a 253-130-1 record (.660) and coached 70 All-Americas and nine players now in the Lacrosse Hall of Fame

 

1964: Inducted into the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame

 

1981: Received the Blind Men and Criers annual “Edward J Kearney Award” for service to the Syracuse community

 

1990: Inducted into the US Lacrosse Upstate New York Chapter Hall of Fame

 

* SU and Hobart lacrosse play one another for the Kraus-Simmons Trophy for each year. The game is named in honor of legendary SU coach Roy Simmons Sr. and Hobart Hall of Fame coach Babe Kraus.